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 | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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