Julie Last updated: September 15, 2022 United States 1 Comment. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. From Brins Mesa, you get panoramic views of the surrounding red rock mountains. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. This is one of the best photo-ops on this loop. website belongs to an official government organization in the Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. parking is very limited. A popular photo spot is in the open archway on the side of the cave. If you plan to spend several days in Sedona, the Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop is a great trail to add onto your to-do list. Just after the Seven Sacred Pools youll find a turnoff to Soldier Pass cave. Share sensitive information only The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. There are numerous other smaller, less-used trails that criss-cross through the Secret Mountain Wilderness, but to prevent unnecessary damage to the forest and landscape, stay on the main spur trail. Stay on the same spur trail you used to get here. ) or https:// means you've safely These passes can be purchased via this website or by using a credit card at various trailheads. Soldier Pass Trail brings you through Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and Soldier Pass Cave before finally ending at Soldier Pass. Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours. There is an obvious fork in the trail. We recommend downloading a trail map before heading out, so you know exactly where to go. Soldier Pass Trail. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. Soldier Pass Trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. we had to wait about 20 minutes for service to arrive. Photos (11,022) Directions. The spur trail to Soldier Pass Cave is located 0.6 miles from the Seven Sacred Pools. The trail continues to climb, ever so slightly. M-F 8 a.m. - 4p.m. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55392. You do not need a Red Rock Pass. The trail ends at the base of a rocky plateau. The advantage of hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the counter-clockwise direction is that you get the climb over and done with early in the hike. Getting up the rocks is relatively easygetting back down was difficult for a bunch of people, as we saw on our visit. 2021 ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA VACATION TRIP Soldier Cave Scramble & Soldier Pass Trail Loop: clockwise. There is no overflow parking along the streets. This has become a popular hiking destination in Sedona, so expect to wait to have your photo taken. Its easy to get lost along the way to the cave, so we recommend downloading a map or two before you head out. the hiking trail runs parallel on the other side of the wash. it is better for hiking. The photos from inside the cave are incredible, and the window overlooking the valley below is one of the best spots for a photo in Sedona. People start arriving around 7:30 am during peak travel season. Just beyond the climb the trail will fork. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The Soldier Pass hike has become an extremely popular trail in Sedona, and for the best experience, its best to do this part of the loop first. At the circle, take the third exit onto the Jordan Road. So if you are looking to do the Cibola look to the far right of the Jordan trailhead. Then we did soldiers pass to the 7 sacred pools and up brim mesa a bit and came down the atv trail for a total 3.5 miles. This trail is recommended as part of a loop with Jordan and Brins Mesa trails, starting at the Jordan Trailhead. Veer left through the circle heading toward Cottonwood on SR89A. ( Heres how to do it. Enter at the signed trailhead which is open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bicycles allowed only on the first 1.3 miles of thetrail to Wilderness Boundary. Admire the vibrant red earth beneath your feet, the agave and juniper growing alongside the trail, and the ever-present view of the surrounding mountains and buttes. If you can get an early start (before 8 am), you can get to the cave before the crowds, so this is a huge advantage. Nearing 2 miles, it levels out on top of Brins Mesa, then continues for another 1/4 miles where it intersects Brins Mesa Trail. The trail dips to cross a wash then climbs out to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole just off the trail to the right at 1/4 miles. bring lots of water! If you are looking for unique scenery, Soldier's Pass trail is a must-do . Turn right here. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a . It then connects to the Jordan Pass Trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete. Cave was pretty and had some great photo spots. Soldier Pass Trail is a very scenic trail that offers plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos. Note: as of 5/2022 the trail head parking lot is closed Thursday-Sunday. Btw, no way to go from cave to Mesa trail unless you really climb. Stunning views! Experience this 6.2-mile loop trail near Flagstaff, Arizona. We recommend planning some extra time to stop and take photos at the Seven Sacred Pools and Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, and urge you to take the extra time to go to the cave. Follow this for 0.3 miles until you reach Devils Kitchen and the Soldier Pass Trail. Required fields are marked *. Return by the same route for a 4.5 mile round trip hike. Youll be descending to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole and then climbing back up, and there isnt signage until youre climbing back up. There is an obvious fork in the trail. Parking is a pain but if u wait it out people usually come and go out of the parking lot. The shuttle drops you off at the closed gate. The trail becomes increasingly steep and rocky as it climbs to the pass. This area is also used by Jeep traffic. But its a lot easier to get a space here than at the Soldier Pass parking lot. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. The pools were created naturally by the gradual erosion of the water, each trickling into the next over the course of many years. Watch out for off-road vehicles slowly making their way up and down Soldiers Pass Road. March 25, 2021. We recommend downloading a map ahead of time. nothing flowing until possible monsoon season. I heard there was a shuttle there. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You will need a Red Rock Pass to park here ($5 per day, $15 per week). Additional parking and restroom facilities may be found at the Jim Thompson Trailhead off of Jordan road. After hiking for about a quarter of a mile, youll come across Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, known to some local hikers as the Grand Piano. The Sinkhole was created by water eroding rock underground, which eventually causes the surface to sink into the earth. This hiking route is for the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the clockwise direction starting at the Brins Mesa Trailhead. Experience this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona. Popular Trails: Yellow Trail and Tour Road; You can access the following trails based on your parking lot: Visitor Center and Wick Farm: Yellow and White Trails; Soldier Huts: Yellow, White and Orange Trails; New York Brigade: Blue Trail; Trail Center: Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, and Red Trails Had to start at Thompson - moseyed our way around the hills to the popular spots. Beautiful trail. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure you pack your sunscreen. Trailhead: Brins Mesa Trailhead (aka the Jim Thompson Trailhead) or Soldier Pass Trailhead. I didnt have the app and it is NOT well marked. Then the trail levels out and it is a quick, easy walk to finish the hike. The trail is nice & easy. The trail forks at the wilderness area boundary sign 1/8 mile further on. Be prepared to spend about one hour at the Soldier Pass cave. Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop. About Soldier Pass Trail and the hike to Soldier Pass Cave. See Nearby RentalsMore Sedona Hiking Trails, I Love Sedona After hiking for another mile, youll come across the Seven Sacred Pools, which is a sacred gathering place for indigenous people and vital source of water for the areas wildlife. However, this spur trail was blocked off, so we did not do it. There is no alternate parking available outside these times, so plan your hike accordingly. No good moderate with easy to follow trails. About another .25 mile up the trail, you'll pass a series of seven potholes carved in the sandstone by water runoff. There isnt a ton of canopy coverage along this trail, so be sure to bring the proper sun protection and pack plenty of water. on official, secure websites. Total distance to the Soldier Pass trail is about 1.0 mile when walking this direction. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.4 mi hike in Sedona, Arizona. Overall great hike. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Scenery is stunning. The main trailhead listed for this trail is not suitable for horse trailers. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. The trailhead for the Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is off Canyon Shadows Drive. Location: 28 miles south of Flagstaff (1 mile north of Sedona) on paved and dirt Forest roads in scenic red rock country. This lot holds approximately 50 cars and will fill by mid-morning, so you still need to get here relatively early. Motorizedaccess beyond the trailheadrequires a permit. Official websites use .gov A .gov Hiking shoes. On the first part of the spur trail, you will hike across this plateau. The extra traction on hiking shoes will make your climb up into the cave and on the cave ledges much easier and safer. From the fork in the road, there is a 0.5-mile walk to the cave. There is one small parking lot at this trailhead, however, there will be NO PARKING allowed at the lot on Thursday through Sunday during which time. On the Soldier Pass Trail, you get to see Devils Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools, with the option to add on the Soldier Pass cave. From the Brins Mesa Trailhead, follow the trail signs for the Cibola Pass Trail. The trail continues uphill and begins to get steeper. Continue on the Soldier Pass Trail for another 0.6 miles until you get to the spur trail to Soldier Pass cave. Take the Jordan Pass Trail to the right. Some users report relying on a GPS track to help navigate unclear sections. This popular route is highlighted by views over Mormon Canyon, Capitol Butte, Brins Mesa, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devils Kitchen and miles of . Get more information and apply for a permit at Soldier Pass Motorized Use Permits. You will also get ahead of the crowds and hike in the cooler part of the day. Enjoy the sweeping views from the mesa before descending on the Soldier Pass Trail. Almost immediately you will hike up and over a small hill. Map showing recreational areas. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. Very easy to get by.. highly recommended if you want to start with something easy. The trail to the cave is a spur trail that you can find at a fork in the trail about one and a half miles into the trail. Learn more here. We recommend downloading your GPS track ahead of time as the trail can become a touch confusing where there isnt clear signage. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Since this is done as a loop, you are always hiking through new landscapes, so the view is always changing. After youre done exploring the cave, retrace your steps back to the main trail where you entered the path to the cave. Driving Directions from Sedona to the Jordan (aka Jim Thompson) Trailhead: From the traffic circle at the intersection of Arizona 89A and 179 head north on Arizona 89A for 0.3 miles to a traffic circle. To get into Soldier Pass cave, you will have to rock scramble up a pile of rocks that somewhat resemble steps. Bring at least 2 liters of water in the summer. Try this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Hiking the Burins Mesa - Soldier Pass Trail Loop. The trail is very well marked and heavily trafficked, so it . For more information about things to do in Arizona, take a look at our Arizona Travel Guide. Be sure to read the posted safety information before starting out on Soldier Pass Trail. The cave is challenging to climb into but is worth it! To do this loop in a clockwise direction, follow signs for Cibola Pass. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole Seven Sacred Pools Also, there is no charge for parking at the park & ride location. Finally, note that the parking lot at Soldier Pass opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. Soldier Pass Motorized Access: The unpaved section Soldier Pass Road provides access for motorized vehicles to visit Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, "Seven Sacred Pools," and the Forest Roads in the area. Im pretty out of shape and managed to hike up to the cave and inside and take a break in under 3 hrs. This photo is looking back at the Brins Mesa Trail. The middle cave is quick and easy to visit. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. very interesting area. Our stay in Sedona from June 27 to July 1 is kind of frustrating. This parking lot is gated and open from 8 am to 6 pm. The right branch leads up rather steeply for 1/4 mile to an arch. I spent a lot of time taking pics. Soldiers Pass Sunrise Trail. The service operates Thursday through Sunday and is free and open to the general public. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is just past the end of the 44 road. There is a machine at this trailhead to purchase your pass (credit cards only) as well as toilets. Note: This trailhead only has 14 parking spots and no trash or restroom facilities. Youll hike parallel to the wash towards the pools. Water and snacks. This part of the trail is not marked, making it easy to get lost. V. Beginning from the Soldier Pass Trailhead, head across Soldier Wash and turn left at the first junction. After about 1.2 miles of hiking from the Soldier Pass trailhead, there is a fork in the trail. There is one climb on this hike, as you hike up onto the mesa, and this will come in the second half of the hike. The trail then goes over level ground for 1/4 mile to the "Seven Sacred Pools" (photo) to the left of the trail. View album on Flicker. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. Once in the cave, have fun taking your photos. Its mostly uphill and it has some very steep, rocky sections. Where to Stay in Sedona: Best Hotels for Your Budget, How to Hike to Boynton Canyon and the Subway Cave, How to Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, Six 4WD Roads in Sedonaand Which Ones are Worth It, Complete Guide to the Soldier Pass Trail & Soldier Pass Cave, The Complete Guide to the Birthing Cave Hike | Sedona, Arizona. Keep right at Cibola Pass Trail and then right again. While the signage is alright in spots, it lacks in others. Going up to the cave was the most challenging, but if you stay on the regular trail loop, its not too bad. At the top of the climb, turn around and take in the view down the canyon. Keep going until you reach the next traffic circle and continue straight on 89A. Youll then keep right. Spectacular views! LockA locked padlock The Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop combines two scenic hiking trails into one awesome experience. This is the main cave to visitthe other two are optional, if you are looking for a cool photo spot or just like the idea of thoroughly exploring this area. End the hike with the less crowded Brins Mesa Trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete. Soldier Loop Trail. This is one of the few climbs of the hike so you get this one over with almost right away. In addition, this trail leads to a spur trail guiding hikers to some of Sedona's famous caves. Easy 4.3 (972) Sedona, Arizona. Once the gates are locked, your vehicle will be spending the night in the parking lot. Most if not all parks and picnic areas in Sedona are closed. The Soldier Pass trailhead is located at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road. Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road on the right. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.4 mi hike in Sedona, Arizona. Brins Mesa - Soldiers Pass Trail Loop - 5.2 Miles Round-Trip The Brins Mesa, Soldiers Pass, Jordan, and Cibola Pass trails form a 5.2 mile loop through stunning red rock formations and open desert just outside downtown Sedona.. About another .25 mile up the trail, you'll pass a series of seven potholes carved in the sandstone by water runoff. Most of the shade is lost, but the views open up. The coordinates where you'll find the pathway to the cave are 3453'51.8"N 11147'16.0"W. The left branch is the main trail. Try this 4.9-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. To get to Soldier Pass Cave, you will hike by Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools along the Soldier Pass hike. To confirm you are in the correct spot, look for the very small Wilderness sign that is posted on the tree. Soldier Pass / Brin's Mesa This loop trail through the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness offers moderate elevation changes and lots of variety: the Devil's Sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools near the beginning, massive arches along the canyon wall during the climb up Soldier Pass, and long views from the top of Brin's Mesa. this is the jeep trail. Continue past the pools to the top of the loop and then make a sharp right. Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road on the right. There are two starting points for the Brins Mesa -Soldier Pass Loop. Since this hike is done as a loop, you can do this in two different directions. The first half of this trail is often busy, and there is jeep tour and off-road vehicle traffic nearby. The walk was easy. Really dry and the pools dont have much water in them but the sites are still amazing. It was hot, like I said heatwave, so go early! Leave No Trace. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to. If you want to get a space here, you need to get in line early, before the gates open. Trail was beautiful! At the first traffic circle, take the 2nd exit to continue on 89A. Great views, not well marked for long stretches. Our website uses cookies. Your email address will not be published. If you have hiking poles, this is a good place to use them. Very easy trail with some small ups and downs. Glad I was using AllTrails to keep us on track! This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people . If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Great views. Awesome moderate trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. You can visit the Seven Sacred Pools on this trail and enjoy Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten above you. We ran out of time to do the full hike we wanted to do. Soldier Pass, Brins Mesa, and Adobe Jack Loop, Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail. really lovely trail. Parking at the Soldier Pass trailhead is very limited. This trailhead, which is also called the Jim Thompson Trailhead, is the best starting point for this hike, in my opinion. Retrace your steps back to the Soldier Pass Trail. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail to the Devils Kitchen ( sink hole) is very close. When looking for the cave, look for the wilderness sign and cave is carved into the tree. Its amazing. The trail is very well marked and heavily trafficked, so it shouldnt be too hard to navigate. Explore this 5.5-km loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Soldiers Pass Trail is one of the easiest trails to access from the center of Sedona, with it only being 3 miles away. Also, you should only attempt to make it to the cave if youre comfortable scrambling up very steep rock and have appropriate climbing shoes. There are no restrooms at this parking lot. Terms & Conditions, The Village of Oak Creek Vacation Rentals. As of Jan. 8, 2020 Recreation.gov will be handling motorized use permits. However, if you plan to hike to the Soldier Pass Cave, I recommend wearing hiking shoes. Soldier Pass Trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. If youre adventurous and very careful when you get to the very end of the trail there is a cave you can get to for a beautiful 180 view. Another collapse is predicted in the future. Stay to the right to hike the Brins Mesa Trail. Description. From Sedona's center, start by heading south on 89A. There are three caves here (see our photos of each below). All forests access in Sedona are closed. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Keep going to the Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass trail. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 A gravel road leads to the parking lot and it is suitable for standard cars. Good hike for late afternoon. We missed the Cibola pass trailhead marker and started with Jordan. The wider, busier trail to the right goes to Soldier Pass Cave. It is commonly done as part of a loop hike with the Brins Mesa Trail where Soldier's Pass terminates. Supervisor's Office The trail continues uphill and begins to get steeper. United States. Want to report conditions for this trail? Continue along the Soldier Pass Trail for another 0.4 miles until you get to the Seven Sacred Pools. Start the hike early. Just follow to the trail head. Map Information, Note: Bicycles prohibited in the wilderness. Be sure to read the posted safety information before starting out on Soldier Pass Trail. Enjoy this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. This is the entrance to the cave and the line of hikers waiting to enter. Soldier Pass Cave is a half-mile trek from the Soldier Pass Trail, and it's a steep, rocky, uphill climb. If youre ever not sure where to go next, be on the lookout for cairns that mark the way. Once youve made it to Soldier Pass Cave, be sure to explore both of the chambers, and try to get a classic photo in the window carved into the side of the rock, overlooking the valley below. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. : Yes, on a leash Permits & Fees: Many hikes in Sedona require a Red Rock's Pass. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes for this hike. This leads out of the wash on a moderate grade. Your email address will not be published. Check out this 3.4-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. It's $5 for a day pass, $15 for a 7-day pass, or $20 for a This arm of the trail will take you back to the trailhead. You will hike on steep, rocky trails and series of steps. Those red rocks are backgrounds for the entire walk - gorgeous. Nice views and super quiet ! That really depends on the season. This hike was the most intense hike of my entire life. Office: (928) 527-3600 Depending on recent rainfall, some or all of the pools will be filled with water during your visit. No clouds , bright blue sky! Moderate 4.7 (6727) Coconino National Forest. The advantage of hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop in the counter-clockwise direction is that you get the climb over and done with early in the hike. It was a beautiful place to walk and take pictures. Uses: Hiking, horseback riding, biking (bicycles allowed only for the first 1.3 miles to Wilderness Boundary). This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. Our Recommendation: In my opinion, the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop works best in a clockwise direction, especially if you plan to visit the Soldier Pass Cave. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a gated entry road to trailhead parking on the left. , so go early if possible. The Soldier Pass cave was one of the busiest spots we saw on our recent visit to Sedona, so do not expect solitude at this cave, unless you are here very early or late in the day. Bicycles are prohibited in Wilderness area. Great trail, not well marked, but easy to get back on track. Brins Mesa Trailhead. In 1995, part of the north wall caved in. Devils Kitchen is a massive sinkhole that has had two major collapses, one in the early 1880s and the other much more recently, in 1989. The slightly narrower trail to the left is Soldier Pass Trail and this continues to Brins Mesa. By starting early, you can get one of the limited parking spaces in the trailhead parking lot. The slightly narrower trail to the left is Soldier Pass Trail and this continues to Brins Mesa. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use this rather than purchasing a Red Rock Pass. The turnoff is not very well marked, so pay careful attention for the logs, stones, and national forest wilderness sign that mark the entrance. Print/PDF map. You can also get to this trailhead on the Sedona Shuttle. You will hike down these stairs as you hike back to the Brins Mesa parking lot. It continues on in the partial shade of Arizona cypress and intersects the end of a jeep road at 1.2 miles. The city of Sedona offers a free shuttle service to the trailhead from a designated park & ride within central Sedona. This climb is similar to the hike up to Soldier Pass cave. The Brins Mesa Trailhead is located at the end of W Park Ridge Road. Note: there is an alternative route to Soldiers Pass Trail via the Jim Thompson Trailhead. I would rate it high intensity. Just residual water right now. This trail provides a diverse experience beginning in an urban setting and eventually leads into Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, increasing the potential for solitude. An official website of the Starting from Soldier Pass Trailhead along Forest Service 9904 Rd, enter the trail right next to a gate marked for off-road vehicles. Looking up at the third cave (the cave farthest to the left). connected to the .gov website. If youre going to the cave, take extra care to wear the proper footwear. Starting from Soldier Pass Trailhead along Forest Service 9904 Rd, enter the trail right next to a gate marked for off-road vehicles. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 10 min to complete. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Trail was well marked. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. For the next half-mile, the trail climbs up onto the mesa. What We Did: We did this in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the Brins Mesa Trailhead. The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is an awesome hike that really shows off Sedonas one-of-a-kind natural beauty. We ended up at another parking lot, but getting a tiny bit lost was an adventure! There are advantages to doing this in each direction. If you do this loop in a clockwise direction, you will hike the Soldier Pass Trail before the Brins Mesa Trail. It was a beautiful sunny day! See Bicycle Restriction: Red Rock Country under Forest Orders for information about off-trail biking and permitted slickrock areas in the Sedona area. Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours Trailhead: Brins Mesa Trailhead (aka the Jim Thompson Trailhead) or Soldier Pass Trailhead Red Rock Pass: If you start at the Brins Mesa Trailhead, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do this hike. How early? The wider, busier trail to the right goes to Soldier Pass Cave. Fax: (928) 527-3620 Most if not all scenic drives in Sedona are closed. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. With the shuttle system running Thursday thru Sunday, the Soldiers Pass parking lot is closed. The Cibola Pass Trail is about a half-mile long. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock From the parking area, the trail begins to climb gradually for about .25 mile when you reach Devils Kitchen, a sink hole with a large block of sandstone balanced on the side. This popular route is highlighted by views over Mormon Canyon, Capitol Butte, Brins Mesa, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devils Kitchen and miles of . Location: 28 miles south of Flagstaff (1 mile north of Sedona) on paved and dirt Forest roads in scenic red rock country. Getting a space here is MUCH easier than getting one at the Soldier Pass Trailhead. This parking lot is located within a residential community. At the last minute, we decided to hike the entire loop. From there you can continue on the trail up and over Soldiers Pass, or call it a day and head back the way you came to the parking lot. This trail starts at the end of Shadow Canyon Dr. in Sedona. To get to the cave, it is a 0.5 mile walk, one-way. Ultimately, scenic vistas can be enjoyed south into Sedona and north into the wilderness and the red cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. Always a good reason to come back to Sedona. Some of the best views will be behind you, so every so often, turn around and enjoy the view. Soldier Pass Cave is on the far right. Once youve made it to the point where you can see two arches in the rock, youre nearly to Soldier Pass Cave. Great hike/trail. The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. Photos (161) Directions. This is a very popular area for mountain biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely . Print/PDF map. It was rough trying to figure out parking because when we arrived no one was there but gates were opened. There is a small gravel parking lot that holds a grand total of 14 vehicles. Red Rock Pass: If you start at the Brins Mesa Trailhead, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do this hike. Please check with local authorities before heading out there this summer. Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop, Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail, Brins Mesa Trail to Jordan Cibola Pass Trail, Brins Mesa via Brins Mesa and Brins Ridge Trail, Jordan, Javelina, Crusty, Jack Loop, Soldier Pass, and Brins Mesa Loop. Coconino NationalForest 3190 W State Rte 89A #400, Sedona, AZ 86336, 2022 I Love Sedona | We kept going to Brins Mesa then took the Soldiers Pass road back to the trail head. Now you are on top of the plateau. Once you reach the end of the plateau, it is a rapid descent towards the parking lot. If you have any questions about hiking the Brins Mesa Soldier Pass Loop, let us know in the comment section below. For more information on shuttle schedules and park & ride locations, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Head back down the other side of the pools and around the base of Morning Glory Spire. So many trails connect to it so u can make your trip longer or shorter if u want to. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Theres a ton of shade but definitely need to bring some water! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. 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