skippingbrooksSo you want to hike in Sedona, Arizona? Want to add an even better feature to your hike? I will show you how to hike 2 epic hikes in Sedona, Arizona at sunrise!
When searching for hikes in Sedona, Arizona you will find many trails waiting for the next hiker to make their footprint. Before visiting Sedona, I learned about the busyness of the trails and knew this to be true in other locations as most hiking adventures we have been to in the last 2 years have been incredibly busy. I wanted to enjoy these trails as much as I could and to make that happen I knew that meant beating the crowds. How? …I would be getting up before sunrise of course!
Now, those that know me can attest that I am NOT an early riser. But having the trails almost to ourselves was a must-have and I didn’t know how much I would enjoy being up before the sun.
In this article, I will cover how to find epic hikes in Sedona, Arizona at sunrise.
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Hike #1: How to Hike Soldier Pass Trail
There are tons of reasons why hikes in Sedona, Arizona are so popular but so many rave about the Soldier Pass Trail. For instance, it includes multiple epic stopping points that are on many bucket lists including Devil’s Kitchen, Seven Sacred pools, and Soldier Pass cave.
As with many hikes in Sedona, Arizona, there are multiple ways to access the trails. To be honest it all came down to the time of access on the trails for us when we were visiting.
Tip: Depending on the time of the week you are visiting Sedona, parking may be limited or unavailable. When the Sedona Shuttle is running, which is typically year-round Thursday thru Sunday, while free, the Soldier Pass parking lot will be closed. To get to the Soldier Pass Trailhead you will have to take the Sedona Shuttle.
Because of the tip we gave above and the shuttle arriving after 7 a.m. we decided to take an alternate trail that did not require taking a shuttle.
Soldier Pass Trail Hike in Sedona, Arizona
Jim Thompson Trailhead/Brins Mesa Trailhead
Trail bonus! Open 24 hours and in fact, holds around 50 cars AND there are toilets. You will find this large parking lot after passing through Uptown Sedona.
Caution: This trailhead is located at the end of W Park Ridge Road which once past the residential area is quite rocky and has large potholes in the road. We had a camper van and had no trouble however proceeded slowly and with caution.
This parking lot requires a Red Rock Pass to park in this lot. Have an America The Beautiful Pass? This will also work.
So now you are ready to hike! The quickest way to access the Soldier Pass trail is to take Cibola Trail to the Jordan Trail which can be found near the toilets at the edge of the parking lot. The heavily tree-covered trail has quite a steep incline to the peak which leads you to incredible views below. Be sure to follow the trail down back into the forest because it will lead you to the Jordan Trail as it meets up with the Soldier Pass trail at Devil’s Kitchen.
This trailhead is about 1 mile one way to reach Soldier Pass trail and is mostly flat once you descend down from the peak, worth the extra 2 miles!
Tip: If starting on the trail before sunrise you will need a headlamp.
Soldier Pass Trail Stats From Jim Thompson Trailhead/Brins Mesa Trailhead
- Length: ~6 miles
- Elevation: 1,111 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Trail type: Out and back or loop
- Starts: At the parking lot
- Bathrooms: At the parking lot
Devil’s Kitchen Hike in Sedona, Arizona
You may be the only one on the trail if you head out before sunrise, however by the time you come to Devil’s Kitchen, the sun should be showing you the way. Be careful, because you might miss this massive sinkhole as it could be missed if you are moving right along.
In fact, this massive sinkhole has had two major collapses. One in the early 1880s and the other in 1989. In 1995 the north wall caved in.
From here follow the trail to the Seven Sacred Pools.
Seven Sacred Pools
In 0.4 miles you will find the Seven Sacred Pools. Again, you may find yourself all alone if you hit the trail early enough. We managed to be following another couple which happened to work to all of our advantage as we were able to take photos for each other.
Soldier Pass Cave
This cave used to be a hidden secret and once we made our way we could see how it could be missed by so many.
The spur trail to Soldier Pass cave is 1.3 miles from the trailhead. I had read before heading out that there is an obvious fork in the trail so I was aware to be looking for this fork otherwise we may have missed it. Take the fork to the right which is wider than the narrow trail that leads to the Brina Mesa trail.
Once on the trail to the cave, you will come to a large plateau with incredible views! Be sure to take some time and enjoy the views especially if the sun still hasn’t gotten too high as the colors are stunning.
Once the trail comes to the tree line, the trail becomes rocky and steep. Follow the trail all the way up to the cave.
Soldier Pass Cave is tucked behind the trees on the right not to be confused with two large arches in the rock wall.
Onto Brins Mesa Trail or Retrace Your Steps?
Don’t want to retrace your steps back to the parking lot? No problem! Continue on the trail heading north which turns into Brins Mesa Trail. Because remember the parking lot? Well at the parking lot, this trail is on the opposite side of the parking lot from Cibola Trail. It is a big loop that connects to the Soldier Pass Trail.
I cannot attest to this part of the trail as we opted to retrace our steps back the way we came.
Hike #2: How to Hike Devil’s Bridge
One of the most popular hikes in Sedona, Arizona is Devil’s Bridge so be prepared to share the trail with other hikers, even when heading out before sunrise. The views on the bridge are stunning!
Hiking To Devil’s Bridge
Hiking to Devil’s Bridge includes many different trails.
- Park at Mescal Trailhead (this is what we opted to do)
- Take the Sedona Shuttle to the Dry Creek parking lot
- Dry Creek Road to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (4×4 high clearance vehicle required)
- Park at the Dry Creek Road parking lot
Mescal Trailhead
This is the trailhead we opted to take and because we were so early, we were the first ones in the parking lot!
This one-mile trail is mostly flat weaving in and out of beautiful desert views lined with yucca plants and cacti and surrounded by beautiful red rocks.
Besides, if you time it correctly the sun will just be coming up as you are strolling through this part of the trail which produces some pretty incredible colors on the red rocks! Follow the Mescal trail to Chuckwagon Trail because this leads to Dry Creek Road. Also, be sure to watch for signs along the trail as there is a sign marking where Devil’s Bridge trail branches off.
Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
From here, which is parking for 4×4 vehicles, the trail is quite wide and continues to be easy. Once the trail starts to narrow you are getting close.
But first, before Devil’s Bridge, you must climb many steep rocky steps which seem like it may never end, ha! In fact, if other hikers have reached the bridge before you, their voices should be easily heard as they stand at the top observing the bridge waiting for their photo opportunity.
In addition, right before you see the bridge there will be a flat viewing area, a great place to stop and catch your breath. Because we arrived at this spot a little after 7 a.m. in mid-November 2022, people were already coming down from the bridge viewing area which tells me they arrived around sunrise. I couldn’t image climbing those steep areas in the dark!
Tips: Busier times of the day you could be waiting an hour or longer for your photo. Again, we arrived a little after 7 a.m. and still waited 40 minutes. So worth it! We saw multiple dogs on this hike and even had photos on the bridge yet the best part, we saw a proposal on the bridge!!! The cheers from the crowd were priceless! And of course, it is kid friendly.
Devils Bridge Hiking Stats From Mescal Trail
- Length: 4 miles round trip
- Elevation: ~667 feet
- Difficulty: east except for the last ascent to Devil’s Bridge. Rocky steps and climbing.
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Trail type: Out and back
- Starts: At the parking lot
- Bathrooms: At the top parking lot
Dry Creek Trailhead
Another option is starting at Dry Creek Trailhead. Because this option is less scenic and is shared with 4×4 vehicles, it makes it less desirable. To Devil’s Bridge, this option is about 4.6 miles and the first portion does not offer much shade if taken during the summer months and lots of dust.
Parking at Dry Creek Trailhead is much more populated than at Mescal so arriving early is a must.
Tips To Get The Most Out of Your Experience With Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
Hike before sunrise
The key to this article! Beat the crowds and see the beauty of the sun rising on the red rocks! And don’t forget the prime parking space.
Consider your journey at the Cibola Trailhead
Even though this adds 2 miles to your hike the views and scenery are worth every mile! Besides, parking was plentiful early in the morning and the toilets were nice to have after hiking.
Be prepared to spend time at each location
Each location has prime photo opportunities and secluded areas to just sit and take in the views. If arriving early you may have the place to yourself as we did!
Leave no trace
Be sure to pack out anything you bring with you practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
What To Bring On The Hike
Hiking shoes
Investing in a quality pair of hiking shoes is ideal. The extra traction will make climbing on wet rocks and climbing on cave ledges safer and easier.
Snacks and water
Pack high-protein foods and plenty of water to last you for a couple of hours. For example, more water will be needed in the summer months.
Camera
No need to carry a big camera, your smartphone is sufficient.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses or stocking hat, and mittens
Depending on the time of year you are hiking in Sedona, Arizona you will either need hot weather items or cool weather items.
Thoughts On Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
Our experience of these 2 hikes in Sedona, Arizona at sunrise was so incredible! I can honestly say this trip tops my list of places we have seen all thanks to the epic colors of the red rocks at sunrise.
I hope you enjoyed my Epic hikes in Sedona, Arizona at sunrise and you found some things helpful. These are both truly hikes!
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Safe adventures,
Brooke
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