Sedona: Private Jeep Tour on Soldiers Pass & 7 Sacred Pools

Summary

Rugged Sedona trails, secret pools and Soldier’s Pass by jeep

You’ll rumble through Sedona’s rugged countryside on a private jeep tour with a local guide, exploring Soldiers Pass Trail and pausing at the 7 Sacred Pools for quiet moments among red rocks. See Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole up close, feel the desert air, and maybe laugh at your own attempts at local lingo. It’s an experience that lingers long after you brush off the dust.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think much about Sedona’s red rocks until we bounced into them in that jeep. Our guide, Mike, had this way of steering with one hand and pointing out weird cactus shapes with the other — sometimes I wondered if he was showing off. The air smelled like juniper and dust, and I kept finding little red grains in my shoes for days after. The start was just a quick check-in (waiver stuff, you know), then straight into the wild bits.

The Soldiers Pass Trail felt more private than I expected — not empty, but quieter than those Instagram spots. Mike told us stories about the Apache and how these 7 Sacred Pools fill up after rain. There was this moment where we all stood around the pools, nobody talking, just listening to water drip somewhere below. Sunlight hit the rocks so everything looked kind of unreal for a second. My friend tried to pronounce “Sedona” like a local and got teased for it — apparently it’s harder than you’d think?

We stopped at Devil’s Kitchen too, which is this huge sinkhole that feels like it shouldn’t exist. The wind picked up there and you could hear it whistling through cracks in the rock — honestly gave me chills even though it was warm out. Dogs are allowed (ours loved it), but I’d skip this if you’ve got any back issues because those trails are rougher than they look in photos. Still thinking about that silence by the pools; not sure why it stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sedona Jeep Tour and Soldiers Pass Trail

• Check in and sign waiver
• Meet your guide
• Begin 90-minute trail tour

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Sedona jeep tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you check in at the starting point.

Are dogs allowed on the Soldiers Pass Jeep Tour?

Yes, dogs are always allowed on this tour.

How difficult is the trail? Is it suitable for everyone?

The trail is rugged; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What is included in the private jeep tour?

The tour includes a guided jeep ride along Soldiers Pass Trail plus all local taxes.

Is there an age minimum for kids?

The minimum age is 3 years old to join this tour.

Can service animals join?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this jeep tour.

How many people do I need to book?

A minimum of two people per booking is required.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided jeep tour along Soldiers Pass Trail in Sedona with stops at landmarks like Devil’s Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools; all local taxes are covered before you return dusty but happy.