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 |
| 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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