The "Would You Die Without Walking? A Journey to America's National Parks" series introduces courses that even beginners can easily take on in the coveted American national parks
Starting this time, we will introduce hiking trails around the Grand Circle, one of the areas in the United States where you can experience the most mystery and grandeur of nature, spanning the western states of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico
America is a land of vast expanses. Among them, the Grand Circle, which is dotted with numerous national and state parks centered around the Grand Canyon, allows you to spend time hiking in nature and deeply feel the energy of the land, which has accumulated over a period of time far longer than that of humanity
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Sedona, a place of sacred power since ancient times
This time, we'll start with some recommended hiking trails in Sedona, which is famous as a power spot in Japan
Sedona is a resort town known as a power spot, located about two hours north by car from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Arizona
Surrounded by red soil known as Red Rock Country, Sedona has long been revered as a sacred place by Native Americans
Many people visit Sedona, drawn by its invisible power, and the number of repeat visitors is endless. Research has shown that the geomagnetic field is strong, and this may be the reason why it exerts a kind of power on the human body as an invisible energy. There's a hypothesis, but the truth is unknown. There's definitely something invisible about Sedona, and the only way to feel that power is to actually go there and experience it through your own body and mind. Even if you think you're being tricked, try visiting Sedona and experiencing it with your own five senses. You might experience a sense of happiness and healing like you've never felt before
Recommended hiking trails in Sedona
Here are some easy hiking trails in Sedona
Soldier Pass Brinth Mesa Loop
9.6km / 275m (Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop 6 mile / 902ft)
Parking lot and trailhead
Trailhead – Soldier Pass Trail No. 66, Forest Service 9904 Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Note: Parking spaces fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving around 8am when the parking lot opens
This trail has a relatively flat elevation change and offers spectacular views. It's one of the most popular trails in Sedona, boasting highlights such as Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole, Sphinx Rock, and Seven Sacred Pools
Bring a packed lunch and eat it on the rocks along the way, then enjoy your time in the great outdoors
If you go further from the Seven Sacred Pools, we recommend taking the Brins Mesa Trail, then the Cibola Pass Trail and Jordan Trail to make a loop and return to the Soldier Pass Trail parking area
Distance estimate
- From Soldier Pass Trail parking, go 0.2 miles (320m) to Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole
- From there, continue 1.9 miles (3 km) to the junction with Brins Mesa Trail
- From there, it's 2 miles (3.2 km) to the Cibola Pass Trail (don't go onto the Jordan Trail, as it starts further from here)
- From there, it's 0.6 miles (1 km) to the Jordan Trail
- From there, walk 0.5 miles (800m) to Soldier Pass Trail parking
If you have the opportunity to visit Sedona, I recommend staying at least two days and spending plenty of time hiking and enjoying the quiet nature. You will be able to fully experience the true charm of Sedona as you watch the rocks change color over time, feel the breeze, and hear the birds singing
Sayaka Kato
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