Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop

Route Description for Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop

The Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop is a great hike if you want to combine the Seven Sacred Pools with another viewpoint. This route takes you to the pools and to the top of Brins Mesa, which is an excellent viewpoint over the surrounding landscape.

While the signage is okay, some users report relying on a GPS track to help navigate some unclear sections. We recommend downloading a map ahead of time. Note that the parking lot at Soldier Pass opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. There is no alternate parking available outside these times, so plan your hike accordingly. There is another parking area 3.2 km away and there is a red van shuttle service between the two if you need it.

Beginning from the Soldier Pass Trailhead, head across Soldier Wash and turn left at the first junction. You’ll then keep right. You’ll be descending to the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and then climbing back up, and there isn’t signage until you’re climbing back up. You’ll hike parallel to the wash towards the pools. At the pools, you can snap a photo from the overlook point and spend some time watching the flow of the water.

From the pools, continue northwest to the junction with Brins Mesa Trail, where you’ll turn right. Climb up the mesa and marvel at the panoramic view, then continue off the other side. Turn right at the Ciboa Pass Trailhead to head back to the starting point.