Can anyone identify this Sedona hike please?

[rubsley]

Hi, I was hiking in the Sedona area a number of years ago and would love to know where exactly I went, and especially what was the rock I climbed up. Unfortunately I have no details so am hoping someone else might recognise it from the few notes I made. Would be really cool to revisit there some time as it was a pretty special day. Here's what I recall:

- I walked from somewhere close to the center of town
- After about 4 or 5 miles I either lost or came to the end of the trail at the foot of what I thought was a large cliff
- The cliff had two large arches and actually turned out to be a narrow, roofless cave
- I climbed up and out of the top of the cave (was somewhat difficult)
- Atop the cave I emerged to views of Sedona and the valley
- A bit aways from there was a large hunk of steep red-and-white rock that I spend an afternoon climbing
- I maybe got a hundred feet from the top but then decided the last bit was too steep
- I slept up near the top on a narrow ledge

I don't know if that's enough to ring any bells, but if so I would love to hear about it.

Cheers,
Rory

[joebartels]

Sounds like you were on Soldier Pass Trail #66

[rubsley]

Sounds about right; that's the area I thought it was in, judging by the proximity to town, and also that I walked out to 89A to continue hitch-hiking up to Flagstaff.

Does the cave/twin arch sound familiar? Is this it? http://tinyurl.com/k6wo884

The thing I'd really love to know is which rock I climbed and slept up the top of. Quite possibly this one here: http://www.tinyurl.com/qx8td9h

Probably have to go back to figure it out for sure though.

Thanks for your time and input. :-)

[joebartels]

You got it on the first try. Easier for most to understand in this setup
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=3714

The forest service says the trail forks at 1.25 miles which looks correct. The left is the main trail and the right is a use-trail to the arches.

[rubsley]

Nice one Joe. Now I know where to go if I can make it back to Sedona - was '98 when I was there last. :-)