Hiking Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona

The Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is a premier hiking destination celebrated for its dramatic red rock terrain, breathtaking vistas, and accessibility for various skill levels. This 3.4-mile round-trip trail combines natural beauty with a sense of adventure, making it a must-visit for hikers looking to experience Sedona's most striking landscapes. Its short distance and relatively moderate ascent make it ideal for both seasoned hikers and newcomers, ensuring all visitors enjoy the stunning backdrop of Sedona's red rock formations.

Adventure Guide to Hiking Broken Arrow Trail

Trailhead and Terrain
The trail begins at the parking area located off Morgan Road, easily accessible from Sedona’s downtown. The path winds through iconic red sandstone formations, with occasional sections of slickrock creating a rugged yet manageable experience. A standout feature is the unique "Devil’s Dining Room," a notable sinkhole located about halfway along the trail, offering incredible geological views. The well-marked trail ensures a smooth journey for all visitors.
Stunning Scenery Along the Way
A highlight of this hike is the panoramic view from "Chicken Point," the trail's endpoint. Chicken Point offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding red rock cliffs, including the towering Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock formations. This vantage point is a favorite among photographers and a perfect spot for a break to appreciate the vibrant desert landscape against Sedona’s azure sky.
Popular Activity Crossovers
Broken Arrow Trail is also a shared path with off-roaders using the popular Pink Jeep Tours. While hikers will need to give way to vehicles occasionally, it’s a unique opportunity to see rugged off-roaders in action against the serene landscape. The combination of hiking and spotting adventurous jeeps climbing these rocks adds a layer of excitement.

Local Insights

The Broken Arrow Trail sits within the Coconino National Forest, which is protected land, so adhere to Leave No Trace principles. This trail’s popularity stems from its cinematic charm; it has been featured in several movies and commercials.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a camera for unbeatable photo opportunities.
Getting There: From central Sedona, take State Route 179 to Morgan Road—approximately a 10-minute drive.

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)

Jessie Jonesa month ago

So beautiful, definitely a place you want to ride to. We took the pink jeep tour.

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 Gjataa month 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.

Hiking

Hiking Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona