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USA :: Sedona :: Brins Mesa - Soldier Pass

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Panoramic View from Brins Mesa Rock Outcrop.  Brins Butte just right of center, Soldier Pass extreme right

Multiple Dates, last Dec 10, 2023

Probably the most complete moderate hike in Sedona with several scenic interests that leads itself naturally to the loop.  Usual start is Brins Mesa Trailhead - take  Jordan Drive from the Uptown, then go left at junction with Park Ridge Drive and drive to the End.  Last km or so is unpaved with one very rough section;  most low clearance cars can make it with due diligence (go slow!).  Loop can be done CW or CCW;  I've done both ways and there is no clear advantage either way.  If you go CW,  Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole and Soldier Arch will have more sunlight for photos.  If you go CCW there will be less crowds later in the day at all scenic Soldier Pass Trail highlights.   Photos in Gallery and brief write-up are for CW direction.

From parking take signed Cibola trail branching to the left (Jordan Trail can be also used, but is longer;  it will join below Cibola Pass).  Some scenic Slickrock traverse brings you to first major highlight:  "Devil's Kitchen", natural sinkhole that is as awesome as it's name suggests.  This area is quite busy with 4x4 jeep tours and late afternoon usually grants more solitude.  Second highlight is "Seven Sacred Pools" - shallow slickrock fissures filled with water and considered Holy by Indigenous People.  Trail then starts gradual ascent to Soldier Pass.  Third highlight - "Soldier Cave"- is reached by steep trail that forks off to the right ~20 min past Sacred Pools.  Junction is not marked, but it is obvious.  Area is usually quite busy so if in doubt just follow the crowds!  It is short but steep ascent to the cave(s) with last part even a bit scrambly.  Return back to main trail the same way.

Crowds diminish past Cave junction and ensuing Soldier Pass ascent again feels like wilderness hiking.  At marked Brins Mesa trail junction go right and traverse expansive plateau to its east edge, where trail dips down to Jordan Trailhead.   Each time I hiked this trail (regardless of direction) I made brief detour to clamber up Rock Outcrop in middle of plateau;  it's an excellent spot for the break, and chances are you can have it to yourself too.

Gallery

Cibola / Brins Junction Trail fork few minutes from parking.  Go left on Cibola Trail for CW loop, right on Brins Mesa trail for CCW

Seven Sacred Pools

Seven Sacred Pools - shallow fissures filled with water considered Holy Place by Natives.  Morning Glory Spire behind