Riding Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona

Riding the Broken Arrow Trail offers adrenaline-seekers and nature lovers one of Sedona’s most thrilling and scenic off-road experiences. Known for its rugged red rock formations and cinematic beauty, this trail provides an intimate connection to Sedona’s unique desert landscape. Rated as moderately challenging, the trail is renowned for its breathtaking views and highly varied terrain, making it a must-visit for both seasoned adventure enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Adventure Guide To Riding Broken Arrow Trail

1. Trail Details and Key Features
The Broken Arrow Trail is a 4x4 off-road route located a short, 15-minute drive from Sedona’s city center. Famous for its steep ledges and rocky paths, it spans around 3 miles roundtrip with highlights including Chicken Point, Submarine Rock, and the adrenaline-pumping The Steps—a rock staircase that challenges most drivers’ navigation skills. Visitors can either bring their own high-clearance vehicles or book a guided Pink Jeep Tour.

2. Scenic Highlights
One of the most iconic stops along the trail is Chicken Point, offering a panoramic view of Sedona’s towering red rock formations and the sprawling Coconino National Forest. The area is also known for unique geologic features like Submarine Rock, a massive sandstone formation that resembles a surfacing submarine. Combined with vistas of the blue sky against red cliffs, the result is jaw-dropping natural beauty.

3. Guided Tour Option
For those without off-road vehicles or experience, booking a Pink Jeep Off-Road Tour is a convenient and comfortable choice. Knowledgeable guides provide a safe journey while sharing fascinating insights about geology, history, and local flora. Plus, the jeeps are specifically equipped to tackle the trail’s more technical sections.

Local Insights

Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail is part of the Coconino National Forest, which preserves much of Arizona’s desert wildlife and geological formations. The trail also appears in several movies, making it a Hollywood favorite for capturing the rugged beauty of the American Southwest.

Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and lighting is perfect for photos.
What to bring: Sunscreen, water, sturdy hiking boots (if hiking the trail), and a camera.
Directions: From Uptown Sedona, take Highway 179 south for 2.4 miles, then turn left onto Morgan Road and follow it to the trailhead (approximately 15 minutes).

Reviews

Chris Tellef4 months ago

First time driving this trail. Had a blast and will definitely be going again. (Don't be put off by the line of vehicles, that's my off-roading group)

Dov Frazer8 months ago

The trail has awesome views and the loop to Chicken point and submarine rock is great. Beware however this is a busy trail the jeep roads are filled both pink jeeps and ATV’s and other rental 4WD vehicles so it can be noisy and smokey and dusty as well. The trails itself is also popular with mountain bikes so it can be busy indeed. On the blue sky day it is awesomely stunning but if you like quiet then go late in the afternoon as the crowds seems to be early than than late.

Jennifer Aquino4 months ago

Easy hike, amazing views with lots of off shoot hikes to do. Definitely a great mountain biking trail. We hiked but we will be back to bike. We came at 7am in July to beat the heat and only saw a few people, several bikers and a atv. Looks like a popular hike. Easy for all levels out and back hike. The bat conservation was cool bonus too.

Joseph Gjata3 weeks ago

First hike we did upon arriving in Sedona. A short, scenic hike right by the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Fun to see the Jeeps and mountain bikers on the trail as well. Great views

Lee Ako5 months ago

Went yesterday morning (Monday) to do the OHV trail with my off-road vehicle. Trail traffic was relatively light. 4LO not necessary, but it helps if you have it. What matters the most here is approach angle, departure angle, skidplates, articulation, and overall ground clearance. I had Chicken Point all to myself for 15+ minutes. The way in was pretty easy - only a few small obstacles that were easy to navigate. The return route is where you enter the rock climbing area with fun obstacles. I was in my 4"-5" lifted and rear locked Subaru on 235/75/15 Toyo AT3's. 27°-28° approach/departure angle. Still smashed the engine skidplate a few times on the way back, once made a Pink Jeep group laugh when I got stuck and then cheer when I self-recovered within a minute using a set of Maxtrax to bridge for approach angle. Had no issues keeping up with the pink Jeeps otherwise. They were entertained for a bit watching me crawl/slide down the staircase (which feels crazy steep in real life - the pics do no justice). Do not recommend any AWD vehicles attempt this trail without serious lifted ground clearance, lockers/LSDs, and quality skidplates. Road sign skidplates will do absolutely nothing for you here and your trip is going to be very expensive if you try. It's narrow enough, and busy enough, that if you have a problem with an obstacle, you'll be inconveniencing a LOT of people. Should be a walk in the park for most short wheelbase 4WD vehicles WITH SKIDPLATES, stock, or mildly modified solid axle vehicles with good AT tires.

Biking

Riding Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona