Arizona has no shortage of hikes that lead to some truly breathtaking destinations, but you get two natural wonders for the price of one on the Soldiers Pass Cave Spur Trail in Sedona. This short and easy adventure takes you to a series of crystal-clear pools and a hidden cave, all in under three miles.
One of the most well-known and heavily trafficked hikes in Sedona, Soldiers Pass Trail branches off onto several different paths that all lead to equally breathtaking sights.
Among these offshoots is Soldiers Pass Cave Spur Trail, which is just under three miles long and rated as easy on AllTrails.
With an elevation gain of less than 550 feet, the out-and-back route is suitable for all skill levels.
The dense vegetation of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness frames the trail, serving as an ever-present guide to keep you from getting lost.
Even before you reach the most iconic sections of the trail, jaw-dropping scenery abounds.
Along the way, several clearings boast panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, with its unique juxtaposition of rugged canyons and lush greenery.
About midway through the hike, a gradual ascent takes you to the ancient natural wonder the trail is known and loved for.
The climb is intense, but it's over quickly, and you'll once again find yourself on level ground in no time.
Once in the cave, you'll get to enjoy sweeping views of the iconic red rocks we all hold near and dear to our hearts.
No matter how many Sedona-area hikes you've embarked on, few showcase the terrain quite like this. It's as if the cave walls are framing the evergreen trees and remote canyonlands that lie beyond, resulting in a truly picture-perfect scene.
Stunning from every angle, the cave offers a multitude of viewing experiences.
It all depends on your perspective - look one way, and you'll see a narrow slot canyon with the powerful desert sun beaming through the cracks, while the other direction features sprawling mountain ranges and the uncharted, wide open lands they rest upon.
Other noteworthy sights include the Seven Sacred Pools and Solider Pass Sinkhole, each of which deserves its own time in the spotlight.
All of the main attractions are impossible to miss, so just lace up your shoes, hit the trail, and let nature be your guide.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
Have you ever hiked the Soldiers Pass Cave Spur Trail? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Don't forget to check out our previous article for more Arizona hikes that lead to hidden caves.
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