Soldier's Pass Trail

Located just outside of downtown Sedona, in the Coconino National Forest, Soldiers Pass Trail is one of only a few offroad trails that gets your vehicle on top of the famous red rocks. Photo opportunities abound on this iconic trail named after General George Crook's army scouts, who used this trail to travel through the territory.

In addition to the red rock scenery, there are other amazing sites along the trail. The first is Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole. It is the largest sinkhole in Arizona. Initially formed in the late 1880s, it collapsed again in 1989. Based on current surface cracks, geologists believe more sections could collapse. The second awesome site is the Seven Sacred Pools. These are naturally formed pools in the sandstone and are considered sacred by the Apache and Yavapai Native Americans. If you catch the trail at the right time, you may see water running into the pools.

While short for an offroad trail, this one isn't about the number of miles but the quality of the trail, and its otherworldly surrounding. Plan ahead, a permit is required, and you don't want to miss this one!