★★★★☆ Moderate / Sedona
A two-story, red rock cave, sporting excellent Sedona views, sits at the top of this trail. Although primitive, the Soldiers Pass Caves Hiking Trail is well worn and a cinch to follow. Inside the cave, a short, steep, rock scramble leads to a hidden upper chamber.
TRAILHEAD: rim shadows drive,Sedona, AZ • DIFFICULTY: Moderate • DISTANCE: 1.7 MILEs (3.4 miles RT) • APPROX. TIME: 2-3 HOURS • STARTING ELEVATION: 4,450 • ELEVATION GAIN: 450 FEET (32 STORIES) • APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 510-580 RT • BEST TIME OF YEAR: sept. – june • PETS: YES (but steep) • KID FRIENDLY: yes (10 and over) • FACILITIES: none • FEES: RED ROCK ($5 DAILY, $15 WEEKLY, $20 ANNUAL) OR NATIONAL PARK PASS ($85 ANNUAL) REQUIRED
The Start – Soldiers Pass
To reach the Solders Pass Caves Hiking Trail, take Soldiers Pass Hiking Trail for 1.4 miles from its trailhead. Pass Devils Kitchen Sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools. And continue through the wooded area following the valley alongside Brins Mesa.
The Caves Turnoff
The Soldiers Pass Caves Trail veers off to the right at a sharp turn in Soldiers Pass Trail. A row of logs and stones mark its start. And a National Forest Wilderness sign hangs near the entrance. (Hint: if you reach the large Red Rock Secret Wilderness sign, you’ve gone too far. Head back about 50 feet to find the turnoff.) Although this area is designated wilderness, it is legal to enter the area. All visitors are highly encouraged to be respectful, to follow all Leave No Trace Principles and to stay on the already established, primitive pathway.
The trail is 0.3-miles from the turnoff to the caves. It kicks off with a moderate climb, then crosses a wide stone expanse. After this, the path gets steep and rocky as it makes its ascent.
At last the trail reaches the base of Brins Mesa’s red rock cliffs. Here, two shallow, side by side, caves recede into the sandstone. Both are shady, cool and fun to explore. The cave on the right leads to the upper chamber.
Climb the rocks inside the cave’s right side to reach it. At the top, a high alcove, with a narrow ledge, spans both caves. Light streams in from a crevice in the ceiling. And a small window is perfect for sitting and taking in the views of the valley below.
Total Nerdery Soldiers Pass is named after General Crooks Army Scouts, who lived in Fort Verde during the 1870-80’s. They used this trail to travel through parts of the Arizona Territory.
Resources Click here to download a Soldiers Pass trail map
Directions:
Free Sedona Shuttle – From the intersection of 89A and SR 179, turn left/west on 89A and continue for 1.5 miles to Posse Ground Road. Turn right/north and drive 0.5 miles to the Posse Grounds Park and Ride. Shuttle 14 departs every 50 minutes, Thursday – Sunday, from 7:00 am – 4:10 pm.
Trailhead – (Note: The 14-car lot fills quickly, making the Shuttle a good alternative.) From the intersection of 89A and SR 179, turn left/west on 89A. Drive 1.2 miles to Solider Pass Road. Turn right / north on Soldier Pass Road and continue 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive. Turn right/east on Rim Shadows Drive and drive 0.2 miles to a gated entry road (keeping straight where Rim Shadows Drive splits left). The lot is on the left side of the road.
6 Responses to Soldiers Pass Caves Hiking Trail
I see that you did mention the lack of parking at the trailhead. It is next to impossible to get parking. People will sit in their cars for over a hour waiting for a spot to open up in the tiny parking lot. Time I’d rather be on another trial.
The parking lot is definitely a challenge! However, there are areas along Soldiers Pass Road where parking is allowed. Or, you can park at the much larger Brins Mesa, Jordan and Cibola Pass Trailhead and do the 1 mile hike across Cibola and Jordan Trails to access Soldiers Pass Trail.
Not any more. There are now no parking signs all along the neighborhood roads
Thank you for letting us know. I’ll have to check this out.
We did the hike earlier today. No parking at the trailhead. However, Debbie operates a private shuttle from a nearby public parking lot just off Soldiers Pass road near the dog park. Her number is 928-592-2011. Rides are on a donation basis and she is very nice.
Great information. Thanks for sharing.