Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona: Cave, Pools & What to Know Before You Go

Quick Guide: Soldier Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona for good reason—it combines several iconic stops into one relatively short, moderate hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the famous Soldier Pass Cave, making it a great option if you want a little bit of everything without committing to a longer hike. Because of its popularity and limited parking, planning ahead is key, but the variety of scenery and unique features along the trail make it well worth the effort.

• 📍 Location: Sedona, Arizona
• 🥾 Trail length: ~4.8 miles (there & back, side trails)
• 📈 Elevation gain: ~830 ft
• ⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
• 🕒 Time needed: 2–3 hours
• 🚗 Parking: Limited (shuttle recommended)
• 🌅 Best time to go: Sunrise or early morning

Where is Soldier’s Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trail is located in Sedona, Arizona, just a few minutes from downtown and easily accessible from the main tourist areas. The trailhead sits in a residential neighborhood off Soldier Pass Road, making it one of the more convenient hikes to reach without venturing far outside of town.

Because of its central location, Soldier Pass Trail is often combined with other nearby Sedona hikes and viewpoints. However, access is a bit more limited than other trails—parking at the trailhead is restricted, and many visitors will need to use Sedona’s free shuttle system to get there (more on that below).

Shuttle Information for Soldier’s Pass Trail

Due to limited parking at the Soldier Pass Trailhead, many visitors will need to use Sedona’s free shuttle system—especially during peak times like weekends, holidays, and spring/fall.

The Sedona Shuttle runs from nearby park-and-ride lots and drops hikers off close to the Soldier Pass Trail access point. Pick up is at the Posse Grounds Park. This is often the easiest and most stress-free way to reach the trail, since the small trailhead parking area fills up quickly and has strict restrictions due to the surrounding residential neighborhood.

👉 What to know:

• 🅿️ Trailhead parking is very limited and often fills early in the morning
• 🚫 Street parking in the neighborhood is not allowed and enforced
• 🚐 The shuttle is free and runs seasonally (typically Thursday–Sunday, but check current schedules)
• ⏰ Arrive early to avoid long wait times during busy seasons

If you’re visiting during peak times, I highly recommend planning to use the shuttle—it’ll save you time, stress, and the hassle of trying to find parking.

source: Sedona Shuttle

What to Expect on Soldier’s Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Sedona because it packs several iconic landmarks into one relatively short loop. The trail is well-marked overall, with a mix of dirt paths, slickrock sections, and a few short but steeper climbs—especially if you choose to detour to the cave. Expect a moderate hike with plenty of scenic stops along the way, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the views.

Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole

One of the first stops along the trail is Devil’s Kitchen, the largest sinkhole in Sedona. It’s a quick detour from the main trail and worth the short walk to see this unique geological feature up close. The viewing area is fenced off for safety, but you can still get a great look into the collapsed cavern.

SOLDIERS PASS TRAIL STATS

Seven Sacred Pools

Another 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.

Finding the Soldier’s 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.

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 in the photo 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.

Inside the Soldier’s 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

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.

Tips for Hiking Soldier Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trail is a relatively short hike, but a little planning goes a long way—especially with how popular this trail has become. Here are a few tips to help you have the best experience:

• 🌅 Go early (this is the biggest tip)
  This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, and both the trail and parking fill up quickly. Starting at sunrise or early morning is the best way to avoid crowds and heat.
• ☀️ Plan around the heat
  Sedona gets extremely hot in the summer months. If you’re hiking between late spring and early fall, aim to start as early as possible and avoid midday hiking.
• 🚐 Use the shuttle during peak times
  Parking at the trailhead is very limited and heavily restricted due to the surrounding neighborhood. During busy seasons, the Sedona shuttle is the easiest way to access the trail.
• 💧 Bring more water than you think you need
  There’s very little shade along the trail, and the exposed sections can feel hotter than expected—especially on the slickrock.
• 🥾 Wear proper hiking shoes
  The trail includes uneven terrain, slickrock, and a short scramble if you go up to the cave. Good traction makes a big difference.
• 📍 Download offline maps
  Cell service can be spotty, especially near the cave detour. Having a map downloaded (like AllTrails) can help you stay on track.
• 🧗 Be cautious on the cave climb
  The path up to Soldier Pass Cave is short but steep, with loose rock in some areas. Take your time and watch your footing.

Where to Stay in Sedona

If you’re planning to hike to The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek, the best place to base yourself is Sedona, which is about 25–30 minutes away and offers the most options for hotels, restaurants, and other hikes.

Quick Picks

• Luxury: L’Auberge de Sedona – creekside cottages + beautiful setting
• Mid-Range: Arabella Hotel Sedona – great location + views, SkyRock Sedona (pictured below)
• Budget: GreenTree Inn Sedona – simple and affordable option

If you prefer something more outdoorsy, there are also camping options nearby, including dispersed camping in Coconino National Forest and campgrounds closer to Beaver Creek and Sedona.

👉 If you’re planning a full trip, check out my guide on where to stay in Sedona for more options by budget and location.

Final Thoughts About Hiking the Soldier’s Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona

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!