SOLDIER PASS AND DEVIL'S KITCHEN
If a gradual climb through a canyon with some unique features near
Sedona appeals to you,
this is your hike.
HOW
TO GET THERE
This hike is located near Sedona, AZ.
From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to exit 298 to HWY 179 West into
Sedona. Follow the signs to 89A West. Turn right 1.2 miles after the
junction on Soldier Pass Road, driving another 1.4 miles. Turn right on
Rim Shadows and follow the curve 0.2 miles to the junction of Rim Shadows
and Canyon Shadows. Follow the signs to the parking area along Canyon
Shadows Road.
RATING
Be Aware of: Multiple trails intersecting.
30 yr old Recommendation: Gradual climb with some interesting terrain
features. This is a
Moderate hike. The sink hole and arches are interesting. The hike is
kind of short.
Not too young kids will be
OK. Grandma could probably walk the brief distance to the sink hole.
DETAILS
Elevation change: about 1000 ft gradual ascent to the arches
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip.
Time: It took us two hours with a 30 minute stop at the
arches for playing and lunch.
Time of year: all year
Solitude: This is a popular hike, even though it's nestled inside a
neighborhood. Expect to see 10-30 other people hiking on a weekend,
as well as some jeeps on the jeep road.
Sedona has recently instituted a "Red Rock Pass", which is a fancy way
of saying you need to pay to play. As of May, 2002, the fee is $5 per day
per vehicle. There are plenty of places in and around Sedona to pay this
fee and get the receipt, which you need to put on your vehicle dash to
keep from being towed.
This hike enables you to get up close with some of the more unique
features of the Sedona canyons. There is a cool sink hole that you reach
after about 1/4 of a mile. Stay on the trail (marked by Cairns) and stay
away from the Jeep road. The walking trail follows (not to closely) along
the right side of the Jeep road.
Further along the trail are seven holes caved out of the slickrock
known as the 'Seven Sacred Pools'. These don't quite live up to their
name, as they're just some pockets that catch seasonal water. Once past
the wilderness boundary, take the right fork to hike up to the arches. I
thought the arches were the most interesting feature of this hike. You can
hike right up to them and climb around. Watch your step!
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