The Sphinx and Mittens in Soldiers Pass
Sedona Hiking Recommendation
Soldiers Pass Trail
When hiking in Sedona, I recommend Soldiers Pass Trail. The trail is 4.5 miles out and back from the trailhead. I have hiked this up to the highest point. This trail connects to various other trails if you choose to make it a longer hike. It is moderately challenging. The elevation rises about 450 feet but is not a steep climb.
The further you go in Soldiers Pass, the higher you get and the better the view. You can also navigate to two popular sites, Devils Kitchen and The 7 Sacred Pools. As you continue on the hike, there is a cave that is also popular. However, I have not been to the cave.
Devil's Kitchen (sinkhole image below) with the Sphinx in the background.
This sinkhole was created back in the late 1800s. Legend has it that when the earth collapsed, the red dust rose up into the sky up to 6000 feet. It could be seen for miles. It got the name Devil's Kitchen because of that red dust rising from the floor of the sinkhole. At one time, an underground water flow passed through that area and eroded the earth above it, creating a sinkhole.
The Seven Sacred Pools
Here is the downside. Most of the trails visitors want to see are very popular. This trail is no exception. It gets hundreds of visitors every day. Now, as you leave the 7 Pools and hike into Soldiers Pass, there will be fewer people. It is around 2.5 miles in, almost 5 miles in, and back.
Limited Parking For Soldiers Pass Trail
The parking lot at the trailhead has only 14 parking positions available. The gates open at 8 am Monday thru Wednesday. Cars line up in front of the gates, and the lot fills immediately. Any vehicle that parks illegally will be towed. This also applies to the entire Soldiers Pass corridor.
Before social media, parking at trailheads was rarely an issue. Before the pandemic, vehicles were parked up and down Soldiers Pass, bumper to bumper. Residents complained, and parking became illegal from Dog Park through all residential streets leading to the trailhead.
Besides the traffic safety issue, the shoulder of Soldiers Pass was being eroded. It was a real problem and a significant concern for all residents.
Shuttles Available
To accommodate the amount of traffic this trailhead gets, Sedona invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to create special parking lots, new trails leading from the parking lot as well as a safe walkway next to Soldiers Pass for hikers to get into the residential streets. There are special Park and Ride areas in at least 3 locations for those who want to hike. See the schedule below.
The above shuttle is available from Thursday through Sunday. During those days, the trailhead parking lot is closed entirely to vehicles.
There is parking available at Posse Grounds Park. A trail next to the Dog Park leads you to Soldiers Pass and the Trailhead.
This GIF below is one of the new trails and walkways that help keep visitors safe and off of Soldiers Pass.
Sedona Shuttle Schedule & FAQ
Below - Just one of many maps at the link above...
Many of the trails intersect, as noted below.
Posse Ground Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead. So if you decide to walk, add that distance to your hike.
The trail next to Soldiers Pass leading to or from the Dog Park is a pleasant way to exercise and take in nature. I enjoy the walk.
Bring plenty of water and a charged-up Cell Phone to access trail maps.
Why Is Soldiers Pass So Popular?
Once phones with cameras became popular. Everyone with an Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter account started taking pics of the red rocks and pinning the location so that others could find these spots. Sedona, the Devil's Kitchen, and the Seven Pools have gone viral. People come to see these locations. Don't be surprised to see a lot of people.
I can remember a time that you had the trails all to yourself. In today's world, finding a trail free from hikers would be hard. Be ready to share the trails with others.
This is the view from the above corner...
Coffeepot Rock
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