Devil's Kitchen, Yavapai County Travel Guide

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Explore the dramatic Devil's Kitchen sinkhole in Sedona, a testament to the power of geological forces and a must-see natural wonder.

Devil's Kitchen is a captivating sinkhole near Sedona, Arizona, formed by collapses dating back to the 1880s. This geological oddity offers an easy, short hike suitable for all ages and skill levels, showcasing the power of nature's forces.

A brief summary to Devil's Kitchen

Sedona, Arizona, 86336, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Devil's Kitchen.

Arrive early at the Soldier Pass Trailhead as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months in Sedona.
Consider combining your visit with a hike to the nearby Seven Sacred Pools for a longer adventure.

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Explore Devil's Kitchen on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Devil's Kitchen, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The most direct route to Devil's Kitchen is via the Soldier Pass Trail from the Soldier Pass Trailhead. From the trailhead, walk across Soldier Wash and head northeast. At the first junction, turn left, then keep right to descend to the sinkhole. The hike is short and relatively easy. Parking at the Soldier Pass Trailhead is limited to about 15 vehicles, and the lot is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Arrive early to secure a spot. An additional parking area is located 2 miles away, with a red van shuttle service available. The Sedona Shuttle also provides free transportation to the trailhead from designated Park & Ride locations.
Public Transport

From various points in Sedona, utilize the free Sedona Shuttle service to reach the Soldier Pass Trailhead. Check the Sedona Shuttle website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Alternatively, the Verde Shuttle connects Cottonwood to Sedona and has stops in West Sedona and Uptown, which can be used to connect to the Sedona Shuttle or a rideshare service for the final leg to the trailhead. The Verde Shuttle costs $1 per ride.
Ride Share

Utilize a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get as close as possible to the Soldier Pass Trailhead. Be aware that ride-share availability in Sedona can be limited, especially during peak seasons. From the nearest drop-off point, follow Soldier Pass Road to the trailhead. The final approach will involve a short walk to the trailhead. A short ride within Sedona will likely cost $10-$20.

Discover more about Devil's Kitchen

Devil's Kitchen, a prominent sinkhole in Sedona, Arizona, presents a dramatic illustration of geological processes at work. Its formation began long before Western settlement, with the earliest signs of sinkage evident in the rounded rock edges and manganese oxide patina on the southernmost wall. Two significant collapses, one in the early 1880s and another in 1989, dramatically widened the hole, creating the cavernous sinkhole visible today. The 1880s collapse was so powerful that residents reported dust filling the air all day, and the 1989 event expanded the opening by roughly 33%.The sinkhole's geology is characterized by the Redwall Limestone of the Pennsylvanian subperiod. The upper walls consist of sandstone from the Schnebly Hill Formation, while the lower areas feature shaly siltstone of the Hermit Formation. Unlike the rounded, weathered appearance of the south wall, the northern side displays angular rock faces, freshly broken off during more recent collapses.Located on the Soldier Pass Trail in the Coconino National Forest, Devil's Kitchen is easily accessible via a short, well-marked trail. The hike to the sinkhole is popular and can be combined with a visit to the nearby Seven Sacred Pools for a longer excursion. The ease of the trail makes it a family-friendly destination, offering an opportunity to witness a unique geological formation up close.