Summary: A hike to view some red rock arches
Challenge Level: Moderate
Hiking Distance: About 1 1/2 miles each way, 3 miles round trip
Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), drive west on SR 89A for 1 1/4 mile and turn right on Soldier Pass Road. Proceed on Soldier Pass for 1 1/2 miles. Turn right on Rim Shadows. Go approximately 1/4 mile and turn left into the parking area at GPS coordinates: 34°53.057' N; 111° 47.028' W. The gate to the parking area is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you get back to your car after 6:00 pm, you won't be able to leave the parking area.
Description: Follow the Soldier Pass Trail and pass through the Devil's Kitchen and the 7 Sacred Pools. About 1.3 miles from the trailhead is a side trail that goes up to the Soldier Pass Arches. You'll be able to get to two of the three arches with some effort. The third arch requires walking along the cliff face on a narrow trail that to us wasn't worth the effort.
Photos:
Guest Photos:
Here are some photos taken by Darryl Thompson
Here are photos taken by Susan Lyons
For those of you who have a GPS unit, I have the GPS data available for the hike.
Great Sedona Hikes
Last Updated February 25, 2010
Web Page by Bill Bohan (billbo@greatsedonahikes.com)