Brins Mesa Cibola Loop, Sedona

Coconino National Forest,
Coconino & Yavapai Counties,
Arizona

Hiking Trails:
Brins Mesa Trail
Soldier Pass Trail
Cibola Trail

Total Time: 2:20 hours
Estimated Distance: 5.1 miles

Pros: Very scenic area
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kzrYdXS31n8f857i9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This area is one of the most scenic in the Sedona area, and is full of views of beautiful red rock formations. The main parking area for this area is Soldiers Pass, but that area doesn't have adequate parking and is not recommended. Instead, the Jim Thompson Trailhead is a better place to park, and there was plenty of parking available here on a Monday morning, although payment was required. 

We took the Brins Mesa Trail, and then climbed up to the Brins Mesa before descending into Soliders Pass. We then took the Soldiers Pass Trail and climbed down, passing alongside the caves. We took the Soldiers Pass Trail south passed the Seven Sacred Pools and then to the Devil's Kitchen, a giant sinkhole in the sandstone. We then took the Cibola Trail up and down the ridge and then back to the trailhead.

Map of the Route

Trailhead at the Parking Area

Kiosk Map at the Trailhead

Start of Brins Mesa Trail

Scenery Along the Brins Mesa Trail

Brins Mesa

Solider's Pass Trail

Soldiers Pass Caves

Along the Soldier's Pass Trail

Seven Sacred Pools

Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole

Scenes along the Cibola Trail