Soldier Pass Arches

The Soldier Pass Arches hike meets all the requirements of a downright perfect day hike. Just three miles round trip. Check. A challenging, but not impossible, trail. Check. Gorgeous views and a few fun places to check out. Check. We started our hike at Soldier Pass Trail. Named after the soldiers that supposedly used this trail during the Apache Wars, the beginning of this trail is relatively shaded, and the trail kicks off with two neat attractions. At .15 miles, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Kitchen − one of Sedona’s largest sinkholes − on the right. A sign explains that this sinkhole, which sits at the base of the Sphinx Rock, formed after rainwater ate away the limestone ceiling of an underground cavern. See large, jagged chunks of limestone piled together. Be careful not to fall in as there’s no fence surrounding it.

The Seven Sacred Pools is one of the iconic sites hikers can see on the Soldier Pass Arches Trail.

At .55 miles, you’ll find Seven Sacred Pools. These seven small scoops have naturally formed in the ground and hold water for wildlife. Look forward to great views of Coffee Pot here. At about the 1.25-mile mark on the Soldier Pass trail, you’ll find a group of branches lining the ground signaling that there’s more to explore. Turn right, and you’ll quickly find yourself on a slickrock ledge in a box canyon and surrounded by good views. Walk across the ledge (cairns or small rock formations may mark the trail in some places) and then turn right onto a well-traveled trail that can be steep, but is short at 0.2 miles. Rocks can dislodge. Mind your footing.

Sedona’s red rocks stand tall along this iconic local trail.

At the end of the trail, you’ll see two arches. Head to the second arch or alcove on the right. You’ll see a circular lookout “window” that sits beside that arch. Feeling adventurous? You can even climb up inside the arch and sit in the “window.” Head to the right, underneath the arch, and then scramble up. Footholds are natural. But take your time. Snap some photos in the window or just enjoy the cool, shaded view − it’s like your very own private hideaway. If you’re up for another scramble, head across a ledge inside the arch and then scramble up rocks. This is one of Sedona’s most underrated caves that’s just a neat spot to check out. From there, you’ll enjoy sweeping Sedona vistas. Climb back down and return the way you came for an out-and-back trail that totals 3 miles.