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The Soldiers Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and adventure. The beginning of this hike is quite lively, with nearby jeep tours and off-road vehicles, but as you venture deeper, you’ll immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. Along the way, you’ll encounter remarkable features like Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the intriguing Soldiers Pass Cave.
This trail is perfect for families and beginners plus it is pet-friendly! With the hike typically taking just a few hours, you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of Sedona’s stunning landscapes. For those feeling adventurous, the “hidden cave” (aka the Soldiers Pass Cave) invites exploration and climbing, making it an unforgettable experience. Soldiers Pass Trail is a must-do hike when visiting Sedona, Arizona!
Table of Contents
Soldiers Pass Trail & Cave
Popular Trail Alert!
The Soldiers Pass Trail along with its hidden cave is a very popular hiking spot in Sedona, Arizona. This hike includes several incredible features, such as a sink hole, sacred little pools, natural arches, and a cave. No wonder it’s so popular! As you explore this beautiful terrain, remember to respect the land and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve its natural beauty for future adventurers.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Parking and Logistics… ew
The one and only downside to this hike is the parking situation at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead. The parking area is small and only open a few days a week, which can lead to some unexpected challenges. When the lot is full or closed, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to reach the trailhead. (more details about parking, the shuttle bus, and alternate options below)
My husband and I had a great first experience hiking this trail, despite 1) not knowing the Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area was closed on Thursdays, 2) not knowing about the other trailhead option, 3) locating the park-and-ride lot and waiting 30+ minutes for a shuttle bus as the crowd of people slowly grew, and 4) walking an extra 1.5 miles after the hike because we got back to the shuttle pickup spot at a bad time and didn’t want to wait forever for the next shuttle bus.
Never Fear! My Blog Post is Here… to save you!
This blog post will help you not make our same mistakes! You live and you learn, right? Well, learn from us. I hope this blog post inspires your next Sedona adventure, and helps you create unforgettable stress-free memories!
Know Before You Go
Do I Need a Red Rock Pass?
Unlike other popular trails in the Sedona area, you do NOT need a Red Rock Pass to park at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead.
However, I will explain more about this below, but you DO need a Red Rock Pass if you park at the Jim Thompson Trailhead (also known as the Jordan Trailhead or Brins Mesa Trailhead).
Do you have an America the Beautiful Pass? You can use this at any of the trailheads that require a Red Rock Pass! Make sure to place it on the front dashboard of your vehicle so it is noticeable.
Check out the official website for more information about the Red Rock Pass Program.
Soldiers Pass Trailhead (Open/Close Times & Days)
The Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area is OPEN from 8 AM to 6 PM on Mondays through Wednesdays. The parking area is limited to only 14 vehicles, so arrive early to snag a spot!
What about Thursdays through Sundays? It’s closed. The trailhead parking area closes on those days and requires people to take a free shuttle bus to reach the Soldiers Pass Trailhead.
It’s a bit inconvenient, but the weekend crowd is probably hectic, and the Soldiers Pass Trailhead is located near a residential area. This strategy of closing the trailhead parking area during peak days to control the chaos is probably a good thing.
Another downside to the times the Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area is open is that you can’t hike this trail during sunrise or sunset. Sunrise is our favorite time to hike! But don’t worry, there are other options, so keep reading!
Shuttle Bus
Like I mentioned above, the Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area is CLOSED on Thursdays through Sundays. Thankfully, there is a free shuttle service that takes you from a designated park-and-ride location in central Sedona directly to the trailhead.
The park-and-ride location to catch the shuttle bus for the Soldiers Pass Trailhead is at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride.
This service operates year-round from Thursday to Sunday, running from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Best of all, parking at the park-and-ride location is free, and no reservations are required for the shuttles.
Find more information on shuttle schedules for Soldiers Pass Trailhead HERE.
Best Time to Go
The best times to hike the Soldiers Pass Trail are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
READ THIS: 1-Day Sedona, Arizona Itinerary (September Edition)
Winter is also a magical time to hike the Soldiers Pass Trail. If you are lucky, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning sight of Sedona blanketed in a delicate dusting of snow. The colder months also allow for a quieter experience as the frigid temperatures deter most tourists, allowing you to savor the serene beauty of this trail in peace.
Visiting Sedona, Arizona in the summer can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to stay safe in the heat! Temperatures can soar, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. To enjoy your hike along the Soldiers Pass Trail in the summer, consider starting early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Be sure to pack plenty of water, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to keep yourself safe while soaking in the stunning scenery.
Make sure to check the Coconino National Forest website regarding trail condition updates and alerts before hiking the Soldiers Pass Trail!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Soldiers Pass Trail + Soldiers Pass Cave
Location: The Soldiers Pass Trail is located within the Coconino National Forest and Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness in Sedona, Arizona.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 860 feet. (3 miles if only going to the Soldiers Pass Cave and back)
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, and some rock scrambling to get inside the cave.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
Soldiers Pass Trailhead
The Soldiers Pass Trailhead is located at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road near a residential area. It’s about a 10-minutes’ drive from central Sedona.
The trailhead parking area only has 14 parking spots. There are no trash or restroom facilities.
DON’T FORGET! The Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area is CLOSED Thursdays through Sundays, requiring people to utilize the shuttle bus service. And on the other days (Mondays through Wednesdays) it is open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Alternate Starting Points / Trailhead Options
If the Soldiers Pass Trailhead parking area is closed or full, there are other ways to start your hike!
Option #1 – Free Shuttle Bus
As I mentioned above, the shuttle bus runs year-round from Thursdays to Sundays from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. To take the shuttle bus to the Soldiers Pass Trailhead, simply park at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride location and wait for the next shuttle bus to arrive.
The shuttle bus will take you directly to the trailhead. Make sure you make it back before the final shuttle bus time or else you will have to walk back to the parking lot. This leads us into option #2!
Option #2 – Walk from the Park and Ride Lot (adds 3 miles to the hike)
You can park at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride for free and walk to the Soldiers Pass Trailhead.
It is about a 30 minutes’ walk (1.5 miles one-way) to reach the trailhead.
Option #3 – Jim Thompson Trailhead (adds 2 miles to the hike)
Another popular spot to start this hike is from the Jim Thompson Trailhead. A few other trails also start here, which is why this trailhead location has other names, such as the Jordan Trailhead and the Brins Mesa Trailhead.
This parking area holds 50 vehicles and has restroom facilities. You do need either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park at this trailhead.
Starting here to reach the Soldiers Pass Trail will add an extra 2 miles to your total hike.
Let’s Hike the Soldiers Pass Trail & Find the Cave
I believe most people start their hike from the Soldiers Pass Trailhead. During our trip in 2023, we took the shuttle bus to the Soldiers Pass Trailhead. After our hike, we saw the shuttle bus leave, so we decided to walk back rather than wait 50 minutes for the next bus.
Many people also start this hike from the Jim Thompson Trailhead. (more details about starting from this trailhead below)
Whether you parked at the trailhead parking area, walked there, or took the shuttle bus, let’s begin this incredible adventure from the Soldiers Pass Trailhead!
Soldiers Pass Trailhead
From the Soldiers Pass Trailhead, follow the Soldiers Pass Trail. In about 0.2 miles, you will reach a junction in the trail. Take a right.
Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole
As you venture along the trail, you’ll soon encounter one of Sedona’s most captivating landmarks: Devils Kitchen Sinkhole. This stunning natural formation is a testament to the forces of nature, having first emerged in the early 1880s when underground limestone caves gave way.
Over the years, the sinkhole has continued to evolve, with significant collapses occurring in 1989 and again in 1995. While scientists anticipate that further collapses may occur in the future, the exact timing remains a mystery.
Take a moment to admire this magnificent geological wonder from a safe distance. It’s a breathtaking sight that beautifully showcases the power of nature!
Seven Sacred Pools
As you continue your hike along the Soldiers Pass Trail, prepare to discover another remarkable landmark: the enchanting Seven Sacred Pools. Just a short 0.6 miles from the trailhead, you’ll be treated to yet another stunning feature within this beautiful landscape!
The Seven Sacred Pools are a series of small, naturally carved basins in the sandstone, historically regarded as sacred by Native American tribes. This picturesque spot is a favorite among photographers, especially after rainfall when the pools brim with water, cascading gracefully into one another. In the background, the striking red rock formations known as Coffee Pot Rock adds to the scene’s beauty.
While the pools may dry up during the warmer months, making them a little less dramatic, they’re still worth seeing at least once. Let’s continue along the Soldiers Pass Trail toward the most thrilling part of our adventure!
Trail Junction
As the trail winds through a partially shaded area filled with Arizona Cypress, you’ll enjoy a refreshing change of scenery. After another 0.6 miles, you’ll arrive at a junction.
We’ll explore both paths, but if you’re eager to see the Soldiers Pass Cave first, go ahead and take a RIGHT! Keep an eye out for a “National Forest Wilderness” sign on a tree to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.
The trail to the left at the junction is the main trail where the Soldiers Pass Trail continues. For now, let’s take a right at the junction along a spur trail towards the intriguing “hidden cave”.
Soldiers Pass Cave
From the junction, it’s just a 0.5-mile hike to the Soldiers Pass Cave but be prepared for a steep climb! You’ll start by walking across a large plateau. Just keep going straight and slightly to the left to stay on track.
Before long, you’ll spot two impressive arches, and the cave will be tucked away to the right of the far-right arch. You probably won’t be alone, so listen for other visitors to help guide you!
Getting into the cave does involve some rock scrambling, but nothing too technical. If you’re on the shorter side like me, it might take a little extra effort, but it’s definitely manageable! If you have small children or pets, I do not recommend taking them into the cave.
The inside of the Soldiers Pass Cave is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! The cave is a fantastic spot to wander around, take photos, and soak in the unique geological features. My husband and I spent a long time just relaxing and marveling at this incredible sight.
After you’ve had your fill of exploring the cave, take your time making your way out. It is a bit trickier to exit than it is to enter! Follow the spur trail back to the junction in the trail.
This time, take a right to continue along the Soldiers Pass Trail. Or, if you only wanted to see the cave, take a left at the junction to head back to the parking area.
Finish the Soldiers Pass Trail
Did you take a right to finish out the Soldiers Pass Trail? Ok, cool! Continue for another 0.5 miles as you climb up onto a ridge with incredible views of the canyon.
You’ll eventually reach the Brins Mesa Trail – this is your turnaround point. Just retrace your steps to head back to the parking area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can turn this into a slightly longer loop hike known as the Soldiers Pass to Brins Mesa Loop (more details below).
On your way back, be sure to stick to the Soldiers Pass TRAIL and avoid the Soldiers Pass ROAD, which is meant for high clearance, 4×4 vehicles and Jeep Tours. While some folks do hike along the road to get back, I wouldn’t recommend it. Keep an eye out for signs to stay on the Soldiers Pass Trail for a safer and more enjoyable hike!
Did you make it back? Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Route Options
Jordan Trail to Soldiers Pass Trail (6.5 miles)
Trailhead Location: Jim Thompson Trailhead (also known as the Jordan Trailhead or Brins Mesa Trailhead).
This trailhead is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can hike super early in the morning or later in the day which is perfect for avoiding big crowds. The shuttle bus does NOT go to this trailhead, so plan to get there early or later in the day to snag a parking spot. This parking area does hold 50 vehicles and has restroom facilities.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 6.5 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 3.5 to 4.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, and some rock scrambling if going inside the cave.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes, if starting from the Jim Thompson Trailhead.
Trail Directions: From the Jim Thompson Trailhead, follow the Cibola Pass Trail until you reach a junction in the trail. Take a right to veer onto the Jordan Trail. Follow this trail until you reach the Devils Kitchen Sinkhole. From here hop onto the Soldiers Pass Trail and follow the directions as described above.
Soldiers Pass to Brins Mesa Loop (6 miles)
Trailhead Location: Jim Thompson Trailhead (also known as the Jordan Trailhead or Brins Mesa Trailhead).
This trailhead is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can hike super early in the morning or later in the day which is perfect for avoiding big crowds. The shuttle bus does NOT go to this trailhead, so plan to get there early or later in the day to snag a parking spot. This parking area does hold 50 vehicles and has restroom facilities.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 3 to 5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, and some rock scrambling if going inside the cave.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes, if starting from the Jim Thompson Trailhead.
Trail Directions: Most people go clockwise, so this is how I will describe the route. From the Jim Thompson Trailhead, follow the Cibola Pass Trail until you reach a junction in the trail. Take a right to veer onto the Jordan Trail. Follow this trail until you reach the Devils Kitchen Sinkhole. From here hop onto the Soldiers Pass Trail and follow the directions as described above. Once you reach the end of the Soldiers Pass Trail, take a right at the junction to merge onto the Brins Mesa Trail. Follow this trail to return back to the parking area.
Soldiers Pass Road (drivable, 4×4 option)
Want a more-driving, less-hiking route? Take your high clearance, 4×4 vehicle along the Soldiers Pass Road to see all the incredible geological features that the Soldiers Pass Trail has to offer. Don’t have an appropriate vehicle? You can either rent a vehicle OR book a Jeep Tour!
PERMIT REQUIRED! Be aware that motorized access beyond the Soldiers Pass Trailhead requires a permit. Find more information and apply for a permit HERE.
Soldier Pass Road runs alongside the hiking trail, providing convenient access to both Devil’s Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools. The road ends near the spur trail to Soldiers Pass Cave, where you can park your vehicle and easily hike out to the cave. This way, you can enjoy the highlights of the Soldier Pass Trail with minimal hiking effort!
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Hikes in Sedona, AZ
- Devil’s Bridge: Unique Hike in Sedona, Arizona
- Birthing Cave: A Hidden Gem in Sedona, Arizona
- Cathedral Rock: Exciting Hike in Sedona, Arizona
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