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SOLDIER PASS-BRINS MESA LOOP
Sedona
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| View from Soldier Pass |
Simply put---there's hardly ever a bad
time to hike in Sedona. It's scenic beauty and myriad trekking
environments are unparalleled. But, of all the months in the year,
April stands out as one of the best to hit Red Rock Country trails.
The climax of spring in the high desert brings fresh leaves, blooming
shrubs and the emergence of flowering stalks on yucca and agave. It's
nature's last hurrah before settling in for summertime heat and
monsoons.
For hikers with limited time, the
area's multitude of options can be overwhelming. That's why the
Soldier Pass-Brins Mesa Loop is an oft recommended route. Along this
moderate excursion, you'll be treated to samples of everything that
makes Sedona such an outdoor recreation hot spot. Right out of the
chute, you'll encounter Devil's Kitchen sinkhole. An interpretive
sign at the site explains the complex geological forces that created
the impressive gap. At the 0.6-mile point, a chain of natural water
tanks known as the Seven Sacred Pools reflect russet pinnacles and
attract hordes of birds and thirsty critters. After 1.25 miles, the
trail enters the non-motorized use cloister of Red Rock Secret Canyon
Wilderness and the sound and fury of swooping bikes and Jeep tour
crowds are soon vanquished. Roughly halfway up the trail, look for a
set of arches-in-the-making weathering out of sandstone cliffs on the
opposite side of the canyon.
The hike's glory note resonates at
Soldier Pass--a breezy, high point vista where cliff-rose blossoms
perfume the air and bees collect nectar from Feather Dalea bushes and
tiny buds on Sugar Sumac trees. Here, far-reaching mountain views
will have you conjuring your best "Singing Nun in the Alps"
happy twirl. Beyond the pass, spotty stands of cypress and juniper
provide welcome shade before the route moves onto sunny Brins Mesa.
In the summer of 2006, a wildfire torched some of the vegetation on
this 2-mile traverse over a wide plateau. The area is recovering
nicely and the damage has not sullied the experience at all. Be sure
to check out a short spur trail that leads to a lookout pinnacle.
The hike down off the mesa requires some big step maneuvers and route
finding. Watch for log blockades and basket cairns to stay on course in
the dodgy bits. The final short segments on Cibola Pass and
Jordan Trail weave in and out of wilderness, slick rock mounds and
flood scoured drainages before coming full circle.
Hike Directions:
From the trailhead, hike 0.2
mile to Devil's Kitchen. Turn left, hike 1.7 miles on Soldier Pass
Trail and veer right at the Brins Mesa Trail junction. Hike 2 miles
to Cibola Pass Trail, turn right and follow it 0.6 mile to Jordan
Trail, turn right and go 0.3 mile then turn left and hike 0.2 mile
back to the parking area.
LENGTH: 5-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 4,140' – 5,075'
GETTING THERE: Use the FREE SEDONA SHUTTLE: 928-203-5252, SedonaShuttle.com
From the traffic circle at State Routes
179/89A in Sedona, go 1.20 miles west on 89A to Soldier Pass Road.
Turn right and continue 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, turn right
and go 0.1-mile to the trailhead on the left.
The parking lot is open 8 a.m. to 6
p.m. daily.
INFO: Red Rock Ranger District,
Coconino National Forest
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