Soldiers Pass-Brins Mesa Loop, Sedona Red Rocks Country, AZ

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Elevation: 4600-5450 feet (1400 -1660 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time of Year: September to June

Located in the spectacular Red Rocks Country of the Coconino National Forest adjacent to Sedona is an excellent loop hike that gives a great introduction to the area. This hike offers folks the chance to walk up a beautiful valley filled with Arizona cypress up to a saddle between two towering cliffs of red rock for panoramic views across the entire area. After traversing the mesa, you descend into another beautiful valley, hike around one of the mountains, and then return on the otherside, completing a loop. To access the trailhead, drive into West Sedona on Hwy 89A. Turn on Soldiers Pass Road and follow it almost to the end and then turn right onto Rim Shadows Road (there is a sign for Soldier's Pass there). At the bottom of the hill turn left into the gravel parking area. You will need a Red Rock Pass to park here.

The trail begins by first traversing a small ravine and then heading up the valley through a forest stand of Arizona cypress, pinyon pine, and juniper. Throughout this open stand there are numerous views of the spectacular red rock cliffs that rise on either side of the valley. After passing the Jordan Trail on your right (your return route), the trail will arrive at the first site to see. This is Devil's Kitchen, a deep sinkhole that is the result of a collapsed cavern.

As the trail continues, the next significant site will be the beautiful "Seven Pools". Here, the creek bed drops into a ravine, but not before leaving seven beautiful little plunge pools which are usually full of water. The trail then continues up to Soldier's Pass gradually until the 1.5 mile mark, where it will begin to ascend more steeply. As you ascend, look to your right to see two arches on the cliff walls.

At the top of Soldier's Pass, look for a way-trail leading off to the right where it will end at a cliff offering spectacular views back down Soldier's Creek Valley into Sedona. This is a great place to eat lunch. You are standing on Brins Mesa and panoramic views abound. You can see to the north and west toward Boynton Canyon and the Mogollon Rim. If you choose to turn around here, it'll be a 4.5 mile roundtrip. But, if you continue around, even more interesting sites await.

Continue on the trail until arriving at the junction of Brins Mesa Trail. Turn right and follow it across the mesa through a burned area, and to the edge of another cliff. Here, you can look down into Mormon Canyon, Uptown Sedona, and can see Schnebly Hill and Mitten Ridge in the distance to the east. The trail will descend down steeply into the valley.

The trail will continue until arriving at a parking area at the end of West End Ridge Drive. Just before arriving at the cars, look to the right for Cibola Pass Trail. Follow this trail back upslope. It will ascend briefly until arriving at Cibola Pass, where you can look back down toward where you started. Follow the trail down the otherside until arriving at the junction with Jordan Trail and turn right. This trail will connect you back up with Soldier's Pass Trail shortly and you will be done.