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    Soldier Pass Trail

    4.5 (78 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Cave
    chris c.

    Beautiful sights & scenery, indeed. However, stretches of the trail were challenging and rage-inducing. If you are 40+, bring your inhaler & support braces for all of your limbs. If you decide to see the caves, be prepared to basically scale a mountain. Man, I wuz huffin' & puffin' up that steep and unsteady incline. If you want to see a cave so very badly, just close your eyes and envision yourself in a cave -- that option is less strenuous (unless you have dry eyes & closing the lids over those dusty pups is a laborious task). In general, mother nature is beautiful. Have fun out there. Be safe. And apply your SPF! Oh, if you have children under 5 -- rethink bringing them on this trail, silly.

    Kyle H.

    Solder's Pass was our first hike when we were in Sedona, and did not dissapoint and remains a fond memory. We got there just after 7am but apparently missed the shuttle to the trailhead, which run about every 45 minutes. You can walk to the trailhead from the shuttle parking, an additional 1 mile. Our hike ended up being just over 6 miles. Highlights include the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, a Cave, and a nice mix of flat and inclined hiking, and beautiful views of course. We hiked the full trail then on the way back found the Y intersection that leads to the Cave. It helps to have the All Trails app and download the trail to find the Y intersection. The hike up to the Cave area is steep and might exceed some people's abilities. My son got up in the Cave and said it wasn't too hard to scramble up. On our return trip we took the Jeep road for a nice change of pace, and got a nice perspective on the Seven Sacred Pools, and got to see a Jeep hug the side of the canyon at an insane angle. Loved Soldier Pass, just check the Sedona City Shuttle schedule ahead of time but honestly the 1 mile hike in is flat and nice.

    Climbed up the cave

    Fun hike! A little busy but to be expected when the weather finally cooled off. My dog was able to make it also, but he's an active breed. Little dogs I'm not sure would do too great.

    Three of the Seven Sacred Pools.
    Don K.

    We hiked in from the off-site parking area because the shuttle was full. Check the shuttle website for schedules, routes as well as changes, such as during designated spring break dates. It is a VERY popular trail. You'll see Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools along the way. It's an easy to follow trail until the fork to the caves. Counterintuitively, at the fork keep going straight rather than turning left to stay on the Soldiers Pass trail, because you're wanting to get to the caves, right? The rest of the trail to the caves is a bit of a climb, culminating in a bit of a scramble at the end. Yes, it can be slippery with loose dirt and there are multiple ways to get to the caves. Once at the caves, you can climb onto a ledge similar to the Subway, only narrower. Some of us went even further and climbed to the top of the caves. It's a bit difficult, but the reward is the views and more wind, which can be refreshing. But climb to your own comfort level.

    Parking lot is full
    John H.

    A green trail with red rocks in the back drop. Some features include a sinkhole, seven sacred pools, and caves. However, it the greenery that makes the trail. 4.5 miles total, in and out. Some historical land conflict alludes to the namesake. The caves look great in photos, but I am not sure I would do it again. It is up a steeper half mile section at the end. To enter you must climb a narrow section, and it gets tight in the cave if there are more than a few people. Parking is extremely limited (20 cars?). Today I skipped it and parked near Posse Community Park and biked over (1.5 miles). There is a woman who runs a red shuttle van, and I was told operate on tips.

    Cibola Pass view from Jim Thompson Trail head - on the way to Solider Pass
    Sophia C.

    Absolutely recommend this hike! There is so much to see - Devils Kitchen, 7 Ponds, and a Cave. Originally 4 miles round trip but parking is always a bit hectic so we parked at the Jim Thompson Trail head and did about 6 miles. Cibola to Solider pass was gorgeous and very idyllic with dear and tall trees. Some things to mention - the trail is quite nice and not difficult till you get to the part my friend endearingly referred to as the Devils staircase that leads the the cave...definitely more on the difficult side for that area. Overall this is probably my second top hike so far I have done in Sedona.

    Scenic trail with a cave and an arch. Parking lot has only 14 spaces. Bring water, sunscreen,and snacks. #TempehVeggieSpringRoll
    Dominique D.

    There are so many beautiful hikes to be taken in Sedona and this one is included--great for the average hiker and mountain bikers alike. Bikers keep in mind bicycles are only allowed for the first 1.3 miles to Wilderness Boundary. You are going to love the amazing formations, iconic red rocks, and chill vibe of this desert town generally speaking. Be sure to get there as close to 8 am as possible as there are only 14 parking spaces and line forms early. If you're not so lucky you can park near a dog park which is about 1.1 miles from trailhead--adding 2.2 miles. Start this hike super early because If you know nothing about this area, know this, it is dry desert terrain and it gets hot. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. I also had some handy dandy 30spf sunscreen that I made sure to reapply as needed, sunglasses, and I wore a hat. There are markers here and there; you will also pass though the Devils sink hole and 7 sacred pools to get to this one trail. I love places that remind me how very small we are. --Intermission-- Think of a number. Double it. Add ten. Half it. Take away the number you started with. Your number is 5. --Intermission-- Take a break on the trail when needed as there are so many photo opportunities! The trail is 4.5 miles round trip and gaining about 830 feet in elevation when exploring the cave. Some parts are shaded and some rocks slippery. There is so much beauty you will encounter and be entertained with the entire way. It also consists of many connected trails if you are feeling spicy and adventurous as this is pioneering at its best! The geological formation of the cave was indeed the highlight of the hike for me. You have to climb to get inside but it was so worth it. The whole time while inside simply welcoming inspiration. It made me think of Miley Cyrus's song that goes like this, "There's always gonna be another mountain. I'm always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb." Yes, It was definitely the climb/cave experience. Happy trails! "If you want to fly you must give up the things that weigh you down!" Tips: No restroom facilities As of January 2020, recreation.gov will be handling permits. Motorized vehicles will need to get permits.

    Soldier Pass Trail
    Penny P.

    What's up: When in Sedona, you gotta hit up all the hiking spots and see the beautiful views. While looking up hikes, I read about a mystery cave that's located along the Soldier Pass trail that you have to look for. Adventure and off the main trail with something cool at the end?? Heck yes, let's do it! Parking: There is a small parking lot located off of Canyon Shadows Dr. at the beginning of the trailhead. It's open from 8 am to 6 pm. We got there right at 8 and there were already tons of cars in the lot! Luckily, there were still a couple of spots left. When we were done with our hike (~2 hrs later), there were still cars waiting outside the lot for an open spot. Environment: The hike itself was nice and pretty. You're surrounded by the red rocks and the greenery makes the view very nice. Along the way, you'll pass by a few points of interests such as the Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools. Unfortunately, the pools were dry and not much to look at. To find the cave, you'll need to veer off the main trail towards the right once you get near the Red Rock National Forest sign. Someone was nice enough to leave a flat rock behind on the ground with the words "CAVE" on it. From then on, you can follow the rock cairns and go uphill a bit before you reach the mountain side to climb up into the secret cave. Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. The hike overall was fairly easy to do. It's mostly towards the end where there's a bit of uphill and climbing into the actual cave. The Devil's Kitchen was a cool sinkhole to look at and I'm sure the Seven Sacred Pools would have been way cooler with water. But the cave searching and the climbing into it was the fun part! It was definitely a unique experience, especially when you get the cave all to yourself.

    Kaori M.

    First of all, as other yelpers wrote , parking is tough, however, we had a solution: park at the different trailhead and hike from other route. This add more miles, but actually I loved that part as well. This area is amazing. Very beautiful. Also the secret cave was fun. Recommended!

    Jeffrey S.

    It's gorgeous, and we'll get to that, but first: parking. Oof, the parking is gonna be the thing that drives you insane. Whereas some hikes in Sedona are located a little farther out of town and you can park along the shoulder to your heart's content, this hike is in the edge of a neighborhood and you'll see about as many "No Parking" signs as you do illegally parked cars. The parking lot holds about 10-15 cars max, and if you're here when there's any kind of busy season in Sedona (probs near year-round and for sure on weekends) then just plan on not parking in the lot. The nearest sanctioned parking is a ways away, so either have a dropoff, take a car service, hitch a ride, or just log the extra hiking back to your car. The gates are supposed to open at 8am, but we rolled up at about 7:45am and they were open. We pulled in and grabbed one of the last few spots available, and had no idea how darn lucky we actually were. After parking and getting our bearings, we hit the trail. The sun was just coming up and when we got to the big sinkhole, the very first rays hit the jagged rock tip across the valley and lit them with bright hues of orange and yellow. These are the colors that Sedona gives you, and you drink them in until your eyes are full. As we hiked along the ridge, to the seven sacred pools (more like a couple of nearly dry pools and some rock catch basins) we saw the sun line lower on the canyon to our left as the day warmed up. We only went as far as the cave turnoff, then made our way uphill to the cave, climbed up in, and peeked out of the window at the trees, sky, and ridgeline. It's not for the faint of heart, this cave, and though we saw a lot of people with a lot of skill levels, I'd be quite nervous about taking kids much farther than then base of the cave to peer upwards through the rock fissure. All in all, it wasn't too strenuous, with the exception of the cave portion. I would have liked to take the Soldier Pass Trail all the way to the saddle, but alas, we were pressed for time. We went back and took the road junction at the pools, which provided some amount of diversity and kept us away from the outbound hikers that had slept in and were just now making their noisy way up the trail, before connecting once again to the trailhead. We got to the car, and saw a long line of cars waiting for a space to open up, as well as plenty of illegally parked cars. Don't let the parking scare you, but do take precautions and come with a backup hiking plan if you can't find a spot here. The payoff for planning ahead is a hike well worth the hassle.

    Cristina X.

    Less known and thus less crowded hike in Sedona. Very scenic walk total abt 4.5-5miles long. A couple stops along the way aside amazing views of the red rock mountains - devils kitchen (natural sinkhole), seven secret pools, and the big cave in the rock. Highly recommend.

    Sonya E.

    A bit of hike but worth it, especially for a novice hiker like me. Make sure you bring lots of water and get there early.

    Secret caves
    Liz M.

    Worth the hike if you're willing to go all the way. What's all the way you may ask? To the secret caves. It's a long hike but you won't be disappointed. Along the way you will first make a pit stop at devils kitchen sink, a few minutes later you will hit the 7 sacred pools and if you decide to go along for the ride the final destination is the secret caves. A short distance before you hit the secret caves, you will find a fork in the trail so just keep right. That trail will lead you to them but first make a stop on top of the 360 rock. Where you have such an awesome beautiful 360 view of the place and can actually see the hidden caves. A must if you're in Sedona, you gotta do this trail!

    View back the other way from the top of the cave

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Soldier Pass Trail

    Review Highlights - Soldier Pass Trail

    We were able to see the Seven Sacred Pools, which were fun, and a great place to take a break from the hike.

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    Airport Mesa

    Airport Mesa

    4.4(146 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Most places give you a sunset. Airport Mesa apparently felt that was underachieving…read more Sharon and I headed up there in the evening to catch the famous Sedona sunset, which on its own would have been worth the trip. The sky started doing that Sedona thing -- layers of orange, pink, and gold spreading across the horizon while the red rocks glowed like they had their own internal lighting system. Just when we thought the show had hit peak beauty, we turned around. And there it was. One of the most majestic moonrises I've ever seen slowly lifting over the horizon like it had been perfectly scheduled to steal the second act. The sunset painting the sky one direction... and the moon rising bright enough in the other that I briefly wondered if I should've brought sunglasses. It felt like Sedona decided to give us the best of both celestial worlds. Sunset in front of us. Moonrise behind us. Nature's version of surround sound. The overlook itself is easy to access and well worth the stop. People gathered quietly, cameras out, everyone sharing that universal look that says, "Are you seeing this too?" Moments like that remind you why places like this are special. Beauty that stops you mid-sentence. The kind that makes everyone pause, breathe, and just take it in. Pro tip: arrive a little before sunset and stay a little after. You never know when the universe might decide to put on an encore. Five stars, no question.

    Airport Mesa is located near the airport, but has a viewing area to see…read more panoramic views of Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. It's one of Sedona's vortexes. There is an overlook area and a trail. The trail is moderate and not very difficult. A easy stop in Sedona to see beautiful views. There is parking lot and the fee is $3.

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    Airport Mesa
    Airport Mesa - On top of airport mesa

    On top of airport mesa

    Airport Mesa

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    Oak Creek Canyon

    Oak Creek Canyon

    4.8(9 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Oak Creek Canyon is the gateway to Sedona. Take SR89A for a scenic tour of the beautiful red rock…read moreformations and into the town of Oak Creek. You will ohhh and ahhh at the view that is just breathtaking. Pull outs along the way.

    Every summer we come up north because Phoenix is just too hot for my mother after her heat stroke…read morein 2024. We were parked off the side well away from the road and had just eaten a lovely lunch when 3 vehicles(2 trucks. One was black and one was silver. An SUV dark gray with a man and woman) with Nevada plates pulled off and blocked the road and the flow of traffic and practically on top of us. I'm beginning to see and understand the very real complaints from people who live in Sedona when they talk about entitled and aggressive behavior from tourists. My mother exited the vehicle and spoke to the small man in the SUV(around 4'2 and he was very aggressive) I didn't hear that conversation and was on the phone when all of the sudden the small angry man popped up in front of my window spouting off about delusional scenarios where I'm taking pictures of his kids(I saw no children) and acting unhinged. I verbally ripped into the person because I don't respond well to unhinged weirdos standing right next to my window. He kept rambling incoherently about his delusions and then mentioned the litter box for the cat(yes, I bring my cat when I leave for 6 months). Apparently the lunatic thought depriving a cat of a bathroom while traveling seemed reasonable. His delusions were all over the place because he was mad for being called out for dangerously blocking traffic, being entitled and acting like an unhinged lunatic because they said they just needed to take a minute. And that's another thing I'm tired of is tourists peeing all over this area when there are bathrooms and rest stops!! Definitely the weirdest behavior I've seen up north and that's saying a lot. But!!! They are from Nevada so this can't be blamed on Arizonans. But the scenic drive is still spectacular.

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    Oak Creek Canyon
    Oak Creek Canyon
    Oak Creek Canyon

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    Bell Rock - Daily Pass

    Bell Rock

    4.7(237 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    I'm not saying Bell Rock called my name... but if you'd heard it too, you probably would've shown…read moreup. There's something about Bell Rock that pulls you in. Maybe it's the shape. Maybe it's the energy. Maybe it's just that classic Sedona magic. Whatever it is, I felt it. Now let's start with the one challenge: parking. Limited spots and a bit of patience required. It took a while to find a place, but I decided to call that my warmup. Pro tip: arrive early or later in the afternoon if you want better odds at a spot. Once you hit the trail, everything changes. The path is wide and welcoming. No punishing climbs. No technical scrambling. Just an easy walk surrounded by those famous red rock views that make Sedona feel like another planet. And the quiet. That's the part that sticks with you. Step onto the trail and the noise of the world fades away. You're left with open sky, towering rock, and that peaceful stillness that reminds you why people come here in the first place. Whether you're a seasoned hiker chasing summits or someone who just wants a beautiful walk through nature, this trail delivers. Put this one on your Sedona list. Because sometimes the best hikes aren't the hardest ones... they're the ones that simply make you stop, breathe, and look around. Some places you visit... and some places feel like they were waiting for you. Bell Rock might just be one of those.

    Bell Rock is the best place to hike in Sedona. It's a flat and easy trail for about half way up,…read moreand the signage makes it's easy to follow the path. The views are absolutely spectacle from all angles and places on the mountain and trail. There's truly nothing more beautiful than the red rocks in Sedona and Bell Rock is a place to see the true beauty. Parking can be tricky but patience is key, as people are always coming and going. Whether you're an avid hiker or a true rock climber, this mountain is for you!

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    Bell Rock - Banana yucca flowers/ Bell rock trail

    Banana yucca flowers/ Bell rock trail

    Bell Rock - Parking Lot View (05/22/25). #BellRock #CourthouseButte @VisitSedona #Sedona #Hiking #Traveling

    Parking Lot View (05/22/25). #BellRock #CourthouseButte @VisitSedona #Sedona #Hiking #Traveling

    Bell Rock

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    Broken Arrow Trail

    Broken Arrow Trail

    4.8(62 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Another trip up and back on the famous Broken Arrow Trail. This is my 4th time running this trail…read moreand it never disappoints. It's a short trail but a really fun trail. We saw a stock Tacoma and a stick Jeep getting dirty today. Nit recommend but they made it. I was in a Raptor today with 37" tires and I think we bottomed out two or three times. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is stock make sure you have a short wheel base and absolutely must have 4 wheel drive.

    Overall a delightful hike-…read more We arrived early, so parking was easy (they had about 14 set spots)- however when leaving we noticed the lot was beyond packed & people were circling for spots (bit of advice) As we walked along the bumpy trails there was an element of rock climbing & inclined spots Also note- watch out for the Pink Jeep Tours; professional intense driving (they look like a great time) but their roads intersect with the trail a fair amount & they drive up certain viewpoint walks- The trail started off well marked, then hit a viewpoint area, and signage dropped off-while we thought we were scrambling up Chicken Point, we discovered we were just scrambling for fun & were able to view the real Chicken Point from the top of our mountain Then we wanted to take Hog Wash trail back-but couldn't find the loop connect at the end of Broken Arrow I still rate the trail very high because our random scrambles were quite challenging & entertaining- it's a great area to explore based on your capability- and offers many varying side paths

    Photos
    Broken Arrow Trail - Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Broken Arrow Trail
    Broken Arrow Trail - Ford Raptor made it with no problems

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    Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Boynton Canyon Trail

    Boynton Canyon Trail

    4.6(99 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    We hit Boynton Canyon Trail early. And I mean early enough that the air still had a chill to it and…read morethe light was just starting to spill over the rock. That's not a suggestion, it's the move. Give this place a head start on the day or it'll make you pay for it later. The trail opens gently, almost deceptively so. Wide path, easy footing, a kind of calm that makes you think you're in for a casual walk. Then the landscape starts to shift. The canyon walls rise, the color deepens, and the space narrows just enough to pull your attention forward. It's not a straight shot either. The trail has a rhythm to it. It bends, it reveals, it hides just enough to keep you moving. What stands out is how the environment changes as you go. You're not just walking toward a viewpoint. You're moving through layers. Open desert gives way to pockets of shade, then back out into sun where the red rock feels almost alive under that early light. The contrast is constant, and it keeps the whole thing interesting without needing anything artificial. We went as a group, mixed pace, different levels of enthusiasm, and it worked. Some pushed ahead, some took their time, but nobody felt like they were struggling to keep up or being held back. That's a rare balance. It's approachable without being boring, and it gives you just enough challenge to feel like you earned the views. And the views are worth it. There's a moment where the canyon really opens up, and you get that full Sedona effect. Towering formations, deep reds, shadows cutting across the rock in ways that change minute by minute. It's the kind of scene that makes people stop mid-conversation and just look. Phones come out for a second, then go right back into pockets because you realize it doesn't translate. Silence shows up out there in a way that's hard to find. Not total silence, but a kind of quiet that feels intact. Wind moving through, the occasional bird, footsteps on the trail. That's it. It clears your head whether you planned on it or not. By the time we were heading back, the temperature was climbing fast. That early start paid off. You could feel the shift, the desert reminding you who's in charge once the sun gets high. If you go later in the day, it's a different experience entirely, and not in a good way. A few practical things. Bring more water than you think you'll need. Wear real shoes. This isn't the place to test your balance in something flimsy. And pace yourself. It's not a race, and the trail is better when you let it unfold. There are a lot of hikes around Sedona that get attention, and for good reason. This one earns its spot. It's not just about the destination. It's the progression, the way the landscape pulls you in and keeps revealing itself piece by piece. Get there early, take your time, and let it speak for itself. Five stars without hesitation.

    Started this hike a little later than planned (around 10AM), but it still turned out to be such a…read moregreat experience. If you're heading to the Subway Cave, I highly recommend downloading AllTrails beforehand. Once you're on the trail, it's not very clear where to turn off. We saw a few people along the way, but no one nearby when it actually mattered... which led to a little confusion. I only went off track for a few minutes, but my friends ended up going about a mile too far before turning back The hike is about 5 miles round trip. You'll spend roughly 2 miles on the Boynton Canyon Trail before reaching the turnoff for the Subway Cave. Overall, it's a pretty easy and enjoyable hike - mostly flat and shaded through beautiful forest scenery. The final stretch up to the Subway Cave involves some rock scrambling, but it's manageable. Once you're there, you've got a couple options: you can climb up to the left for an incredible view or head to the right and climb up a different way for another great vantage point. I saw some people (even toddlers!) navigating around the rocks, but personally that part felt a little nerve-racking for me. Parking fills up quickly so plan ahead. That said, there's plenty of street parking nearby off the street, and they run shuttles on weekends, which helps a lot. Definitely bring water. It can get hot, especially later in the day. Even though this is a popular hike, I didn't have to wait at all for photos. People were hanging out and soaking in the views, but it never felt crowded or rushed. Total time for me was about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time spent relaxing and exploring at the cave. Overall, such a beautiful and rewarding hike. Just don't miss that turn!

    Photos
    Boynton Canyon Trail
    Boynton Canyon Trail
    Boynton Canyon Trail

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    Red Rock State Park

    Red Rock State Park

    4.4(182 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    Red Rock State park was the passport to our Sedona adventure. I didn't realize there was such an…read moreextensive trail system. On my list now is to figure out how to stitch all these trails together and come back and do a mega hike. Please come and create your own adventure.

    We took the whole family out to Red Rock State Park, and it ended up being one of the most balanced…read moredays we've had out here. Not overwhelming, not chaotic, just... right. If you've spent time around Sedona, you know how quickly things can feel crowded and overrun. This place is the opposite. It feels more intentional, more preserved. You're still surrounded by those iconic red rock formations, but here they're framed by open meadows, clusters of trees, and the steady presence of Oak Creek winding through the park. We set out as a group, a mix of adults and kids, and found trails that worked for everyone. That's the beauty of this place. You don't have to be chasing a summit to enjoy it. The trails are well-marked, manageable, and still interesting enough to keep you engaged. You're moving through changing terrain the whole time. One minute you're walking through sunlit grass, the next you're tucked into shade near the water, then you turn a corner and the red rock rises up again like it's been waiting for you. The creek pulls you in. There's something about moving water in the desert that makes you slow down without realizing it. We stopped more than once just to sit for a minute, let the kids explore a bit, listen to the sound of it moving over rock. No rush, no pressure to keep pushing forward. Wildlife shows up if you're paying attention. Birds moving through the trees, the occasional lizard darting across the trail, subtle signs that this isn't just a scenic backdrop, it's a living system doing its thing. What stood out most was the pace. This isn't a place that demands anything from you. It lets you take it in at your own speed. Some of us pushed a little farther down the trail, others hung back and soaked it in. Nobody felt like they were missing out. It's also one of those rare parks that feels curated without feeling artificial. You can tell it's cared for. Trails are maintained, signage is clear, and there's a quiet respect for the environment that seems to carry over to the people visiting. By the time we looped back, nobody was checking the time. That's usually a sign you picked the right place. If Sedona at its busiest feels like a spectacle, this feels like a conversation. Same landscape, different tone. And sometimes that's exactly what you want.

    Photos
    Red Rock State Park
    Red Rock State Park - Nightshade

    Nightshade

    Red Rock State Park - Snoopi

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    Snoopi

    Soldier Pass Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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