Seven Sacred Pools

The Seven Sacred Pools are one of Sedona's most enchanting natural features — a series of water-carved sandstone basins tucked into the red rock wilderness north of Uptown Sedona. When the pools hold water after winter rains and spring snowmelt, they create a magical desert discovery that children find genuinely wondrous: smooth, bowl-shaped depressions in ancient red rock filled with clear, still water reflecting the towering cliffs above.

The pools are accessed via the Soldier Pass Trail area, a system of moderately easy trails through open desert terrain. The walk to the pools is manageable for families with children ages 5 and up, though the rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear. The round trip is generally under 2 miles and takes 1-2 hours at a relaxed family pace.

The experience changes dramatically with the season. Spring visits, particularly March through May, typically find the pools at their fullest — clear water, reflections, and the occasional small amphibian. By midsummer, the Arizona desert heat can evaporate the pools entirely, leaving only the beautiful sculptural forms of the water-carved rock.

Always check AllTrails reviews or local hiking forums for recent conditions before making this a primary destination.

The pools have held spiritual significance in the indigenous traditions of the Yavapai-Apache people, who have called this landscape home for centuries. Visitors are asked to treat the area with respect — no swimming, no alteration of the rock or water, and no loud disturbances.

Access is free, though the parking area may require a Red Rock Pass depending on the exact trailhead used. Check the Coconino National Forest website for current requirements.