Weather: 82º, sunny (I got sunburned!)
About this Hike: I explored Thunder Mountain Trail and Lizard’s Head
today. These comprise the “urban trail
system” in West Sedona. The trailheads
are easily marked but are in residential areas.
Part of me was curious about reaching the summit of Thunder Mountain,
but from what I read this is a treacherous hike and sounded like it could
potentially ruin my vacation if something went wrong.
I also did the Sugarloaf Mountain summit which offered some
nice views but not much else. Underwhelmed,
I went over to Soilder’s Pass Trailhead where I read there were Seven Sacred
Pools.
Soilder’s Pass ended up being the winner of the day. Also part of the West Sedona area, it feels
less urban as it ascends up the Brins Mesa and into the wilderness. Along the way is Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, which as the name
implies, is a massive sinkhole. Next up
are the Seven Pools. Nothing like the
Seven Sacred Pools on Maui, these are stagnant pools carved into the red rocks. A few had tadpoles swimming in them.
The hike continues on through forest and many dry washes as
it makes its way up Brins Mesa. Along
the way you’re afforded great views of Coffee Pot Rock and the backside of
Thunder Mountain, which from the back angle is much smaller looking. Atop the mesa the topography quickly changes
to grassland. There are nice views of
the wilderness, but not much else.
Satisfied from a full day of hiking, I started back from
there. Along the trail I met a friendly guy who works as a tour guide in
Sedona. (He was off duty and just hiking for pleasure.) We had a nice chat, and then I found my way
back to the trailhead. There’s a side
trail that is signed as “1.2 Miles to Trailhead,” but I have no idea if that’s
the Soilder’s Pass Trailhead or possibly
Teacup Trailhead. I stuck to the beaten
path, although the explorer in me wanted to see what was down this side trail.
All in all, West Sedona offers some nice views and varying
trails all with great no-fee parking areas.
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| Seven Sacred Pools of Sedona |
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| Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole |
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