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Seven Sacred Pools: A Desert Oasis

Discover the serene beauty of Sedona's Seven Sacred Pools, a natural wonder offering essential water to wildlife amid stunning red rock landscapes.

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The Seven Sacred Pools, nestled in Sedona's red rock landscape, are a series of natural pools carved into sandstone. Fed by a seasonal stream, they offer a vital water source for wildlife and a serene spot for hikers along the Soldier Pass Trail.

A brief summary to Seven Sacred Pools

  • Sedona, Arizona, 86336, US

Local tips

  • Visit in spring (April-May) or after rainfall for the best chance to see the pools filled with water.
  • Arrive early to the Soldier Pass Trailhead as the small parking lot fills quickly.
  • Consider taking the free Sedona Hiking Shuttle to the trailhead to avoid parking hassles.
  • Download a GPS track or map, as the trail can be confusing in some areas.
  • Combine your visit with a hike to Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and Soldier Pass Cave for a longer adventure.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the intersection of Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona, drive west on 89A for 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road. Turn right and continue for 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then turn right again. Continue for a short distance to the gated entry road with the trailhead parking lot on the left. Note that the parking lot is small and fills up quickly. Consider using the free Sedona Hiking Shuttle from the Posse Grounds Park and Ride to avoid parking issues. Parking at the Jordan Road Trailhead is $5.

  • Public Transport

    Take the free Sedona Hiking Shuttle from the Posse Grounds Park and Ride (20 Carruth Dr, West Sedona) to the Soldier Pass Trailhead. Check the shuttle schedule for operating days and times. From the trailhead, the Seven Sacred Pools are a 1.1-mile hike.

  • Walking

    From the Soldier Pass Trailhead, head across Soldier Wash and turn left at the first junction to continue on the Soldier Pass Trail. The Seven Sacred Pools are located 1.1 miles from the trailhead, along a relatively flat and easy-to-traverse path. The hike to the pools takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours round trip.

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Discover more about Seven Sacred Pools

The Seven Sacred Pools are a captivating natural landmark located near Sedona, Arizona, within the Coconino National Forest. These pools are a series of small, naturally carved tinajas (pools) in the red sandstone, fed by a seasonal stream. The pools are most impressive after rainfall, when water flows from one pool to the next. At other times they may appear as stagnant, muddy puddles. Located between the Oak Creek Mountains and the arid Sedona desert, the pools provide a crucial water source for local wildlife. The area has long been appreciated, with the Sinagua people drawn to the perennial stream that once flowed through the area. Today, the pools continue to attract visitors seeking a connection with nature and the stunning red rock scenery. The pools are accessible via the popular Soldier Pass Trail, a moderately easy hike that also features other attractions such as the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and the Soldier Pass Cave.

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