Seven Sacred Pools

Don't get me wrong: this area off of Soldiers Pass offers some of the most interesting hiking in Sedona, including Devil's Kitchen, a sinkhole very close to the pools that is a must see! But, go for the hike, not the destination. The "seven sacred pools" is a bit underwhelming. Some locals call it the "Seven Sacred Puddles." The first time I went looking for them, I walked right by them without realizing it, which is particularly likely if there hasn't been any rain for a while. Again, go check out the hikes in the Soldier's pass area, and if the Seven Sacred Pools calls to you, that's awesome. Just don't expect much.

This hike was reviewed as "easy" so I took my 69 year old dad and 4 and 8 year old daughters along. My 8 year old did just fine. My dad had to stop a few times and rest. My 4 year old needed to be carried 30% of the way as she got tired. Not a whole lot of elevation changes. It was mostly just a hot hike for us, as we went right at noon in July. Half way to the pools you see the 40+ foot Devils Kitchen Sinkhole and that is really cool to look down and see and take photos. Once we arrived at the 7 Sacred Pools, they were nearly empty of water. There was not enough water for the waterfalls to be happening. We could see tadpools in the water swimming. I think the sink hole was cooler to see than the near empty pools. This hike was easy for myself, but it was still a little tough for my 4 year old and 69 year old dad. I did Cathedral Rock hike the following day by myself and I'm happy I went alone.

I drove to the parking area for this hike.there are only 14 spaces and nowhere else to park nearby.I went at noon and all the spaces were taken so I pulled out and sat in my car for 20 minutes until I saw a vehicle leaving, and promptly pulled in. The trail is nicely markedThe sinkhole, called "Devil's Kitchen" is pretty cool to see about 40 feet deep (see collage of photos)then I continued but did not find the seen poolsso either I did not hike far enough (had new shoes on and did not want to press my luck) or I just missed them while hiking. Anyway, I will find them next summer when I do my day trip to Sedona.

So I would say that this is not a must-see place. However, if you have spare time in Sedona, it is a cool place to hike. When you turn into Soldier Pass Rd from 89A, keep going and turn right onto Shadow Rock Drive. There is a parking at Jordan trailhead. Follow the Jordan Trailhead for about 5 min, you will then see the split (Right to Jordan trail and left to Soldier Pass trail). At the split, there is a sinkhole called Devil kitchen sinkhole. I missed this and someone guided me there. It was right at the split. To go to the 7 sacred pools, go right follow the route for Soldier Pass. The pools is to the left. It was small but interesting.

this is a beautiful space with a rich Native American history. We were lucky enough to be at the site when a tour was being given and learned more about this sacred space. The hiking in the surrounding area is also wonderful.

Beautiful hike! It’s very rare area that has no water expect the 7 pools! There is also a large sink hole on the hike. It’s free parking but it’s limited to a few cars.

Great trail not difficult. You walk to the impressive devil’s sinkhole and to the seven pools which are really worth. Going on the track is slightly less well signaled pay attention to the directions you took to get back. Not crowded, shady as you proceed.

D you want to take great pictures of the seven pools from their opposite side, or with them running water away from you and the mountains just ahead reflected on the water? Well, check the weather! After a raining day (close end rainy season) you will have what is needed to enjoy the beauty that has gave a good name to this place! There are times when they are totally dry, so take note that they are not far from the trailhead, and a second visit after a bad rainy day is worth it!!!..

Getting there easy is a must, there are only 14 parking spaces in the only parking lot. From there, the hike is well marked and easy. Take your camera, along the way to the seven sacred pools you will past a large sinkhole named Devil's Kitchen and you are surrounded by the infamous red rocks of Sedonatake your camera and have fun!

We have unsuccessfully attempted to hike this area multiple times BUT there is almost no parking permitted by the City of Sedona. The city is NOT hiker and biker friendly as only about 10 vehicles are permitted. All else is signed with threats of towing, no parking, private roads/property, and no trespassing. The county (away from the city) is more accommodating.