2023-Mar: AZ-Sedona: Devil's Bridge and Soldier Pass Cave/Level 2+

This is Day 3 hiking of a HikingOC Annual Springtime in Phoenix, Strawberry and Sedona, AZ https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/284194920/
RSVP is NOT SECURED a space. Please contact the host via message, email or in person to discuss more about the trip!

The hike Stats
Durance: 4-8 hours.
Length: 4+ to 9+ miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Elevation: 1500+ feet.
More info: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-devils-bridge-sedona-arizona/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=72066
https://www.travelawaits.com/2559030/hiking-devils-bridge/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/soldier-pass-trail

General Rating and Difficulty: Level 2+/3 for distance, elevation and speed. Please see the RATING TABLE for more info about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

About the hikes:
Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. Don't let its name fool you: it's one of the most heavenly sights in an area famous for them.
From a trailhead elevation of 4,600 feet, there's a mere 400 foot climb in altitude during this moderately difficult, 1.8-mile roundtrip trek. The journey to reach the top won't leave you breathless -- but we would never say the same about the views you'll witness when you finally get there.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55292

Soldier Pass Trail: provides a diverse experience beginning in an urban setting and eventually leads into Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, increasing the potential for solitude. The first half of this trail is often busy, and there is jeep tour and off-road vehicle traffic nearby. Enter at the signed trailhead which is open only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trail dips to cross a wash then climbs out to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole just off the trail to the right at 1/4 miles. The trail then goes over level ground for 1/4 mile to the "Seven Sacred Pools" (photo) to the left of the tr
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55392

Directions: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hike-devils-bridge-sedona-arizona/
Vehicle Requirements: high clearance, but 4WD for a shorter hike

GOOD TO KNOW Wear good traction hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, rain gears and the most important is Ten Essentials: https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234

REMINDER:

***By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings***
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***