Seven Sacred Pools

The hike to Seven Sacred Pools is a short and very popular trail in Sedona, Arizona. Parking is a challenge as the small parking lot here fills up quickly. The gated parking area is open from 8 AM - 6 PM. To snag a spot you’ll want to arrive here right when it opens, or shortly before it closes (the gate closes at 6 PM, but anyone already parked in the lot is fine and will trigger the gate to open upon exiting). Otherwise you’ll need to find parking elsewhere.

The hike begins by crossing a dry wash, then ascends to the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole. This massive sinkhole was formed by the collapse of gigantic underground caverns here in the Redwall Limestone. At the rim the sinkhole measures 150 feet by 92 feet across.

The trail is then fairly flat as it follows a wide path (an old Jeep track) for a short distance. You’ll then follow the signs and well traveled trail the rest of the way to the Seven Sacred Pools. The natural sandstone pools here hold water well after any rainfall and are a neat sight. After you’ve taken some time to enjoy the pools, return the way you came back to the trailhead, unless hiking on to Soldier Pass Cave.