You can’t rush red rocks. This private 2-hour Jeep tour is built for getting up close to Sedona’s famous sights and a few lesser-known corners, with an off-road route and stops at Devil’s Kitchen and the Apache’s Seven Pools.

What I like most is that it doesn’t just point at scenery. It mixes iconic geology with “put your feet on the ground” trail time, including well-known routes like the Teacup, Jordan, and Thompson trails (when conditions allow).

I love the chance to see Sedona from an angle you can’t get by car, plus the feeling of a small-group trip with a guide who can actually talk you through what you’re seeing. The standout stops for me are the sinkhole at Devil’s Kitchen and the sacred Seven Pools area, where the rock shapes and the setting do most of the talking.

One possible drawback: the tour can get rough. One negative review described difficult terrain that felt harder than expected, including moments where a wheel lifted off the ground—so if you’re not comfortable with semi-off-road driving, I’d think twice.

Key things to know before you go

• Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole stop: a quick, memorable look at a famous Sedona landform during your off-road loop
• Apache’s Seven Pools focus: not just photos—this stop ties to the area’s sacred meaning
• You may walk short trail segments: routes like Teacup, Jordan, and Thompson are part of the plan
• US Forest Service trail permission: this exclusive access can change the feel of the tour from standard sightseeing
• Private group, guide-led pacing: reviews praised guides like Donnie, Nick, and Ralph for patience and safety
• Terrain varies by day: some people loved the rugged route; others found it more challenging than expected

Red Rocks, Private Jeep Vibes, and What This 2-Hour Plan Really Delivers

A private Jeep tour around Sedona can either feel like a highlight reel or like a real mini-adventure. This one is aiming for the second. You’re not just sitting in a vehicle looking out a window. You ride the red-rock roads, stop at key places, and step onto trails long enough to feel you’re part of the terrain, not just visiting it.

The tour is 2 hours, which is long enough to make three things happen: (1) you get real driving time over red rocks, (2) you hit the major Sedona signatures (Devil’s Kitchen and Seven Pools), and (3) you get short trail time. For many people, that’s the sweet spot. You’ll come away with photos, but also with a stronger sense of place—how the rock shapes, elevations, and vegetation mix in this area.

The private format matters. Reviews include groups where it was small enough to feel personal, and at least one booking had six people. In practice, that means you’re more likely to get questions answered and time spent at stops that match what your group wants—assuming your guide keeps things moving at a good pace.

Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole: Fast Stop, Big Personality

Devil’s Kitchen is one of those Sedona sites that feels instantly recognizable. It’s also the kind of stop where timing matters. If you show up mid-crowd, it can turn into a quick photo-and-go moment. With a Jeep tour built around off-road routing, you’re set up to stop specifically for this landform—so you get to actually look at it.

What makes this stop special is the “why am I looking at this” effect. A sinkhole is not just a pretty view. It’s geology you can understand from one glance: the earth has a story, and the way the rock and depth create a dramatic stage makes the whole area feel alive.

The only trade-off is duration. The plan includes multiple highlights, and a stop like Devil’s Kitchen can’t be long every time. If your main goal is an extended walk here, you might find you want more time than a short stop provides. Still, it’s a very efficient way to experience a top Sedona feature without burning hours.

Apache’s Sacred Seven Pools and Trail Time That Makes the Tour Feel Real

The Apache’s Seven Pools stop is the emotional anchor of the tour. In other words: it’s not just a scenic checkpoint. It’s tied to the sacred meaning of the area, and that changes the tone. Even if you’re not into interpretive details, standing in the right spot lets you feel why people value this place.

What I like about how this is handled on your route is the connection between viewpoints and walking time. The tour plan includes setting foot on famous Sedona trails such as the Teacup Trail, Jordan Trail, and Thompson Trail. Those names matter because they give you a sense of how close you’re getting to the heart of what people come to Sedona for.

Now, a reality check: the plan doesn’t describe long hikes. A 2-hour tour has to balance driving, stops, and short trail segments. So treat this as “trail tasting,” not a full hike day. That said, trail time is exactly why this kind of Jeep tour can beat a standard shuttle or viewpoints-only plan. You’re not just consuming the landscape; you’re moving through it—just enough to make the views land.

One more practical point: you’ll want comfortable shoes. The included walk segments and terrain around stops aren’t described in detail, so you should assume uneven ground is part of the experience.

Soldiers Pass Red Rock Driving: Safe When Done Right, Rough When Conditions Demand It

A Jeep tour is part sightseeing and part road skill. Even if you don’t care about off-road mechanics, you’ll feel it in the way the route is built—curves, uneven surfaces, and the kind of driving that keeps you paying attention.

Reviews give you a strong hint about the range of experiences:

• Some guides were praised for safe driving and knowing how to handle the route smoothly.
• One negative review described terrain that felt much more difficult than expected, including a moment where a wheel was off the ground and getting through a passage was hard for the group.

So here’s how I’d think about it if you’re deciding:

• If you want gentle “look-at-everything” driving, you’ll want a guide who’s known for smooth control and good judgment.
• If you’re comfortable with semi-rough conditions and short uneven walk-ups, you’ll likely find the route adds fun and makes the views feel earned.

Also, the “private” part doesn’t guarantee “easy.” Private tours can still be rugged because the goal is access—getting off the beaten path and into places your car can’t reach comfortably.

The US Forest Service Trail Permission: Why Exclusive Access Can Be Worth It

A key promise here is exclusive permission to a trail by the US forest service. That matters because it can change what you actually do during the tour, not just where you stop for photos.

In places like Sedona, a lot of “Jeep tours” end up being similar loops: same viewpoints, same photo spots, same brief walks. Permission for a specific trail can move your day from generic to specific. You’re more likely to experience the area in a way that feels like you’re stepping into a route that isn’t normally part of the standard crowd pattern.

The catch is that the tour still has a strict time box: 2 hours. So if you’re hoping for a long, detailed trail experience that could take hours by itself, you’ll likely be disappointed. If you’re happy with guided access plus short trail time, exclusive permission can be a real value-add.

Price and Value: $159 Can Be a Deal, If Time Matches the Promise

The listed price is $159 per person for a 2-hour private Jeep tour. On paper, that can be a very solid value in a region where “private” often pushes costs way higher.

But here’s the honest part: reviews include reports of much higher totals for families and groups. One review said they paid over $700 for six people, another mentioned paying $550 (and questioned whether the time matched the stated length). There was also a comment about a different family paying less for a similar trip duration.

I can’t tell you why those gaps happen from the info provided, but I can tell you how to protect your money:

• Make sure the start time and actual driving time are aligned with the 2-hour promise.
• Ask yourself what you’re paying for: not just transportation, but the specific stops (Seven Pools and Devil’s Kitchen) plus trail time and off-road access.
• If your group expects a very smooth, easy ride, confirm that the tour style matches that expectation.

If you go in with realistic expectations for an off-road route and you like guided stops at major Sedona signatures, the $159 price can feel fair. If you’re ultra time-sensitive, or you want a soft, low-impact experience, you’ll want to be cautious based on the terrain notes from less-positive feedback.

Guides Make the Difference: Maverick, Donnie, Nick, Ralph, and Ian

This is one of those tours where the guide’s style shapes the whole vibe. The company provides a professional guide, and the reviews show the impact clearly.

Here’s what stood out in the feedback:

• Donnie was praised for being patient and never rushing at stops, plus helping with photos and education.
• Nick was described as personable and professional, with strong area and nature knowledge.
• Ralph was called awesome, and one person said it was their third time using the company.
• Maverick got credit for safe driving and knowledge, with appreciation for red rocks mixed with vegetation and yellow flowers.
• Ian was called a great guide in one review that still raised a value complaint about time versus price.

My practical takeaway: look for clues that your guide will set a pace that works for your group. If you want more time at each stop, a patient guide (like the ones praised for letting people spend time) can turn this from “just a tour” into a memorable day.

Also, if you care about photos, a guide who’s willing to help capture moments (like Donnie did, based on reviews) is a real plus.

Timing, Check-In, and What to Pack for a Comfortable Ride

This tour runs for 2 hours, and check-in timing is important. You’re required to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure, and check-in is listed as 30 minutes prior to tour departure, so don’t gamble with timing—build in extra buffer time so you’re not stressed when it’s off-road time.

You’ll also want to plan for the fact that you’ll be moving. The included “short trail” pieces plus the terrain around overlooks means you should wear comfortable shoes. If you’re used to slipping on uneven ground, consider shoes with good traction.

Tipping is not included, and a 15%–20% tip is recommended if you enjoy your guide. On a private tour, that can be a meaningful part of how smoothly things run, because guides rely on it heavily.

Who Should Book This Jeep Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a private guided day without committing to a full hike day
• Like getting off paved roads and seeing Sedona in motion, not just from pull-offs
• Care about two major Sedona highlights: Devil’s Kitchen and Apache’s Seven Pools
• Enjoy short trail segments where you can actually experience the setting

It may not be for you if:

• You’re pregnant or have mobility impairments, since it’s listed as not suitable for those needs
• You get nervous with semi-rough terrain. One negative review described a difficult passage and felt the ride was more intense than expected

If your ideal vacation is “comfortable and predictable,” you might be better served by a smoother route. If you’re okay with a bit of rugged fun and you want access and trail time, this tour style can be a win.

Should You Book the Sedona Private Soldiers Pass Jeep Tour?

I’d book it if you want a compact Sedona adventure that hits the big signatures and includes short trail time, all in a private setting with a guide who can pace the stops. The combination of Devil’s Kitchen, Apache’s Seven Pools, and the trail access permission is the reason this tour can feel more special than a standard loop.

I’d hesitate if you’re very sensitive to rough terrain or you’re counting on the exact experience to be gentle and easy. And I’d be extra alert about the value question—because a few reviews flagged timing versus price. If that matters most to you, ask questions early and confirm what “2 hours” means in practice for your exact departure.

FAQ

How long is the Sedona Private Soldiers Pass Jeep Tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $159 per person.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, it’s a private group tour.

What stops are included?

The tour includes stops at Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and Apache’s sacred Seven Pools, plus walking on trails such as Teacup Trail, Jordan Trail, and Thompson Trail.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What should I bring?

You should bring comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.