Looking for a short day hike in Sedona Arizona? Soldiers Pass is an easy trail with plenty of unique spots along the way including Devils Kitchen, the Seven Sacred Pools, and a beautiful unmarked cave nestled in the canyon walls.
Getting There – Soldier’s Pass Trail
Two miles east of the Devil’s Bridge hike is the Soldiers Pass Trail in Sedona. At just around 2.8 miles round trip, it is one of the best hikes in the area for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy some beautiful red rock views.
Start your hike at the trailhead here. A Red Rock Pass is needed to park in this small 14 spot dirt lot. You can pick one up fairly cheaply at almost any gas station in town. Bring lots of water, especially if tackling this hike during the summer months. I always bring a 2 liter CamelBak hydration pack with me on these hikes and it’s almost all gone by the time I get back to the truck.
Get there super early, as the parking lot fills up very quickly. NOTE: Parking rules are strict in this area. Read the sign at the trailhead to know where you can and can’t park if the lot is full.
Devils Kitchen | Sedona
The first feature along this trail is Devils Kitchen sinkhole, which will be 1/4 of a mile up the trail on the right. This massive sinkhole was created when the redwall limestone caverns beneath it gave way.
Devils Kitchen is a 225′ x 110′ wide and 40′ deep opening, you can’t miss it!
Seven Sacred Pools | Sedona
Just around 1 mile up the trail from the parking lot, are the “Seven Sacred Pools of Sedona. It’s a great spot to take in some canyon views and relax for a water break.
In the cooler months, this trail is a great spot for yoga, allowing you to recharge all those chakras! If you’re looking for a unique Airbnb in Sedona, check out Tiny Camp. They have a yoga mat in your tiny house & you can bring it with on you hikes! Read more about our stay here.
If you have been looking to visit Sedona, you may have heard of the vortexes. There are often groups walking along this trail in search of these swirling centers of energy. Known to be great for meditation & healing spots, these vortexes are a great place to explore and re energize.
These pools are filled after rains and sometimes even snow melt! Summer months they are typically dried up. The photo above is from June ( only one pool filled ) , below is from February ( all pools filled ).
Soldiers Pass Cave | Sedona
Soldiers Pass Trail in Sedona does not disappoint. At about 1.3 miles into the hike from the parking lot is an unmarked turn off to the right ( turn off is at approximately at 34°53’55.2″N 111°47’18.5″W ). It is fairly noticeable. The trail will eventually start to get more vertical as you get closer to the canyon wall. If you use the All Trails app, it is also on there as well here.
You can crawl up inside of this cave as well, there is a slight bit of rock scrambling in that you’ll need to brace yourself to get up into it but it’s worth it!
Respect the beauty of this area and please do not mark on, or carve into the rocks. I hike trails in this area often and occasionally have to pick up trash that others might have lost accidentally. Keep in mind there are no trash cans or anything like this on this trail.
Always pack out what you pack in. Keep this place beautiful for everyone and respect all other visitors along the trail! Thank you.
Many people just turn around here and head back but it you explore around the area a little there are more caves and arches along the canyon wall that are just as beautiful and more secluded from the larger groups. If you want a secluded, shaded Sedona canyon spot to do some yoga or meditation one of these spots might be perfect!
Always make sure you have enough water on these Sedona hikes and the typical rule is to turn around when you have half of your water gone. It’s very easy to overheat here in the desert and even as a local who hikes often I still get super pink in the face.
I always wear light weight, dry fit material clothing on these hikes – my Nike shorts are a lifesaver as usually I opt for leggings, NOT IN SUMMER THOUGH! Sunscreen is also a must in my book. I use this Sun Bum brand anytime I’m outside in the sun and it’s oil-free, sweat-resistant & smells amazing!
Bringing enough water is an absolute must. It might seem like a short hike but the vertical elevation gain will make you sweat!
Grab Lunch at Javelina Cantina
My go to spot for a great after hike margarita and some authentic Sonoran style Mexican food is Javelina Cantina. They just recently remodeled their restaurant and with views of the red rocks all around and an exceptional patio dining space, it’s a great way to finish off the day’s adventure.
Did you do this hike? Tag me in your photos on Instagram! I would love to see your adventures.
Overview
- Soldiers Pass Trail ( to the cave ) is 2.8 miles round trip.
- Parking is limited to only 14 spots, get a red rock pass before hand and get there early!
- Devils Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools are marked with signage along the trail.
- The Soldier Pass Caves are not marked with signage. You can see the offshoot to the right just after the wash here.
- Bring lots of water & if you see any trash, help us all keep these trails clean!
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only share products I have used, tested and love!
