Things to Know Before Driving Soldier Pass Road in Sedona

Soldier Pass Road is the name of a very defiant drive located on the boundary of Coconino and Yavapai counties, in the US state of Arizona.

Soldier Pass Road

Is Soldier Pass Road in Sedona unpaved?

Tucked away in the Coconino National Forest, the rough Soldier Pass Road (Forest Service 9904 Road) is totally unpaved with challenging rock ledges and obstacles. The road is suitable for most high-clearance 4x4s.

How long is Soldier Pass Road in Sedona?

Starting at the paved Canyon Shadows Drive, the road is 1.60 km (1.0 mile) long. If your ideal road trip involves getting way off the beaten track then this is the drive for you. The road is very scenic and provides access to natural features such as the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools.

Is Soldier Pass Road in Sedona open?

This trail can get a little bit crowded during the weekends. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. The road is open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. only and a permit is required to drive a motorized vehicle into the Soldier Pass road. A limited number of passes (12) are issued for each day. Parking is a big challenge at this trailhead. If you do not arrive before 8 a.m, you most likely will not be able to park in this small 14 car parking lot. 

Pic: Darius Nabors.