Soldier Pass

4 Reviews

Location Sedona, AZ

Rating Difficult,

Length 2.5mi

Time 1hr

Guide Trail #23

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types Defined

Overview

Short trail to geologic curiosities close to Sedona.

Short but memorable. Incredible scenery with some challenging rock ledges to climb. Very close to Sedona and quick to drive. A popular hiking trail weaves back and forth along the road and through the main attractions. Please don’t throw things into pools or sinkholes. non-street-legal vehicles are allowed, but there is no place to park a trailer. This trail was threatened to be shut down; however, the locals were able to petition for a free permit system. Permits need to be submitted 72 hours in advance. Go to: www.recreation.gov/4251901

Rating

Difficult

Trail Ratings Defined

Very tight in places with several steep, ledgy climbs. Stock SUVs need very high ground clearance. New vehicles with shiny paint jobs beware of scratchy brush.

Stats

Length

2.5mi

Time

1hr

High Point

4,508ft

Best Time To Go

Spring/Summer/Fall

Current Conditions

(928) 203-7500Coconino N.F., Red Rock R.D.

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Trail Updates

08/22/2025
Submitted by Kate

This site, and the 3rd Ed of the printed trail guide I have, both say that the trail permits are free and take 72 hours to process. I did this trail 3 days ago. The night before, I went to the Recreation.gov website, and applied for a permit valid for the next day. It costs $6, and it was emailed to me immediately.
So, now, it costs money, but you don’t have to plan much ahead to get a permit if one is available.

03/27/2019
Submitted by Nena Barlow
This trail is only accessible with a permit, it takes 72 hours prior request. Permit application.

Reviews

Cari says

This is a great short trail, but the forest service now requires permits for use of the trail, and issues...See More
Mike Molloy says

It appears the trail is open, but requires a permit, only 12 of which will be issued per day... https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fseprd573046
SB Young says

Just plan ahead to get a Forest Service permit for $6. Felt like we had the trail to ourselves most...See More
TNW says

Some have complained about the mandatory pass, but we found it to be a luxury rather than a burden. Sedona...See More

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Cari says

This is a great short trail, but the forest service now requires permits for use of the trail, and issues only 12 per day with at least 72 hours advance notice. We found this out after driving to the trailhead and finding a locked gate, with a notice that we needed a permit, unless we are the red rock Jeep tour company who has exclusive access to the trail for profit.

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Mike Molloy says

It appears the trail is open, but requires a permit, only 12 of which will be issued per day... https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fseprd573046

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SB Young says

Just plan ahead to get a Forest Service permit for $6. Felt like we had the trail to ourselves most the morning. Great trail with several moderate and entertaining climbs. While the jeep trail is on the shorter side, take time to enjoy the scenery. Two fun stops at Devils Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools. Parked at furtherest point to hike up to Soldier Pass cave, well worth the moderate hike with moderate climbing required. High clearance 4wd needed with a few narrow spots. The ride/hike combo made this experience one of our favorites!

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TNW says

Some have complained about the mandatory pass, but we found it to be a luxury rather than a burden. Sedona has closed the trailhead parking lot to even hikers, so there was ample space for airing down and up. We received two permits for June 2023 for two vehicles and ran the trail together. One was a moderately modified Nissan Frontier CCLWB with a lift and skid plates but no power train modifications or lockers, the other a nearly-stock Jeep Renegade Trailhawk with just aftermarket rock sliders. Aired-down to 22psi, just to smooth the ride and avoid bursting a tire on a sharp rock. We didn't run the Devil's Kitchen, this was the first real trail we've run in many years and we heard conditions on that sour were more challenging, but the run to the end and on the Seven Pools siding we're within the capabilities of the vehicles. The skid plates and rock sliders were definitely helpful, and making the 270° turn from the main trail down to Seven Pools required a 7-point turn for the truck with the 140" wheelbase, but had a very good time doing it. Given how busy Sedona is these days, being able to run a moderately difficult trail without having to contend with other drivers was very nice. Would definitely recommend this trail.

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