Soldier Pass Trail
Closed right now
Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 is explicitly named in the Coconino National Forest Pocket Fire closure order, in effect through September 30, 2026 unless rescinded earlier. Sedona Shuttle Route 14, which serves it, is suspended.
Entering a closed area is a Class B misdemeanour carrying fines of up to $5,000 for an individual.
Closed right now, and explicitly named in the closure order — no ambiguity on this one.
When open, it's 4 miles round trip with 641 feet of gain, rated moderate, passing the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole (an active, still-collapsing sinkhole) and the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of natural rock basins.
The access is the strictest in Sedona: 14 parking spaces — the only official capacity figure the Forest Service publishes for any Sedona trailhead — a gate closed nightly 6pm to 8am, and no private vehicles Thursday to Sunday. See the parking guide.
The facts
- Open right now?
- CLOSED — explicitly named in the Pocket Fire closure order
- Forest Service trail
- Soldier Pass Trail No. 66
- Distance
- 4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain
- 641 ft
- Difficulty (USFS)
- Moderate (USFS)
- Time needed
- About 2.5 hours round trip
- Trailhead elevation
- 4,444 ft
- Pass required
- Not stated on the Forest Service trail page — see the note on the parking guide
- Sedona Shuttle
- Route 14 — currently suspended
- Parking
- 14 spaces (the only official Sedona capacity figure). Gated nightly 6pm–8am.
- Restrooms
- None — the Forest Service states no trash or restroom facilities
- Shade
- Minimal
Getting there
Get directions →What's on the trail
Two landmarks make Soldier Pass disproportionately popular for its length.
Devil's Kitchen is a large active sinkhole a short way up the trail — it has collapsed further within living memory, and the Forest Service asks people to stay back from the rim for exactly that reason.
The Seven Sacred Pools are a chain of natural basins in the rock that hold water after rain. They're often dry in early summer, which surprises people who've seen photographs taken in spring.
Beyond those the trail climbs toward Brins Mesa — also closed under the same order.
Bicycles are permitted only for the first 1.3 miles, to the Wilderness boundary. Horses are permitted.
The access problem, when it reopens
Fourteen spaces for one of Sedona's most-wanted trails is the tightest ratio in town, and the Forest Service has layered restrictions on top rather than expand the lot.
Gate hours: Monday to Wednesday 8am–6pm. Thursday to Sunday the gate is closed to private vehicles entirely — this is one of only two trailheads in Sedona with an official prohibition. And the lot is closed every night from 6pm to 8am regardless of day.
No street parking. Soldiers Pass Road past Carruth Drive is permanently no-parking under an arrangement between the City and the neighbourhood, and it's enforced.
The shuttle is capped. Route 14 runs only about every 50 minutes because the Forest Service limits this destination to 300 passengers per service day.
Full detail on the Soldier Pass parking page, including the one thing we couldn't resolve: whether a Red Rock Pass is actually required here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Soldier Pass open?
No. Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 is explicitly named in the Pocket Fire closure order, in effect through at least September 30, 2026, and Shuttle Route 14 is suspended.
How many parking spaces does Soldier Pass have?
14 — the only Sedona trailhead for which the Forest Service publishes an official capacity figure.
What are the Seven Sacred Pools?
A chain of natural basins in the rock along the trail that hold water after rain. They're frequently dry by early summer.
Can I drive Soldier Pass Road myself?
When it's open, yes — with a Soldier Pass Motorized Use Permit from Recreation.gov booked at least 72 hours ahead, which includes the gate combination. See our jeep tours page.
Facts on this page last verified July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.