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Soldier Pass Cave and Brins Mesa Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (40)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. Sedona
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“A loop hike that includes Soldier Pass Trail, and a spur to an alcove. ”

John Maurizi
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5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

Loop

5,056' 1,541 m

High

4,461' 1,360 m

Low

853' 260 m

Up

853' 260 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Good for adventurous families

It's best to park at the Soldier Pass Trail or take the shuttle there. Starting from the Brins Mesa Trail involves significant 4X4, high clearance and has minimal parking space.
Please stay on trail when on Brins Mesa. There is sensitive cryptobiotic soil in the area which does not recover from our footprints' destruction.

Overview

Expansive views of the area, archaeological sites, and a fun spur. There are some amazing views from atop Brins Mesa and as you enter Soldier's Pass.

Need to Know

Start early in the morning. There is a lot of sun exposure so bring a hat, sun block, and plenty of water.

Description

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. About another .25 mile up the trail, you'll pass a series of seven potholes carved in the sandstone by water runoff. The trail continues uphill and begins to get steeper. After about one mile from the trailhead, you can see Soldier's Pass Arch. Because of the open country, this remains in view for another half mile as the trail begins to get very steep. The Arch is difficult to spot but at mid-day you can clearly see light shining on the ground behind the arch.

The trail is relatively easy to follow. The top of the mesa is really a pass as you are surrounded by higher elevation red rock. After passing a large peak near the trail on the right, the route begins to descend steeply. This would be a very difficult section if you hike in the reverse direction. Short switchbacks take you down the bottom where the trail levels off again as you approach the trailhead at W. Park Ridge Drive.

Just before the parking area, on the right, you'll see Cibola Pass Trail. Turn right here and follow the trail for about a half mile until you reach the junction with the Jordan Trail. The two trails merge so just continue straight. After about another half mile you'll reach the Soldier Pass Trail. You can't miss this as it has constructed stone cairns and signage. Turn right here.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

John Maurizi with improvements by Jackie L
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 40 votes

#2

in Sedona

#262

Overall
  4.7 from 40 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Sedona

#14

in Arizona

#262

Overall
69 Views Last Month
10,302 Since Jul 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Brins Mesa
May 14, 2019 near Sedona, AZ
Hikers inside the Soldier Pass Cave
Apr 13, 2021 near West Se…, AZ
It will be hard to keep your eyes on the trail with views this good on the descent from Brins Mesa to Sedona.
Jul 8, 2017 near Sedona, AZ
Devil's Kitchen sinkhole is definitely worth checking out!
Jul 7, 2017 near Sedona, AZ
Hikers looking out from Soldier Pass Cave.
Apr 13, 2021 near West Se…, AZ
Towering cliffs north of Brins Mesa.
Apr 13, 2021 near West Se…, AZ

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 53 days ago
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Check-Ins

Feb 26, 2024
Kaitlyn Erich
Apr 6, 2023
J Rai
Brins Mesa Loop clockwise to Seven Sacred Pools and Soliders Pass 6mi — 2h 45m
Mar 26, 2023
Paul Riedinger
Trail was in great shape. Stunning views.
Apr 12, 2022
jeff nye
Started + ended at Soldier Pass trailhead. Didn't do stub on north end but did do Devil's Arch cave. Most elevation chg for kids to date (1353 ft!) 6.2mi — 3h 46m
May 9, 2021
Mike Nugent
Just loop
Apr 3, 2021
Ryan W
Mar 31, 2021
Charles Paige
8mi
Jan 11, 2021
Jim Stratman

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