Backway to Broken Bow Arch
Hidden arch deep in Superstition country
The unmarked two-track to Broken Bow Arch winds 8 miles into the heart of the Superstitions from the Carney Springs Road junction, threading between towering volcanic spires and ancient saguaros. This isn’t your typical Sedona tourist trail — it’s rough desert navigation through washes, over embedded rock, and around massive boulders that’ll test your line choice. The final mile requires careful route-finding as multiple social trails branch toward various climbing areas.
Stock 4WD sufficient but high clearance essential for the deeper washes and rock steps. October through April offers the best conditions, avoiding summer’s brutal heat that can hit 115°F in the shade-less desert. No permits required but stay on established tracks to protect this fragile Sonoran ecosystem. The arch itself rewards the effort: a perfect 35-foot span framing the Superstition ridgeline, making it a photographer’s dream and a worthy destination for anyone seeking Arizona’s lesser-known geological treasures.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2400 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Apache Junction, Arizona |
| Land manager | Tonto National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without any mods?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle will get you through. Lifted rigs are more comfortable on the rocky sections, but factory clearance is enough if you pick your lines carefully.
Can you run this trail in summer?
Technically passable, but summer temps in the Superstitions regularly hit 110°F+ and there's zero shade on most of the route. October through April is the window — anything outside that range is a heat risk, not just discomfort.
Do you need a permit or pass to drive this trail?
No permit required, but this is Tonto National Forest land and the America the Beautiful pass (or $8 day pass) applies if you're using developed trailheads or recreation areas along the way. Dispersed camping is free with no advance reservation needed.
What's the hardest section actually like?
The rockiest stretch is mid-trail where the track climbs through loose volcanic rock and narrows between boulders — nothing technical enough to require a locker, but you'll want to air down and take it slow. A few shelf road sections have enough drop-off to keep your attention.
Is there any water on this trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is no reliable water source on the trail — carry everything you need. Apache Junction is the closest fuel stop, roughly 20-25 miles from the trailhead, so top off before you leave town.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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