Soldier Pass Trail: How to Find The Hidden Cave & More
So, you want to hike the Soldier Pass Trail, eh? I’m willing to bet that the seven sacred pools and the hidden cave are on your radar! And for good reason.
Among the best hikes in Sedona, the Soldier Pass Trail stands out as a personal favorite, and let me tell you, the hidden cave steals the spotlight.
So, tighten those boot laces because we’re hitting the trail together, and I’ll spill the secrets on how to find that hidden cave.
It’s a must-see on your next trip to Sedona!
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About The Soldier Pass Trail
This trail is great for kids, dogs, and beginners. However, if you plan on heading into the cave, it’s better to have a little more hiking experience.
Also, if you’re looking to explore several of Sedona’s well-known spots, like Devil’s Kitchen and the seven sacred pools, all in one go, Soldiers Pass Trail is the way to go.
It’s a popular trail and gets pretty crowded, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!
If this sounds like the kind of hike you’re into, then keep reading for more details!
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 856 feet
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Type: Out & Back
Time: 2-4 hours
Fee: Free if you park at the Soldier Pass Trail Parking Lot or take the shuttle. A Red Rock Pass is required to park in the alternate Brins Mesa Trail Parking Lot.
Are you looking for more Sedona hikes? If so, then you’ll love reading my other posts:
Starting Points for the Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass Parking Lot
The start of the Soldier Pass trail, head north on Soldier Pass Road then take a right on Shadow Rock Drive and a left onto Forest Service Road 9904. You’ll find a small gravel parking lot for 14 cars at the end of the Forest Service Road.
Important to note: It’s only open from 8 am to 6 pm when the shuttle isn’t running. Otherwise, the gate to the lot is closed, and you can not park along the residential neighborhood roads. You will get a ticket or even towed!
If you’re planning a visit outside those hours, you’ll have to take the Sedona shuttle to get there.
FYI: During my visit in September, the shuttle wasn’t running, so I went to park in this lot. I got there at 7 am and joined a line of cars, crossing my fingers for a parking spot. Luckily, I was the 14th car and snagged the final parking space. Unfortunately, the rest of the cars had to wait or turn around.
So what I’m saying is – ARRIVE EARLY!
Also, heads up, they lock the gate at 6 pm. So, if your car’s in the parking lot, make sure it’s out before 6 pm, or it will be spending the night and probably have a ticket on the window!
Starting from the Soldier Pass Trailhead parking area
Brins Mesa Trail Parking Lot
This larger parking area is at the end of W Park Ridge Road and can fit at least 50 cars. It’s open 24/7, so you can come and go when you want without worrying about your car getting locked in or ticketed.
You will need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park here. The shuttle doesn’t take you to this spot. Since it gets busy fast, it’s best to arrive early.
Keep in mind, though, that parking here adds an extra mile one way and about 20 minutes to your hike. Follow the Cibola Pass Trail to the Jordan Trail, and you’ll end up on the Soldier Pass Trail at Devil’s Kitchen.
Trail from Brins Mesa Trailhead to where it connects with the Soldier Pass Trail at Devils Kitchen
Taking The Shuttle
The shuttle runs Thursday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. You can park at their assigned park-and-ride locations in uptown Sedona, and the shuttle will take you to popular trails with limited parking. It’s completely free and an excellent way to avoid the hassle of parking.
The Sedona Shuttle stops are:
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Cathedral Rock
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Little Horse
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Soldiers Pass Trail
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Dry Creek Road Trail
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Mescal Trail
The Shuttle Park & Ride Locations are:
North SR 179 Park and Ride, 1294 SR 179 with service to:
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Cathedral Rock Trailhead
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Little Horse Trailhead
Posse Grounds Park and Ride, 20 Carruth Dr. (in West Sedona), with service to:
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Soldier Pass Trailhead
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Dry Creek Trailhead
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Mescal Trailhead
When the shuttles are running, the popular Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass Trailhead parking lots are closed! You’ll need to use the shuttle to get there during shuttle hours. But when the shuttle isn’t running, you can park at the trailheads.
For updates and more information, check out the Sedona Shuttle website.
The trail is well marked till you get to the Soldier Pass Cave spur trail
Hiking Soldier Pass Trail & Finding The Hidden Cave
Soldier Pass Trail is one of the best hikes in Sedona. It’s probably because it’s so easygoing for all kinds of hikers and has many jaw-dropping sights along the way.
FYI: Since I hiked Soldier Pass Trail from the Soldier Pass Trailhead, the rest of this post will cover how to hike this route.
Devils Kitchen
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Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole
Once you’re at the trailhead, the adventure kicks off immediately. After walking about a quarter mile through a wash, you’ll make your way slightly uphill to the first exciting spot on the trailāthe Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole.
Devils kitchen is an active sinkhole. There have been two significant collapses so far – one in the 1880s and another in 1989. The sinkhole measures 150 feet wide and 50 feet deep. It was formed as water eroded the limestone caverns underground, causing the surface to collapse.
The sinkhole keeps changing and growing, so who knows, it might look different the next time you visit Sedona.
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Seven Sacred Pools
Keep going for another 0.4 miles, and you’ll come across the Seven Sacred Pools on the left side of the trail. These are a set of pools in a row along a sandstone ridge.
When I visited, the sacred pools were full, but keep in mind they might dry up during the scorching summer months.
Interestingly, they got their name from Jeep tour guides, who started calling them the “seven sacred pools,” and the name just stuck. Just to clarify, they’re not actually sacred, and there’s no vortex business going on.
FYI: The initial stretch of this hike traces along a Jeep Road commonly used by tour companies, so don’t be surprised if you catch glimpses and sounds of Jeep tours during the first mile of the Soldier Pass Trail.
Map showing Soldier Pass Cave spur trail. #1 marks the cave.
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Finding the Hidden Soldier Pass Cave
Now, let’s move on to the highlight of the trail – Soldier Pass Cave.
Keep on the trail for a little over half a mile after passing the Seven Sacred Pools. You’ll come to an obvious fork in the road where you’ll see two signs.
On the left-hand side, you’ll see a sign that says “Trail.” Do not go left if you want to find the cave. Left takes you to the top of Soldier Pass.
On the right side, you’ll see a National Forest Wilderness sign attached to a tree. Go RIGHT if you want to hike up to the secret cave.
You’ll know you are going the right way when you see a tree with the word “Cave” and an arrow carved into it after going right.
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The spur trail that leads to the cave is exactly 1.3 miles from the trailhead.
Follow the trail to the right up to an open mesa. Stay left as you pass over the open mesa and head to the cliff wall up ahead. You might even see the soldier pass arches in the cliff wall from here.
The open mesa you will cross and the view of the arches on the cliff wall.
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You’ll easily find the well-beaten rocky trail that leads up to the cave once you are over the mesa.
Just a heads up ā the climb to the cave is quite steep, and you might need to do some scrambling over loose rocks. Just take your time and watch your footing.
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The distance from the turn-off at the fork in the road to the Soldier Pass Cave is 0.5 miles.
The trail ends at the base of the rocky cliff, and you’ll find Soldier Pass Cave nestled behind the trees on the right side. Just look for people waiting for their turn to climb into the cave.
The outside of the Soldier Pass Cave
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Inside the Soldier Pass Cave
Once you arrive at the cave, you’ll have to carefully climb a pile of rocks through a narrow gap to make your way into the cave.
Going up was surprisingly easy, but be prepared ā coming back down can be quite challenging!
Be prepared to wait your turn to get your photo on the cave open ledge.
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Once inside the cave, enjoy snapping your photos. A favored picture spot is within the open archway on the cave’s side.
If you’re feeling more adventurous than I was, you can climb the rock slide toward the back of the cave and pop out on top for some breathtaking views.
Nobody was climbing up on the day of my visit, but I’ve read about it and seen pictures from the top. I’m definitely giving it a shot when I return.
Favored photo spot inside the Soldiers Pass Cave.
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The Hike Doesn’t Have to End
You Have a couple of options to finish your hike from here:
Option One:
If you only came to see the cave, that’s great. You can just go back the way you came and follow the soldier pass trail back to your car.
Option Two:
You can head back to the fork in the road we discussed earlier, but this time, take the trail to the right.
Follow the “Trail” sign and continue further up the soldier pass trail, 0.5 miles, where the trail will climb up onto a ridge giving you some pretty amazing views. Then, you can retrace your steps back down the soldier pass trail back to your car.
Option Three:
Once you are at the top of the ridge, the Soldier Pass Trail will connect with the Brins Mesa Trail. You can continue on here, taking the Brins Mesa Loop.
You’ll hike the Brins Mesa Trail to the Cibola Trail, which then turns into the Jordan Trail. The Jordan Trail ends up back at Devil’s Kitchen on the Soldier Pass Trail. From there, you’ll follow the Soldier Pass Trail back to your vehicle.
If you choose to hike the whole loop, your hike will be 6 miles in total.
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Solder Pass Trail – Brins Mesa Loop
Tips For a Successful Soldiers Pass Trail Hike
To make the most of your adventure on the Soldier Pass Trail, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable hike!
Early bird gets the parking space
Kick off your day bright and early to snag one of the few parking spots at the trailhead. Being an early bird not only secures your parking but also puts you ahead of the crowds and the heat.
Start at Brins Mesa Trailhead
Finding a parking space here is much easier, and there is no time limit on when you can park. Making it a better choice if you want to stay out for sunset. It only adds an extra 2 miles to your hike, plus you get to soak in more of those stunning red rock views. Win-win!
Sunset Hike is Better
I recommend doing this hike at sunset because there will be fewer crowds, and you might even get the cave all to yourself. Plus, the sunset views from up top, if you are brave enough to climb up the rock side at the back of the cave, are absolutely incredible. Some friends of mine did it and showed me pictures. I’m definitely climbing to the top and watching the sunset when I go back!
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
This trail offers very little shade, so it’s crucial to be well-prepared. You should carry at least a liter of water for every hour you’ll be hiking, especially during the summer. Stay hydrated, and make sure you’ve packed enough to last the whole hike
Sun Protection
Given the open exposure of the trail, protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the Arizona sun.
Best Time to Hike Soldier Pass Trail
For the best combo of mild weather and avoiding the masses, your best bet is hiking in the fall or spring. That’s the sweet spot ā not too hot, not too crowded. Perfect for soaking in all those red rock wonders! Also, note the seven sacred pools will most likely be full in the spring or after a good rain fall.
Leave No Trace
Respect the environment by packing out all your trash and adhering to the “Leave No Trace” principles. Help preserve the beauty of Devil’s Bridge for future hikers.
Essential Hiking Gear
Summer Gear:
Day Backpack – The Osprey Daylite Plus daypack is my top choice for day hikes! It’s small, but it is mighty! You’d be surprised at what I’ve fit in there! Whether you’re out on the trails or just exploring the city, this daypack will have your back!
Water Bottle – Trust me on this one ā the Grayl filter water bottle is a must-have. It’s been a total game-changer for me, making sure I’ve got clean and safe drinking water wherever my adventures take me! After dealing with a nasty stomach bug in Peru, there’s no way I’m risking that again ā hence, the arrival of this water bottle into my life!
Hiking Boots – I can’t recommend the Solomon X Utra 4 enough! It’s been my personal favorite for a while now! It’s got the kind of traction you’ll need for the trails in Sedona!
Sunglasses – I’m in love with Foldies Sunglasses! I’ve been wearing them for over a year now, and they are my go-to for traveling! They fold down three times and slide right into your pocket. Perfect for someone like me who loves keeping it light and easy!
Winter Gear:
Merino Wool Base Layer – I’ve been wearing my Smartwool Merino Wool Base Layer for YEARS. I swear by them! I adore how these keep me cozy even in the chilliest weather, and the best part? They’re odor-resistant! So, no stinking after sweating my way through a weekend of hiking in Sedona.
Waterproof Hiking Pants – Being wet is not my thing, be it from rain, snow, or sweating ā it always leads to feeling cold. That’s why these waterproof hiking pants are fantastic. They not only keep me dry but also avoid turning into a sweat trap, unlike many others I’ve tried.
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Best Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip to Sedona
šµ Looking to make the most of your time in Sedona? Take a look at my article, Ultimate Sedona Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Getaway.
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š©ļø Just a heads up ā score extra One Key Cash by booking your flights and car rental through Expedia. Use it for more travel adventures and discounts down the road!
š Explore GetYourGuide or Viator for exciting tours and activities in Sedona. Plus, enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll get a full refund if plans take an unexpected turn.
š§³ Make sure you don’t forget anything with this complete Sedona Packing List.
Other Popular Hikes to Do When Visiting Sedona
If you’re craving more adventure beyond Soldier Pass Trail, Sedona has plenty to offer. Check out these other popular hikes to make the most of your visit!
Cathedral Rock Hike
Length: 1.2 miles
Completion time: 1-2 hours
Arguably, the most popular hike in Sedona, the Cathedral Rock Trail, presents a thrilling challenge as it ascends over 700 feet in just half a mile. Be prepared for some rock scrambling and mild climbing, but the effort is well worth it.
Reaching the saddle of the butte unveils a breathtaking panorama, treating you to sweeping views of the iconic red rock formations that define Sedona’s landscape. Most popular at sunrise and sunset.
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Devils Bridge Hike
Length: 6.4 miles round trip from Mescal Trailhead
Completion Time: 2-2.5 hours
The Devil’s Bridge hike in Sedona is an absolute must for first-timers, making it a rite of passage in the red rock country. While it’s true that this trail is very popular and crowded, especially given its stunning natural arch as the endpoint, the experience is entirely worth it!
The iconic Devil’s Bridge offers a breathtaking panoramic view that’s simply unparalleled. So, despite the crowds, including it in your Sedona itinerary is a non-negotiable for an unforgettable and quintessential Sedona experience.
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Subway Cave Hike
Length: 5.3 miles
Completion Time: 3.5 hours
The Subway Cave is a unique geological formation that makes for drool worth Instagram photos. Its popularity has been on the rise, drawing more and more visitors.
The trail leading to the cave is relatively easy, but getting into the cave involves either scrambling up a rock chute or opting for a slightly easier route around to the left. Be sure to walk around the ledge to visit some cool ruins.
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Done all the hikes you want to do and looking for other things to do? Then you’ll want to check out my post, “29 Awesome Things To Do In Sedona Besides Hiking.”
That’s a Wrap: Hiking Soldier Pass Trail
The Soldier Pass Trail Hike may be one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, drawing crowds, but itās still a must-see spot.
With a little careful planning and timing, you can work around the masses, and you may even have the secret cave all to yourself for some epic photos.
So, lace up those hiking boots and head out to hike the Soldiers Pass Trail to find the cave!
Talk to ya later!
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