Broken Arrow Trail Guide: Off-Roading Among Sedona’s Red Rocks
The Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most iconic and accessible off-road trails in the American Southwest. Known for its vibrant red rock formations, slickrock challenges, and dramatic desert views, Broken Arrow offers a concentrated dose of classic Sedona scenery and technical driving.
Despite its short length, the trail delivers a full experience for off-roaders looking to test their vehicle’s capabilities on rock ledges, steep descents, and tight turns through juniper-studded desert terrain. It’s a great introductory trail for those new to technical off-roading and offers enough challenge and reward to keep experienced drivers engaged.
Trail Details
| Season | Year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures |
| Location | Sedona, Arizona |
| General GPS Coordinates | 34.845336, -111.757025 |
| Management | Coconino National Forest |
| Length | ~3.5 miles (out-and-back) |
| Nearest Major City | Sedona, Arizona |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Vehicle | High-clearance 4×4 recommended |
| Trail Conditions | Slickrock, ledges, loose rock, sand; check with the Red Rock Ranger District for updates |
Getting Oriented
Broken Arrow Trail lies just minutes from downtown Sedona, nestled within the red rock canyons of the Coconino National Forest. The trail’s close proximity to town makes it popular with both private off-roaders and commercial Jeep tours, which you’ll likely encounter along the route.
Geologically, the area is composed of red sandstone from the Schnebly Hill Formation, sculpted over millennia by wind and water into dramatic cliffs, fins, and domes. The trail weaves through high desert vegetation including juniper, manzanita, prickly pear cactus, and agave. Wildlife sightings may include lizards, coyotes, hawks, and other desert dwellers.
Getting to Broken Arrow Trail
From central Sedona, take AZ-179 south and turn east on Morgan Road. Follow Morgan Road to its end, where it becomes a dirt road leading to a gravel staging area. This is the official trailhead.
Right at the start, you’ll encounter a small ledge known as a “gatekeeper” obstacle. If your vehicle struggles here, it may not be suitable for the rest of the trail, which features more demanding terrain ahead.
Trail Overview
Broken Arrow is a relatively short out-and-back route, but it packs in a wide variety of terrain. Drivers will encounter slickrock climbs, narrow passages, and rock ledges. The trail includes several signature obstacles and landmarks:
Submarine Rock: A large slickrock dome named for its long, rounded shape. The steep climb to its base offers one of the first significant technical challenges on the trail.
The Slide: A short but steep and exposed slickrock descent near the top of a ravine. It demands controlled braking and confident tire placement.
Chicken Point: A wide slickrock overlook offering dramatic views of Sedona’s red rock canyons. It’s a common turnaround point and a highlight of the route.
Mushroom Rock: A distinctive eroded formation located near The Slide. While not a driving obstacle, it’s a fun and unusual geological feature worth a stop.
The Staircase: A tiered descent over chunky rock ledges that tests ground clearance and suspension articulation.
Traffic on the trail is often heavy due to the commercial Jeep tours, especially during peak hours. Portions of the trail operate as one-way to reduce congestion—trail signage indicates the correct direction.
Permits and Regulations
Broken Arrow Trail is located within the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. A Red Rock Pass or equivalent federal lands pass is required for parking at the trailhead. These can be purchased at local vendors or online. No special permit is needed to drive the trail itself.
Camping Options
Camping is not allowed directly on Broken Arrow Trail. However, there are nearby dispersed camping areas within the Coconino National Forest, as well as established campgrounds around Sedona. Forest Road 525, northwest of town, is a popular area for free dispersed camping with access to multiple off-road trails.
Know Before You Go
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4WD with good tires. Low range recommended.
- Traffic: Expect to share the trail with commercial Jeep tours.
- Weather: Avoid during or after rain; slickrock can become dangerously slippery.
- Navigation: Trail is well-marked; GPS and trail apps like Gaia or onX Offroad are still useful.
- Recovery Gear: Bring basic off-road recovery gear—straps, shovel, jack—just in case.
Broken Arrow may be a short trail, but it offers a true taste of red rock adventure, combining technical obstacles with unforgettable views. For new offroaders looking to step up their driving and experience a classic route, this trail delivers.
