Soldiers Pass Trail: A Moderate Hike with Stunning Views
Soldiers Pass Trail is a popular trail in Sedona, Arizona- and for a good reason. It has numerous features you’d see in an Arizona Highways magazine, including Devil’s Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the Soldier’s Pass cave. This hike is kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and beginner-friendly. It’s a must-see on your next trip to Sedona’s magical red rocks.
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WHY SHOULD I HIKE SOLDIERS PASS TRAIL?
Those wanting to capture and experience multiple of Sedona’s famous landmarks on one hike should consider the Soldiers Pass Trail. This trail is popular and very busy, but 100% worth it. This trail also boasts a “hidden cave,” so if you’re down for a little exploring and climbing, you’re in for a treat! This hike only takes a few hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy other areas of Sedona the rest of the day. It’s a beginner trail, but if you decide to go to the cave you need to be a bit more experienced! If this sounds like the hike for you, keep reading!
WHERE IS SOLDIERS PASS TRAIL?
Soldiers Pass Trail is located only 3.3 miles from Downtown Sedona and less than 10 minutes. It’s nestled within the Red Rock forest near other popular hikes like Bear Mountain, Doe Mountain, Boynton Canyon, and Devil’s Bridge.
GETTING TO SOLDIERS PASS TRAIL
pictured: kara of @karabouadventures
Typically, people start the Soldiers Pass Trail from Soldier’s Pass Trailhead- makes sense, right? Haha. The biggest limiting factor currently is that Sedona now has a Shuttle that prevents you from parking at popular trailheads on every Thursday to Sunday. One of these Shuttle Stops includes the Soldier’s Pass Trail. I understand why they do it- because these areas get so busy and they are trying to protect the privacy of the residents, but it sometimes makes logistics difficult.
The Shuttle runs from 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Per the national forest, the trailhead is closed between 6pm- 8am except by shuttle. I don’t like this- it makes sunset and sunrise inaccessible. Pets are allowed on the shuttle- but have to be wearing a muzzle. The Posse Grounds Park and Ride (20 Carruth Dr) will get you to Soldier’s Pass.
IF YOU’RE VISITING BETWEEN THURSDAY-SUNDAY, YOU’LL NEED TO RIDE THE SEDONA SHUTTLE TO SOLDIERS PASS TRAILHEAD.
An alternative to this would be to park at the Jordan Trailhead, slightly more northeast, which adds an extra mile to your hike. You can also continue the hike and do the whole Brins Mesa Loop, which includes Soldiers Pass Trail. The Jordan Trailhead does NOT have a shuttle stop, so you can park yourself.
source: Sedona Shuttle
HIKING SOLDIER’S PASS TRAIL
Let’s start on your hiking adventure at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead. The trail begins with a short 0.2-mile stretch until you reach the first trail junction, where you’ll turn to the right. Take comfort in knowing that the trail is clearly marked, guiding you every step of the way.
As you make your way past the junction, a fascinating sight awaits – Devil’s Kitchen, a mysterious sinkhole whose origin remains unknown. It’s definitely a peculiar sight worth capturing with your camera before continuing your hike. So, snap a photo and continue your journey, surrounded by the wonders of nature.
Devil’s Kitchen
SOLDIERS PASS TRAIL STATS
Other 0.4 miles (0.6 total) will take you to another popular landmark- Seven Sacred Pools. This shot has been featured in NUMEROUS books and magazines throughout the country. It features seven holes in the red rock in increasing sizes that collect rain water. When it has rained recently, you can photograph the red rock with these beautiful pools in the foreground. For families or beginners or older adults, this could be a short 1.2 mile hike to the pools and back. Please be aware, this area is shared with Jeep Tours.
SEVEN SACRED POOLS
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FINDING THE SOLDIERS PASS CAVE
Most people who read about the Soldiers Pass Trail are also interested in finding the cave. It’s a little bit off trail, but it’s worth it- if you’re prepared. Finding caves is a favorite passtime in Sedona- there are probably more than 10, and they’re all amazing. There are a couple things to keep in mind- primarily the LEAVE NO TRACE principles.
TAKE THE SEDONA CARES PLEDGE
BEFORE HIKING- it’s important to remember how lucky we are to be able to recreate on this public land. Sedona created a pledge of important LEAVE NO TRACE principles that we all need to follow. Pledge yourself HERE.
- The rocks are red and the silence is golden. I vow to respect the natural quiet of Sedona’s open spaces and neighborhoods.
- I will be mindful of Sedona’s arid environment by minimizing my water and energy use and I will be extremely careful with fire.
- I’ll make my own memories, but not my own trails.
- I won’t risk life or limb (human or sapling) for more likes. I won’t get killed for a killer photo.
- When playing outside, I’ll be ready for rapid changes in weather and random episodes of magic.
- Leave No Trace and pack out trash – that includes TP and pup poo!
- I will discover art in Sedona’s galleries rather than making my own. Carving on trees or rocks, stacking stones, or defacing the environment diminishes nature’s art.
- If I can’t find a parking spot, I will not invent my own. I will go with the traffic flow, using my turn signal often and my car horn seldom.
- I’ll be caring and considerate wherever I go, because that’s the Sedona way.
After you pass Seven Sacred Pools, you’ll start to walk in the forest- Sedona’s version of a forest. Seven Sacred Pools is at 0.6 miles, and the turn off to the cave is at the 1.2 mile mark. See the fork in the trail and topo map below. You’ll see the trail cairn to the left and a sign tacked to the tree on the right.
The trek up to the cave is 0.3 miles one way and about 300 ft in elevation gain. Anytime you do a hike where you climb 100 feet per 0.1 miles, you know it’s steep! Be ready for a good sweat on this one. The trail is easy to follow and you’ll be able to see the cave as you get closer! Likely, there will be plenty of people at the cave so you’ll know where to climb up. This arch below is LEFT of the actual entry to the cave.
THE SOLDIERS PASS CAVE
Make sure if you’re going to climb up into the cave, you’re doing it safely. Don’t bring pets up. Don’t bring small children. It is dangerous. Don’t bring up anything you’re worried about breaking or be very careful. The cave is beautiful! You can take photos looking out towards the way you hiked up, or looking down into the cave.
CONTINUING ON SOLDIER’S PASS TRAIL PAST THE CAVE
If you’re short on time, you may choose to head back to the trailhead after the cave, making the hike 3.0 miles RT. If you want to continue on to either Brin’s Mesa Loop or just to the end of Soliders Pass Trail, it’s still just as beautiful. Heres a few you can expect looking back towards the trailhead farther up the trail. Be sure to be safe and have enough food, water, and emergency supplies.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT SOLDIER’S PASS TRAIL
Soldiers Pass Trail is an amazing hiking experience suitable for the whole family. This trail offers the incredible advantage of being located near some of Sedona’s iconic landmarks, such as the breathtaking Seven Sacred Pools. The majestic caves of Sedona leave visitors in awe, and this trail is an absolute favorite among many. While it may present some challenges, it strikes a perfect balance between difficulty and accessibility. Adding Soldiers Pass Trail to your Sedona bucket list comes highly recommended!
WANT TO CHECK OUT A FEW OTHER HIKES WHILE IN SEDONA?
Sedona is full of beautiful hikes, none of which that are too long!
Check out my post: The Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon Trail)
Off-the-beaten path: How to Find Keyhole Cave
A Sedona Classic: Cathedral Rock
