Inside the Secret Cave: Soldier Pass & 7 Sacred Pools

We found the hidden Soldier Pass Cave and the Seven Sacred Pools on the Soldier Pass Loop in Sedona, Arizona. Here is exactly how to find them, navigate the trail, and what to expect on this adventure. The Journey Begins: Brins Mesa & The Rim The adventure starts with the ascent toward Brins Mesa. This section of the loop is physically demanding but rewards you with one of the best rim walks in Red Rock Country. As you traverse the high mesa, the geology shifts from the white limestone caps of the higher elevations to the deep, oxidized iron-red sandstone that gives Sedona its signature color. The vegetation here changes as well, shifting from the dense juniper of the valley floor to the hardy manzanita and agave of the exposed rim. The wind is a constant companion up here, adding to the feeling of exposure and isolation that sets this hike apart from the more crowded valley trails. Inside the Soldier Pass Cave One of the primary targets for any hiker on this loop is the Soldier Pass Cave. Tucked away about a mile and a half from the trailhead, this hidden gem requires a steep scramble to access. The cave is not just a single room; it is a complex system of natural windows and arches carved into the cliffside. Inside, the light filters through the rock openings, illuminating the sheer height of the ceilings and the cool, ancient atmosphere. This is a fragile environment, and navigating the interior requires care as you move through the shadows of the sandstone. The Crack & The Arch Just outside the main cave system lies "The Crack"—a narrow fissure in the rock that offers a unique geological feature to squeeze through. It emphasizes the tactile, claustrophobic nature of the rock formations in this specific layer of the canyon. From there, the route offers a look at the Soldier Pass Arch. Walking atop this natural bridge induces a serious sense of vertigo. The drop-offs are severe, and the rock surface can be slick with red dust. It is a moment of high adrenaline that contrasts sharply with the quiet solitude of the earlier mesa walk. The Seven Sacred Pools Descending from the high country, the trail leads to the Seven Sacred Pools. These natural sandstone basins are a geological wonder, carved over millennia by seasonal water flow cascading down the steps of the wash. Even in the dry heat of Arizona, they often hold water, acting as vital sources for local wildlife and mirrors for the sky and surrounding cliffs. In a landscape defined by aridity, these pools offer a moment of stillness. The textures here are softer, smoothed by centuries of erosion, providing a visual break from the jagged edges of the higher elevations. The Finale: Devil's Kitchen The hike concludes at the massive sinkhole known as Devil's Kitchen. This is the largest active sinkhole in Sedona. Formed by the collapse of underground limestone caverns dissolving over time, the site is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of this landscape. The most recent major collapse occurred in 1989, expanding the footprint significantly. The scale is immense, a gaping wound in the earth that demands respect and offers a clear view into the subterranean geology of the area. Trail Logistics & Data: For those planning this hike, preparation is key. Here are the essential stats for the loop. Total Distance: Approximately 5.5 miles (including the spur to the caves). Elevation Gain: Roughly 800-900 feet. Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (The scramble to the cave makes it difficult). Access: The Soldier Pass Trailhead is gated and only open during specific hours, but the small parking lot (14 spaces) fills up instantly. The Shuttle System: It is highly recommended to use the Sedona Shuttle (Route 15), which runs from the Posse Grounds Park & Ride Thursday through Sunday. This is the most reliable way to access the trail. Red Rock Pass: If you park at the trailhead, no pass is needed, but if you park at Brins Mesa or other connecting lots, a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. Environment: This is the high desert. Bring more water than you think you need, especially in the summer months. There is no water on the trail. Thanks for watching, and make sure to join us on our next adventure! 00:00 Intro & Trail Info 00:43 Brins Mesa Trail 04:38 Soldier Pass Trail 05:56 Soldier's Cave & Arch 10:06 Seven Sacred Pools 12:35 Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole 13:42 Hike Back 14:32 Final Thoughts SOCIAL: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/adventurewithbg INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/adventureswithbg FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/adventureswithbg BLOG: http://adventureswithbg.com #soldierpass #sedona #arizona #hiking #sevensacredpools #devilskitchen #brinsmesa #redrocks #hikingguide #coconinonationalforest #sedonahiking #soldierpasscave #westernvibe #trailguide #optoutside