Soldier Pass Trail is a moderate hike that is packed with interesting landmarks; Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and a spur trail up into Soldier Pass Cave. One of many of the incredible red rock trails in Sedona, AZ, be sure to add this moderately challenging, but highly rewarding, trek to your must-hike list!
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate. The majority of the trail is flat and easy to navigate, while hiking into the cave at the end is more challenging.
- Elevation Gain: 800 ft. (most gained if hiking into the cave).
- Distance: 4.5 miles.
- Cost: Free!
How to Get to Soldier Pass Trailhead
Soldier Pass Trailhead is located in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness and starts very close to houses in a suburb of West Sedona. It’s about a mile from the center of town, off of W Arizona 89a. Soldier Pass has a separate 4WD road that is managed by the Coconino National Forest and frequently used by jeeps and off-road vehicles.
There is a designated parking lot at the trailhead. There are also several other trails, such as the Teacup Trail, that connect to Soldier Pass, so you can choose to park at their trailheads and extend your hike.
Soldier Pass Trail Parking and Sedona Shuttle
Parking at the trailhead is very limited with under 15 spaces available. You can park here only on Mondays through Wednesdays.The city of Sedona offers a park and ride shuttle service that stops at this trailhead on Thursdays through Sundays. The shuttle is free and open to all, so I’d recommend you take advantage of this easy, eco-friendly, year-round amenity.
Please note, Soldier Pass Trailhead parking lot is free to use and is also locked up every night at 6pm sharp and reopens at 8am. There is no parking allowed along the roadside in the neighborhoods surrounding the trailhead. You may also choose to park at the trailhead for Teacup Trail and Coffee Pot Rock or the trailhead for Brins Mesa.
What You Should Know Before Hiking Soldier Pass Trail
- This trail is very popular for tourists and locals – expect to be amongst crowds, or plan wisely by visiting early on a weekday.
- It is well marked with cairns and wilderness signs so it’s unlikely you will go off trail.
- Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
- If you’re thinking of climbing into the cave, make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes with good traction (better yet, bring hiking poles).
- There is little tree cover along the trail so you will be exposed to the Arizona sun the majority of your hike. Bring sun protection like a hat, long sleeves, sunglasses, and wear sunscreen.
- It takes about 2-3 hours to hike the full trail, including up into the cave.
Experiences Along Soldier Pass Trail Hike
Soldier Pass packs a lot of bang for your buck! It offers chances for you to see multiple unique Sedona landmarks in a relatively short hike. These distinct Sedona features include:
Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole
Your first stop on Soldier Pass Trail is a sinkhole called Devils Kitchen. Formed by the collapse of underground limestone caverns, Devil’s Kitchen is a major depression that offers a glimpse into geology in motion. It’s a huge hole with educational signs posted but no real railing surrounding the full perimeter. So be extra careful, especially with children!
Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole is the result of two major collapses (so far) that took place in the 1800s and 1989. A portion of the north wall fell in 1995, and there will likely be more collapses in the future.
Seven Sacred Pools
The second stop about a half mile into the trail is Seven Sacred Pools. This wonder is a series of seven natural pools cascading into one another. This natural landmark is considered sacred by the Apaches and Yavapai communities. The pools cascade into each other and form a red rock waterfall during the rainy months.
Soldier Pass Cave
One of Sedona’s once hidden but now famous caves, Soldier Pass Cave offers hikers a steep climb into an elusive experience. The spur trail leading to the cave is located about 1.3 miles from the trailhead start. You will see a fork in the trail. The trail to the left is a bit more narrow and connects to Brins Mesa Trail, while the trail on the right is wider and has a wilderness sign on the tree. Go right to continue to the cave which will be another half mile away from here.
Most of the trail’s elevation happens here on the spur trail and then ascending into the cave, if you choose to venture in. You’ll reach the base of a rock cliff where there will be three rock arches within sight. One of these is the Soldier Pass Cave. Look for trees covering part of the entrance, along with other hikers entering or exiting of course! You may need to use your hands to climb up the steep boulders into the narrow cave, but the challenge will be worth the amazing experience and views.
