Private Sedona Jeep Tour: Soldier's Pass Trail & Seven Pools

Rugged jeep trails lead to Devils Kitchen and Apache's Seven Pools in West Sedona's most exclusive backcountry.

A private guided jeep tour through Sedona's Soldier's Pass Trail, the most exclusive trail in West Sedona, takes you to Devils Kitchen and Apache's Seven Pools on rugged backcountry routes. The 90-minute tour includes a live English-speaking guide and local taxes; arrive 15 minutes early to check in and sign a waiver. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and dogs are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sedona Jeep Tour and Hiking Trail

• Check in and sign waiver
• Meet your guide
• Hike Soldiers Pass Trail
• Visit Devils Kitchen
• Explore Apache's Seven Pools

The Experience

The tour starts with a 15-minute check-in window at the meeting point, where you'll sign a waiver and meet your guide before heading out. From there, the jeep takes you onto the challenging trails that cut through Sedona's countryside toward Soldier's Pass, a route kept deliberately small to preserve its exclusivity. The landscape shifts as you climb into the backcountry—red rock formations, desert vegetation, and the kind of terrain that demands a vehicle built for it.

Two main stops anchor the route: Devils Kitchen and Apache's Seven Pools. Both sit deep enough in the backcountry that reaching them requires the jeep and the guide's knowledge of which trails stay passable. The pools themselves are natural formations carved into the landscape, and the scenery around them is what the operator calls the draw—the kind of view that doesn't appear from the main roads. The whole loop runs 90 minutes, which keeps the pace steady without rushing the stops.

Your guide speaks English and knows the trails well enough to navigate the rougher sections safely. The tour is private, meaning it's just your group in the jeep—no strangers, no set departure times beyond the one you book. Dogs ride along at no extra cost. Bring water and wear shoes with good grip; the terrain is uneven and the sun exposure is real. The minimum group size is two people, and kids as young as three can join, though the ride itself is bumpy enough that you'll want to think about comfort for younger travelers.

What’s included

• Guided jeep tour through Soldier's Pass Trail with stops at Devils Kitchen and Apache's Seven Pools.
• live English-speaking guide.
• local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Red Rock Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want the backcountry without the crowds—Soldier's Pass is kept small and exclusive, so you're not sharing the jeep with other groups or waiting for a set departure time. The 90-minute loop is short enough to fit into a half-day but long enough to reach the pools most Sedona visitors never see.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Soldier's Pass Trail and the other jeep routes around Sedona?

Soldier's Pass Trail is described as the most exclusive trail in West Sedona, kept deliberately small and less traveled than the main backcountry routes. It's the route this tour uses to reach Devils Kitchen and Apache's Seven Pools, both of which sit far enough back that most visitors never see them.

How bumpy is the ride, and what should I wear?

The tour covers challenging, rugged trails, so expect a rough ride with plenty of jostling. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for the uneven terrain, and bring water; you'll be exposed to sun for most of the 90 minutes.

Can my dog come on the Sedona jeep tour?

Yes, dogs are always allowed on this tour at no extra charge. Bring water for your dog as well, since the backcountry has no shade or water sources along the route.

What time do I need to arrive, and how long does the whole experience take?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked departure time to check in and sign a waiver. The actual jeep tour runs 90 minutes once you leave the meeting point.

Is this tour safe for someone with a bad back or other physical concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and pregnant travelers cannot join. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to handle the rough terrain and bumpy ride.