Broken Arrow Trail
Sedona's red rock proving ground
Broken Arrow Trail is Sedona’s gateway drug to serious red rock wheeling, starting innocently enough at the Broken Arrow trailhead before dropping into a technical wonderland of sandstone fins and slickrock ledges. This short but intense route follows an old jeep road past Submarine Rock and Devil’s Dining Room—a massive sinkhole that swallowed the original road decades ago. The trail culminates at Chicken Point, a dramatic overlook perched above Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock dominating the skyline.
Don’t let the 3-mile length fool you—this is technical 4WD terrain with steep rock faces, off-camber sections, and several spots that separate the serious from the tourists. Stock Jeep Wranglers handle it fine with careful driving, but you’ll want skid plates and recovery gear. The trail runs year-round, but summer heat makes it brutal. No permits required, but parking fills up fast. You’re here for the Instagram shots and bragging rights, but the real reward is learning to read Sedona sandstone—skills you’ll need for harder trails like Top of the World.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 3 mi / 4.8 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | October-May |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Sedona, Arizona |
| Land manager | Coconino National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| 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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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Broken Arrow without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a 4Runner or Wrangler JK/JL can complete the trail, but you'll be working for it on the slickrock sections. Lockers help, skid plates are strongly advised — the rock will find your undercarriage.
Is Broken Arrow accessible in summer?
Technically yes, but summer heat in Sedona is brutal — triple digits are common June through August. October through May is the sweet spot; spring and fall give you the best conditions and the best light on the red rock.
Do I need a permit to run Broken Arrow Trail?
Yes. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking at the trailhead — this is Coconino National Forest land. No separate OHV permit is needed, but have your pass visible and current.
What's the hardest section on Broken Arrow and what makes it technical?
The steeper slickrock pitches are where rigs get humbled — smooth sandstone with little traction feedback demands careful tire placement and throttle control. The challenge isn't brute force, it's precision; a misjudged line here means body damage or a hung-up axle.
Is there anywhere to camp near the trailhead, and what's cell service like?
There's no dispersed camping directly at the Broken Arrow trailhead — it's close enough to Sedona that most people run it as a day trip. Cell service in the area is good, and the town of Sedona is minutes away for gas, food, and lodging if you're staging from there.
Trail track
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