This is a really enjoyable moderate loop that links Brins Mesa with Soldier Pass, providing a mix of open mesa views, canyon scenery, and some of Sedona’s more well-known features—all in one hike.

The loop can technically be started from either trailhead, but with access to Soldier Pass often restricted, it makes the most sense to begin from the Brins Mesa side.

The Experience

Starting from the Brins Mesa Trailhead, the hike begins with a steady climb up to the top of the mesa. It gains about 550 feet over roughly a mile and a half. The trail is rocky in places and can feel a bit steep at times, but nothing too difficult for a moderate hike.

The payoff comes quickly. Once you reach the top, the trail levels out and the walking becomes much more relaxed. The views up here are excellent—both out across the surrounding red rock formations and back down toward Mormon Canyon and Sedona.

You’ll also notice signs of the 2006 Brins Fire, which burned from Oak Creek Canyon up toward the mesa. The regrowth is still visible, and the more open landscape gives this part of the hike a distinctive feel.

From Mesa to Canyon

After crossing the mesa, the route drops down toward Soldier Pass. This section shifts the feel of the hike again, bringing you into a more enclosed wash environment.

As you continue, the trail passes well-known features like the Seven Sacred Pools and the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole. This portion of the hike tends to see more people, but it’s a relatively short stretch before the loop continues on.

Completing the Loop

From Soldier Pass, the route connects to the Jordan Trail, and then to the Cibola Pass Trail, which leads back toward the Brins Mesa Trailhead.

There are multiple junctions in this section, but all are well established. It’s also part of what makes this hike flexible—you can shorten or extend the loop depending on how you connect the trails.

Why this loop works

One of the best things about this hike is how adaptable it is. There are several different ways to connect trails in this area, creating loops of varying lengths and difficulty.

Mormon Canyon, which runs alongside parts of the Brins Mesa Trail, is also worth exploring in its own right—but that’s better suited for those comfortable with route-finding and committed to minimizing impact.

This is also a strong option for a solo hike. You’re on established trails the entire time, and while you’ll likely see people—especially near Soldier Pass—you can still find long stretches of solitude.

Don’t miss…

The views from the top of Brins Mesa looking back toward Sedona and down into Mormon Canyon.