Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona
Come Experience the Natural Beauty
Welcome to Sedona, otherwise known as Red Rock Country and the name definitely lives up to expectations. With cascading cliffs and high rising buttes, this area, located at the base of the Mongollon Rim, has entranced visitors ever since it’s discovery. The year 1876 saw the areas first settler in the Oak Creek Canyon area, but it wasn’t till the early 1900’s when Theodore Schnebly went to petition the government for a new post station, which was then named after his wife, Sedona. After this the town of Sedona was known. Want to know more then click here.
Trail Info
- Fee: Free
- Difficulty: Moderate but first portion can be consider more on easy side
- Elevation Gain: ~650 ft
- Mileage: ~4.5 miles roundtrip
- Hours Open: Trailhead open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Facts: Parking lot is small and can only accommodate about 10 cars with 1 spot for handicapped. The area has many trails so it’s easy to link up to The Brins Mesa Trail, which is another 4.5 miles out and back trail.
What To Expect
The great thing about this trail is it offers the spectacular views of the red cliffs, the surrounding diverse vegetation, and the natural formations of The Seven Sacred Pools as well as The Devils Kitchen Sinkhole. Honestly, if you don’t have very much time and want to experience being surrounded by this beauty, then this is the hike for you. Within 1/4 of a mile you will experience the sinkhole and with another 1/4 mile will place you at the Sacred Pools. After this, the trail will get more moderate, with some parts becoming more rocky and steep till you reach the top.
Soldier Pass Trail offers you the perfect views of the red rock cliffs and the opportunity to see what wildlife or vegetation thrives during certain seasons. A riparian zone will greet you along some part of the trail. When the wet season is present then it allows for the creek to run with water and with it comes the chance to see a variety of amphibians and insects.
What To Bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water and some more water
- Small backpack/bag
- Camera or your phone for pictures
- Trail map already printed or downloaded
- Sunglasses/Hat (it still is the desert)
Other Things To Consider
- Hike Cathedral Rock or another trail
- Book a Jeep Tour or outdoor activity
- Explore Red Rock State Park
- Experience the Vortexes
- Shop, eat or explore the local art in town
- Visit the VistSedona.com website for more ideas
Have you hiked Soldier Pass Trail? Did you enjoy yourself and would you recommend it to others? Have any other trails or places we should see, let us know in the comments section. Thanks for taking a look at our site and don’t forget to subscribe for future articles and tips.
The information on this website has come from research and by experiencing it ourselves. Opening hours, trail closures, prices, etc. are always subject to change. We try to keep up to date on any new information, or tips to help make your adventure more enjoyable.
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Great post 🙂