10 Years Experience
Specialized in Camping & Trekking
Sedona, Arizona
2 Hours and 19 Minutes
Dogs are permitted
Check out this 7.2 Kilometer out and back near Sedona, Arizona. Route is generally regarded as moderately difficult. Because this is a popular hiking region, you will most likely come across other people while exploring. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
There is relatively little parking at the Soldier Pass trailhead. The city of Sedona provides a free shuttle service to the trailhead from a designated park and ride location in downtown Sedona. The service is free and open to the entire public from Thursday through Sunday. There is also no charge for parking at the park and ride facility. More information about shuttle timings and park and ride locations may be found at site.
This trailhead has a tiny parking area, however there will be NO PARKING allowed there. From Thursday to Sunday, the trailhead is only accessible via the Sedona Shuttle service. Hikers are asked to park at the Posse Grounds Park & Ride (20 Carruth Dr.) and take the Sedona Shuttle to get to the trailhead. The schedule for the free shuttle service and the free park and ride location is now available.
NO PARKING is permitted along the road in the neighborhood near the trailhead.
Soldier Pass is a favorite (though often packed) hike for all Sedona visitors. Hikers can see various natural wonders with only a modest level of difficulty.
You'll immediately reach Devil's Kitchen as you begin. This amazing geologic structure is a sinkhole created by the collapse of massive subsurface tunnels. Continue north on the trek until you reach the Seven Sacred Pools. These little lakes are carved into the rock and set against a dramatic desert backdrop.
Continue up the route until you find a sign for Soldier Pass Cave and Soldier Arch. This short but steep walk leads directly to the cave. This region is enjoyable to boulder hop and explore, with views of the valley below. Return down the steep hill to Soldier Pass hill once you've eaten your fill.
When you're back on Soldier Pass Trail, turn right and head toward the pass. The trail will soon level out, and you will have arrived at the pass. You can either turn around and return the way you came, or you can continue.
