
Is Soldier Pass Road in Sedona unpaved?
Usa, north-america
1.6 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Just outside Sedona, where Coconino and Yavapai counties meet, lies Soldier Pass Road (aka Forest Service 9904 Road) and it is calling your name. We're talking a mile of pure, unadulterated, unpaved fun.
Picture this: you, your high-clearance 4x4, tackling rocky ledges and obstacles like a boss. This isn't your Sunday cruise, folks. This is an off-road playground with seriously scenic views and access to cool spots like the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools.
Word to the wise: this hidden gem gets popular, especially on weekends. Make sure to check the weather, as things can get dicey. The road is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but here's the kicker: you NEED a permit to drive it, and they only issue 12 per day. Parking is super limited (think 14 spots), so get there early or be prepared to hike. Trust me, the early bird gets the off-road worm on this one!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.6 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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