Slightly Snowy Sacred Seven

Jennifer Stefanow • July 11, 2024

If it’s Sunday in #Sedona, you have to hit the trail. At least, you do if you’re me. It’s like going to church. It doesn’t matter if it’s simmering or frigid. Today was slightly chilly — but they make sweatshirts for that. Besides, we were only off for a short hike (1.4 miles round trip).


We decided on a pleasant stroll to the Seven Sacred Pools. We took advantage of the single parking spot that remained. Word to the wise — if you hit this trail, prepare to arrive at sunrise during the warm months. We got lucky today due to the chilly temps.


On the way out, we passed Devil’s Kitchen, a giant natural sinkhole — notice the grand piano? It’s humbling to think about how the folks who heard the crash and witnessed the haze must have reacted in the face of nature’s power.


We could see the snow still sitting over Eagle Rock in the distance. The contrast of white against red rocks never gets old.


In no time at all, we reached the pools. If you go in the springtime, sometimes you’ll see ranitasor baby frogs, swimming in the water. They’re so tiny and wee that they can fit on the tip of your pinky nail!


It started to cloud up as we left, making the rocks glow like so many copper ceilings. All in all, it was just another Sunday in paradise.

Getting there: From Cottonwood, take Highway 89A North to Soldier’s Pass Road in West Sedona. Turn left at the light and follow Soldier’s Pass for a mile and a half to the trailhead parking. The lot is small, holding only 10-12 vehicles, so get there early in pleasant weather


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