Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. See Bicycle Restriction: Red Rock Country under Forest Orders for information about off-trail biking and permitted slickrock areas in the Sedona area. Then we did soldiers pass to the 7 sacred pools and up brim mesa a bit and came down the atv trail for a total 3.5 miles. Theres a ton of shade but definitely need to bring some water! Try this 4.5-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. If you plan to spend several days in Sedona, the Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop is a great trail to add onto your to-do list. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. This hike was the most intense hike of my entire life. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Soldier Pass Trail is a very scenic trail that offers plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos. This photo is looking back at the Brins Mesa Trail. Going up to the cave was the most challenging, but if you stay on the regular trail loop, its not too bad. Brins Mesa Trailhead. To do this loop in a clockwise direction, follow signs for Cibola Pass. The right branch leads up rather steeply for 1/4 mile to an arch. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Getting up the rocks is relatively easygetting back down was difficult for a bunch of people, as we saw on our visit. Try this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. The Brins Mesa Trailhead is located at the end of W Park Ridge Road. , so go early if possible. If you are looking for unique scenery, Soldier's Pass trail is a must-do . All forests access in Sedona are closed. Enjoy the sweeping views from the mesa before descending on the Soldier Pass Trail. Keep going to the Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass trail. About another .25 mile up the trail, you'll pass a series of seven potholes carved in the sandstone by water runoff. Description. The trail dips to cross a wash then climbs out to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole just off the trail to the right at 1/4 miles. This is the fork in the trail. After hiking for another mile, youll come across the Seven Sacred Pools, which is a sacred gathering place for indigenous people and vital source of water for the areas wildlife. Soldiers Pass Trail is one of the easiest trails to access from the center of Sedona, with it only being 3 miles away. After about 1.2 miles of hiking from the Soldier Pass trailhead, there is a fork in the trail. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. For more information about things to do in Arizona, take a look at our Arizona Travel Guide. No clouds , bright blue sky! Very easy to get by.. highly recommended if you want to start with something easy. On the Soldier Pass Trail, you get to see Devils Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools, with the option to add on the Soldier Pass cave. Youll be descending to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole and then climbing back up, and there isnt signage until youre climbing back up. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. It was a beautiful sunny day! ) or https:// means you've safely In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Soldier Pass, Brins Mesa, and Adobe Jack Loop, Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail. this is the jeep trail. To get into Soldier Pass cave, you will have to rock scramble up a pile of rocks that somewhat resemble steps. Once the gates are locked, your vehicle will be spending the night in the parking lot. Note: as of 5/2022 the trail head parking lot is closed Thursday-Sunday. View album on Flicker. Explore this 5.5-km loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Its easy to get lost along the way to the cave, so we recommend downloading a map or two before you head out. Uses: Hiking, horseback riding, biking (bicycles allowed only for the first 1.3 miles to Wilderness Boundary). Glad I was using AllTrails to keep us on track! An official website of the If you look closely, on the ridge to the left are the archways and Soldier Pass cave. This part of the trail is not marked, making it easy to get lost. These hiking stats include the detour to Soldier Pass cave. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 parking is very limited. It was a beautiful place to walk and take pictures. From the fork in the road, there is a 0.5-mile walk to the cave. The service operates Thursday through Sunday and is free and open to the general public. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a gated entry road to trailhead parking on the left. Also, you should only attempt to make it to the cave if youre comfortable scrambling up very steep rock and have appropriate climbing shoes. This area is also used by Jeep traffic. Follow this for 0.3 miles until you reach Devils Kitchen and the Soldier Pass Trail. Soldiers Pass Sunrise Trail. Water and snacks. TRAVEL GUIDE: The Complete Travel Guide for Sedona BEST OF SEDONA: 15 Epic Things to Do in Sedona HIKES IN SEDONA: 12 Amazing Hikes in Sedona, Arizona ONE DAY IN SEDONA: One Perfect Day in Sedona, Arizona WHERE TO STAY: Where to Stay in Sedona: Best Hotels for Your Budget DEVILS BRIDGE: Complete Guide to the Devils Bridge Hike BOYNTON CANYON: How to Hike to Boynton Canyon and the Subway Cave CATHEDRAL ROCK: How to Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail BELL ROCK: How to Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail BIRTHING CAVE: Complete Guide to the Birthing Cave Hike 4WD ROADS: Six 4WD Roads in Sedonaand Which Ones are Worth It. We ran out of time to do the full hike we wanted to do. Cave was pretty and had some great photo spots. Almost immediately you will hike up and over a small hill. Continue on the Soldier Pass Trail for another 0.6 miles until you get to the spur trail to Soldier Pass cave. Great views, not well marked for long stretches. Good hike for late afternoon. There are advantages to doing this in each direction. What We Did: We did this in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the Brins Mesa Trailhead. For more information on shuttle schedules and park & ride locations, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. While the signage is alright in spots, it lacks in others. This hiking route is for the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the clockwise direction starting at the Brins Mesa Trailhead. ( It then connects to the Jordan Pass Trail. If you do this loop in a clockwise direction, you will hike the Soldier Pass Trail before the Brins Mesa Trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Driving Directions from Sedona to the Jordan (aka Jim Thompson) Trailhead: From the traffic circle at the intersection of Arizona 89A and 179 head north on Arizona 89A for 0.3 miles to a traffic circle. There is no alternate parking available outside these times, so plan your hike accordingly. Soldier Pass Motorized Access: The unpaved section Soldier Pass Road provides access for motorized vehicles to visit Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, "Seven Sacred Pools," and the Forest Roads in the area. The Cibola Pass Trail is about a half-mile long. The trail continues to climb, ever so slightly. Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. Be sure to take the soldier pass cave trail. This lot holds approximately 50 cars and will fill by mid-morning, so you still need to get here relatively early. Our Recommendation: In my opinion, the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop works best in a clockwise direction, especially if you plan to visit the Soldier Pass Cave. Btw, no way to go from cave to Mesa trail unless you really climb. Parking at the Soldier Pass trailhead is very limited. Head back down the other side of the pools and around the base of Morning Glory Spire. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Depending on recent rainfall, some or all of the pools will be filled with water during your visit. The spur trail to Soldier Pass cave is located 1.3 miles from the trailhead. Moderate 4.7 (6727) Coconino National Forest. 3190 W State Rte 89A #400, Sedona, AZ 86336, 2022 I Love Sedona | On the first part of the spur trail, you will hike across this plateau. However, this spur trail was blocked off, so we did not do it. Note: there is an alternative route to Soldiers Pass Trail via the Jim Thompson Trailhead. Ultimately, scenic vistas can be enjoyed south into Sedona and north into the wilderness and the red cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. In addition, this trail leads to a spur trail guiding hikers to some of Sedona's famous caves. Veer left through the circle heading toward Cottonwood on SR89A. If you can get an early start (before 8 am), you can get to the cave before the crowds, so this is a huge advantage. Continue along the Soldier Pass Trail for another 0.4 miles until you get to the Seven Sacred Pools. This includes packing out what you bring to the hiking trail, be considerate of other hikers, and stay on the trail. Bring at least 2 liters of water in the summer. Also, there is no charge for parking at the park & ride location. The turnoff is not very well marked, so pay careful attention for the logs, stones, and national forest wilderness sign that mark the entrance. We missed the Cibola pass trailhead marker and started with Jordan. This popular route is highlighted by views over Mormon Canyon, Capitol Butte, Brins Mesa, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devils Kitchen and miles of . Try this 4.9-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Julie Last updated: September 15, 2022 United States 1 Comment. I would rate it high intensity. The slightly narrower trail to the left is Soldier Pass Trail and this continues to Brins Mesa. Between milepost 372 and 373, turn right onto Soldier Pass Road, drive 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows, turn right and continue 0.25 mile to the short drive to the trailhead on the left. Brins Mesa - Soldiers Pass Trail Loop - 5.2 Miles Round-Trip The Brins Mesa, Soldiers Pass, Jordan, and Cibola Pass trails form a 5.2 mile loop through stunning red rock formations and open desert just outside downtown Sedona.. As of Jan. 8, 2020 Recreation.gov will be handling motorized use permits. Trailhead: Brins Mesa Trailhead (aka the Jim Thompson Trailhead) or Soldier Pass Trailhead. we had to wait about 20 minutes for service to arrive. The Soldier Pass cave was one of the busiest spots we saw on our recent visit to Sedona, so do not expect solitude at this cave, unless you are here very early or late in the day. The spur trail to Soldier Pass Cave is located 0.6 miles from the Seven Sacred Pools. Our website uses cookies. Devils Kitchen, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the Soldier Pass cave will come early in the hike. To get to Soldier Pass Cave, you will hike by Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools along the Soldier Pass hike. Youll then keep right. From Sedona's center, start by heading south on 89A. Hike aware of the traffic near you, although most vehicle traffic is at the beginning of the trail. Location: 28 miles south of Flagstaff (1 mile north of Sedona) on paved and dirt Forest roads in scenic red rock country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. The trail becomes increasingly steep and rocky as it climbs to the pass. Map Information, Note: Bicycles prohibited in the wilderness. Since this is done as a loop, you are always hiking through new landscapes, so the view is always changing. Soldier Pass Trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. The trail continues uphill and begins to get steeper. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We recommend downloading your GPS track ahead of time as the trail can become a touch confusing where there isnt clear signage. There are three caves here (see our photos of each below). The Soldier Pass hike has become an extremely popular trail in Sedona, and for the best experience, its best to do this part of the loop first. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.4 mi hike in Sedona, Arizona. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.4 mi hike in Sedona, Arizona. After youre done exploring the cave, retrace your steps back to the main trail where you entered the path to the cave. United States. We kept going to Brins Mesa then took the Soldiers Pass road back to the trail head. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Just follow to the trail head. The main trailhead listed for this trail is not suitable for horse trailers. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Starting from Soldier Pass Trailhead along Forest Service 9904 Rd, enter the trail right next to a gate marked for off-road vehicles. But its a lot easier to get a space here than at the Soldier Pass parking lot. really lovely trail. Starting from Soldier Pass Trailhead along Forest Service 9904 Rd, enter the trail right next to a gate marked for off-road vehicles. Soldier Pass cave is on the far right; it is tucked away in the trees and it is a little harder to see. These passes can be purchased via this website or by using a credit card at various trailheads. The trail is very well marked and heavily trafficked, so it . The trail to the Devils Kitchen ( sink hole) is very close. Just after the Seven Sacred Pools youll find a turnoff to Soldier Pass cave. There are no restrooms at this parking lot. Now you are on top of the plateau. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. Its mostly uphill and it has some very steep, rocky sections. This is the entrance to the cave and the line of hikers waiting to enter. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. This has become a popular hiking destination in Sedona, so expect to wait to have your photo taken. Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole Seven Sacred Pools The extra traction on hiking shoes will make your climb up into the cave and on the cave ledges much easier and safer. Soldier Pass Trail brings you through Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and Soldier Pass Cave before finally ending at Soldier Pass. At the last minute, we decided to hike the entire loop. Once in the cave, have fun taking your photos. Hiking the Burins Mesa - Soldier Pass Trail Loop. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Be prepared to spend about one hour at the Soldier Pass cave. It was hot, like I said heatwave, so go early! Youll hike parallel to the wash towards the pools. Enjoy this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Stay on the same spur trail you used to get here. It's nice that the parking lot has pit toilets. Bicycles are prohibited in Wilderness area. Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours Trailhead: Brins Mesa Trailhead (aka the Jim Thompson Trailhead) or Soldier Pass Trailhead Red Rock Pass: If you start at the Brins Mesa Trailhead, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do this hike. The Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop combines two scenic hiking trails into one awesome experience. From Brins Mesa, you get panoramic views of the surrounding red rock mountains. We recommend downloading a map ahead of time. With the shuttle system running Thursday thru Sunday, the Soldiers Pass parking lot is closed. Im pretty out of shape and managed to hike up to the cave and inside and take a break in under 3 hrs. There is one small parking lot at this trailhead, however, there will be NO PARKING allowed at the lot on Thursday through Sunday during which time. Popular Trails: Yellow Trail and Tour Road; You can access the following trails based on your parking lot: Visitor Center and Wick Farm: Yellow and White Trails; Soldier Huts: Yellow, White and Orange Trails; New York Brigade: Blue Trail; Trail Center: Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, and Red Trails Print/PDF map. You will need a Red Rock Pass to park here ($5 per day, $15 per week). Your email address will not be published. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Great hike/trail. This arm of the trail will take you back to the trailhead. Just residual water right now. Soldier Pass / Brin's Mesa This loop trail through the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness offers moderate elevation changes and lots of variety: the Devil's Sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools near the beginning, massive arches along the canyon wall during the climb up Soldier Pass, and long views from the top of Brin's Mesa. Your email address will not be published. The trail to the cave is a spur trail that you can find at a fork in the trail about one and a half miles into the trail. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people . The Soldier Pass trailhead is located at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road. Soldier Pass Cave is a half-mile trek from the Soldier Pass Trail, and it's a steep, rocky, uphill climb. Supervisor's Office Nearing 2 miles, it levels out on top of Brins Mesa, then continues for another 1/4 miles where it intersects Brins Mesa Trail. This climb is similar to the hike up to Soldier Pass cave. At the top of the climb, turn around and take in the view down the canyon. Map showing recreational areas. Spectacular views! Enter at the signed trailhead which is open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is one of the best photo-ops on this loop. There is a small gravel parking lot that holds a grand total of 14 vehicles. Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours. Beautiful trail. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. If you have hiking poles, this is a good place to use them. Walked 1 mile from the parking lot to the trailhead as there was a 25 min wait for the shuttle. About Soldier Pass Trail and the hike to Soldier Pass Cave. Next time. Devils Kitchen is a massive sinkhole that has had two major collapses, one in the early 1880s and the other much more recently, in 1989. Location: Coconino National Forest, Sedona, AZ Distance: 3.5 miles Type: Out-and-Back Rating: Moderate Dog Friendly? The middle cave is quick and easy to visit. There is an obvious fork in the trail. Soldier Pass Trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. Start the hike early. Awesome moderate trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete. However, if you plan to hike to the Soldier Pass Cave, I recommend wearing hiking shoes. Photos (161) Directions. Where to Stay in Sedona: Best Hotels for Your Budget, How to Hike to Boynton Canyon and the Subway Cave, How to Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, Six 4WD Roads in Sedonaand Which Ones are Worth It, Complete Guide to the Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave, The Complete Guide to the Birthing Cave Hike | Sedona, Arizona. There is an obvious fork in the trail. M-F 8 a.m. - 4p.m. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55392. To get here, you will drive through Uptown Sedona. At the first traffic circle, take the 2nd exit to continue on 89A. This large lot is open 24 hours per day. The advantage of hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the counter-clockwise direction is that you get the climb over and done with early in the hike. The trail ends at the base of a rocky plateau. If youre going to the cave, take extra care to wear the proper footwear. The first half of this trail is often busy, and there is jeep tour and off-road vehicle traffic nearby. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. From there you can continue on the trail up and over Soldiers Pass, or call it a day and head back the way you came to the parking lot. Stay to the right to hike the Brins Mesa Trail. The trail is very well marked and heavily trafficked, so it shouldnt be too hard to navigate. Most if not all scenic drives in Sedona are closed. Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure you pack your sunscreen. If you have any questions about hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop, let us know in the comment section below. Some users report relying on a GPS track to help navigate unclear sections. The cave to the far left is harder to visit, as you have to scramble up a steep hill to get to it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Overall great hike. A gravel road leads to the parking lot and it is suitable for standard cars. No good moderate with easy to follow trails. Please check with local authorities before heading out there this summer. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use this rather than purchasing a Red Rock Pass. This trail is recommended as part of a loop with Jordan and Brins Mesa trails, starting at the Jordan Trailhead. Continue past the pools to the top of the loop and then make a sharp right. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes for this hike. Learn more here. Office: (928) 527-3600 Very easy trail with some small ups and downs. The cave is challenging to climb into but is worth it! There is a machine at this trailhead to purchase your pass (credit cards only) as well as toilets. Great scenery! The pools were created naturally by the gradual erosion of the water, each trickling into the next over the course of many years. Experience this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona. If you want to get a space here, you need to get in line early, before the gates open. Looking up at the third cave (the cave farthest to the left). There was only water in one of the sacred pools, but we are in a heat wave so its understandable. Red Rock Pass: If you start at the Brins Mesa Trailhead, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do this hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete. Most if not all parks and picnic areas in Sedona are closed. Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is an awesome hike that really shows off Sedonas one-of-a-kind natural beauty. You will hike down these stairs as you hike back to the Brins Mesa parking lot. From the parking area, the trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. At the pools, you can snap a photo from the overlook point and spend some time watching the flow of the water. Then the trail levels out and it is a quick, easy walk to finish the hike. This is a very popular area for mountain biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely . Really dry and the pools dont have much water in them but the sites are still amazing. The advantage of hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the counter-clockwise direction is that you get the climb over and done with early in the hike. Finally, note that the parking lot at Soldier Pass opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. bring lots of water! Motorizedaccess beyond the trailheadrequires a permit. End the hike with the less crowded Brins Mesa Trail. Just beyond the climb the trail will fork. The slightly narrower trail to the left is Soldier Pass Trail and this continues to Brins Mesa. To confirm you are in the correct spot, look for the very small Wilderness sign that is posted on the tree. Scenery is stunning. Return by the same route for a 4.5 mile round trip hike. Fax: (928) 527-3620 This leads out of the wash on a moderate grade. The photos from inside the cave are incredible, and the window overlooking the valley below is one of the best spots for a photo in Sedona. You do not need a Red Rock Pass. I would suggest you go early. Note: This trailhead only has 14 parking spots and no trash or restroom facilities. The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. See Nearby RentalsMore Sedona Hiking Trails, I Love Sedona the hiking trail runs parallel on the other side of the wash. it is better for hiking. Trail was well marked. Another collapse is predicted in the future. Had to start at Thompson - moseyed our way around the hills to the popular spots. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.4 mi hike in Sedona, Arizona. All trails in Sedona are closed. How early? Trail was beautiful! Brins Mesa - Soldiers Pass Trail Loop - 5.2 Miles Round-Trip The Brins Mesa, Soldiers Pass, Jordan, and Cibola Pass trails form a 5.2 mile loop through stunning red rock formations and open desert just outside downtown Sedona.. The shuttle drops you off at the closed gate. very interesting area. We ended up at another parking lot, but getting a tiny bit lost was an adventure! At the circle, take the third exit onto the Jordan Road. Want to report conditions for this trail? For the next half-mile, the trail climbs up onto the mesa. Heres how to do it. Soldier Pass Cave is on the far right. Total distance to the Soldier Pass trail is about 1.0 mile when walking this direction. To get to the cave, it is a 0.5 mile walk, one-way. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. And its important to know, if you park in this lot, you need to get back to your car by 6 pm. This trail provides a diverse experience beginning in an urban setting and eventually leads into Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, increasing the potential for solitude. Leave No Trace. The pass can be purchased at the fee machine at the trailhead (credit cards only). Turn right here. In 1995, part of the north wall caved in. This parking lot is gated and open from 8 am to 6 pm. Be sure to read the posted safety information before starting out on Soldier Pass Trail. Soldier Pass Trail. on official, secure websites. Bicycles allowed only on the first 1.3 miles of thetrail to Wilderness Boundary. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It was rough trying to figure out parking because when we arrived no one was there but gates were opened. Retrace your steps back to the Soldier Pass Trail. About another .25 mile up the trail, you'll pass a series of seven potholes carved in the sandstone by water runoff. The trail is marked as moderate and can be very rocky at times, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Keep going until you reach the next traffic circle and continue straight on 89A. Once youve made it to Soldier Pass Cave, be sure to explore both of the chambers, and try to get a classic photo in the window carved into the side of the rock, overlooking the valley below. The left branch is the main trail. You have to park at Posse park and either walk about a mile to the trail head or wait for the shuttle. Getting a space here is MUCH easier than getting one at the Soldier Pass Trailhead. Easy 4.3 (972) Sedona, Arizona. Official websites use .gov A .gov So if you are looking to do the Cibola look to the far right of the Jordan trailhead. Some of the best views will be behind you, so every so often, turn around and enjoy the view. Check out this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Once you reach the end of the plateau, it is a rapid descent towards the parking lot. The left arch is the easiest to make out from a distance, but the right arch is where you can enter the cave. Additional parking and restroom facilities may be found at the Jim Thompson Trailhead off of Jordan road. You will hike on steep, rocky trails and series of steps. You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. website belongs to an official government organization in the This trailhead, which is also called the Jim Thompson Trailhead, is the best starting point for this hike, in my opinion. Watch out for off-road vehicles slowly making their way up and down Soldiers Pass Road. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. If youre adventurous and very careful when you get to the very end of the trail there is a cave you can get to for a beautiful 180 view. United States government. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to. Stunning views! Get more information and apply for a permit at Soldier Pass Motorized Use Permits. March 25, 2021. We recommend planning some extra time to stop and take photos at the Seven Sacred Pools and Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, and urge you to take the extra time to go to the cave. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Admire the vibrant red earth beneath your feet, the agave and juniper growing alongside the trail, and the ever-present view of the surrounding mountains and buttes. But the best of it all are the views. This parking lot is located within a residential community. It's $5 for a day pass, $15 for a 7-day pass, or $20 for a Most of the shade is lost, but the views open up. Print/PDF map. The wider, busier trail to the right goes to Soldier Pass Cave. The trailhead for the Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is off Canyon Shadows Drive. May is a warm month to be hiking There is no overflow parking along the streets. If youre ever not sure where to go next, be on the lookout for cairns that mark the way. Nice views and super quiet ! 2021 ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA VACATION TRIP Soldier Cave Scramble & Soldier Pass Trail Loop: clockwise. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. Soldier's Pass Trail is an iconic hiking trail in Sedona, Arizona with amazing red rock views and landmarks including, the 7 Sacred Pools and Devil's Kitchen sinkhole. I spent a lot of time taking pics. Coconino NationalForest Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop, Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail, Brins Mesa Trail to Jordan Cibola Pass Trail, Brins Mesa via Brins Mesa and Brins Ridge Trail, Jordan, Javelina, Crusty, Jack Loop, Soldier Pass, and Brins Mesa Loop. The trail continues uphill and begins to get steeper. We did the shuttle from the Posse grounds. I didnt have the app and it is NOT well marked. Since this hike is done as a loop, you can do this in two different directions. Required fields are marked *. We recommend downloading a trail map before heading out, so you know exactly where to go. nothing flowing until possible monsoon season. Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road on the right. This is the main cave to visitthe other two are optional, if you are looking for a cool photo spot or just like the idea of thoroughly exploring this area. There is one climb on this hike, as you hike up onto the mesa, and this will come in the second half of the hike. This trail starts at the end of Shadow Canyon Dr. in Sedona. LockA locked padlock The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. So many trails connect to it so u can make your trip longer or shorter if u want to. Soldier Loop Trail. Once youve made it to the point where you can see two arches in the rock, youre nearly to Soldier Pass Cave. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Its amazing. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a . From the Brins Mesa Trailhead, follow the trail signs for the Cibola Pass Trail. After hiking for about a quarter of a mile, youll come across Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, known to some local hikers as the Grand Piano. The Sinkhole was created by water eroding rock underground, which eventually causes the surface to sink into the earth. You can also get to this trailhead on the Sedona Shuttle. 1824 S. Thompson St. Experience this 6.2-mile loop trail near Flagstaff, Arizona. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road on the right. Our stay in Sedona from June 27 to July 1 is kind of frustrating. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. V. Beginning from the Soldier Pass Trailhead, head across Soldier Wash and turn left at the first junction. Share sensitive information only Our original plan was to only hike Brins Mesa out-and-back, adding on a detour to the Brins Mesa viewpoint. Hiking shoes. The wider, busier trail to the right goes to Soldier Pass Cave. Those red rocks are backgrounds for the entire walk - gorgeous. Keep right at Cibola Pass Trail and then right again. Photos (11,022) Directions. The trail is nice & easy. There isnt a ton of canopy coverage along this trail, so be sure to bring the proper sun protection and pack plenty of water. I wish we had gone a bit further to the cave. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. : Yes, on a leash Permits & Fees: Many hikes in Sedona require a Red Rock's Pass. By starting early, you can get one of the limited parking spaces in the trailhead parking lot. Great trail, not well marked, but easy to get back on track. Be sure to read the posted safety information before starting out on Soldier Pass Trail. And if this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, you can read all of our USA articles in our United States Travel Guide. Great views. This popular route is highlighted by views over Mormon Canyon, Capitol Butte, Brins Mesa, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devils Kitchen and miles of . Take the Jordan Pass Trail to the right. There are numerous other smaller, less-used trails that criss-cross through the Secret Mountain Wilderness, but to prevent unnecessary damage to the forest and landscape, stay on the main spur trail. This is just past the end of the 44 road. You can visit the Seven Sacred Pools on this trail and enjoy Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten above you. The coordinates where you'll find the pathway to the cave are 3453'51.8"N 11147'16.0"W. Location: 28 miles south of Flagstaff (1 mile north of Sedona) on paved and dirt Forest roads in scenic red rock country. Terms & Conditions, The Village of Oak Creek Vacation Rentals. That really depends on the season. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. There are two starting points for the Brins Mesa -Soldier Pass Loop. The view looking southeast, before the last descent on the Brins Mesa Trail. When looking for the cave, look for the wilderness sign and cave is carved into the tree. I heard there was a shuttle there. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. A popular photo spot is in the open archway on the side of the cave. The trail then goes over level ground for 1/4 mile to the "Seven Sacred Pools" (photo) to the left of the trail. The city of Sedona offers a free shuttle service to the trailhead from a designated park & ride within central Sedona. connected to the .gov website. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. This is one of the few climbs of the hike so you get this one over with almost right away. Always a good reason to come back to Sedona. Parking is a pain but if u wait it out people usually come and go out of the parking lot. The trail forks at the wilderness area boundary sign 1/8 mile further on. The walk was easy. It is commonly done as part of a loop hike with the Brins Mesa Trail where Soldier's Pass terminates. People start arriving around 7:30 am during peak travel season. It continues on in the partial shade of Arizona cypress and intersects the end of a jeep road at 1.2 miles. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete.