Broken Arrow Trail - Schnebly Hill Road - Sedona - Arizona

Sedona offers nothing in the way of hard-core off road 4x4 trails. However, what it lacks in difficulty is made up with its unbeatable stunning views of red rock canyons and evergreen vegetation. The Broken Arrow Trail is the most challenging off road route in Sedona and so happens to be the most scenic. The trail is located in the Coconino National Forest, but maintained by the Pink Jeep Tours, Inc. Some consider this off road trail to be best trail in Arizona.


The Broken Arrow Trail may be taken year round although temperatures can reach the upper 90’s during summer. The entire loop is just over two miles and will only take about three hours giving plenty of time to venture off and explore. Route finding is simple with well-maintained signs.


As you make your way through the canyon you’ll see a number of interesting geological points of interest such as the Devil's Dining Room Sinkhole, Submarine Rock, Twin Buttes, Chicken Point, and the Devils Staircase.


The Devils Staircase is the most difficult part of the trail and will give the inexperienced off road driver one heck of an adrenaline rush. The steps must driven down hill on very slick rock. This obstacle is not technically challenging, as it simply requires slow and easy breaking while keeping your front tires straight.


Within a short distance from the Broken Arrow is the Greasy Spoon trail and Schnebly Hill Road. Greasy spoon takes about 30 minutes of travel time on a well-maintained road and has very little features or views. One semi-difficult spot passes through a wash with a steep grade but requires very little effort to pass.

                                        (Watch the complete video of The Broken Arrow Trail!)


Schnebly Hill Road is a graded trail that leads up to a mountain ridge with a perfect view of Sedona’s mountainous landscape. Located on the top of the hill is the Woods Wildlife area. There are a number of Forest Service trails throughout the ridge that allow dispersed camping. Schnebly Hill Road is about 13 miles long and will take you back to Interstate 17 just north of Sedona.

                                        (Watch the complete video of The Broken Arrow Trail!)

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                                  (Watch the complete VIDEO of The Broken Arrow Trail!)


Posted Jun 28 2008, 11:34 PM by ryangibson

Comments

AzTacoma wrote re: Broken Arrow & Greasy Spoon Trail - Sedona, Arizona
on 04-08-2007 9:43 AM

Nothing against that ever-present denizen of the trail: Pink Jeep Tours, or their cozy relationship with the forest service and Sedona Chamber of Commerce, but the two tour guides I had interaction with were rude idiots. I didn't think much of it, until over the years virtually everyone I talked with or every internet account referenced the same thing- tour guides with attitudes. So I think a fair warning is in order...

Also, you have to buy the Red Rock Pass on Broken Arrow and some other trails in the area. It's not a huge deal -like 5 bucks- and I don't mind paying a fee when I use something, especially when the money supposedly goes towards the "thing" I'm using. I've lived here for over 30 years, and with all the population growth, that's just the way things are going.

I think Broken Arrow might be the coolest trail a good, stock 4x4 (and a decent driver) can go on in Arizona. If you have trouble with the very first step at the start of the trail, turn around before it's too late.

ryangibson wrote re: Broken Arrow & Greasy Spoon Trail - Sedona, Arizona
on 04-09-2007 8:45 PM

I have heard that before about the pink jeep drivers drivers being a-holes. When I took this trail, which the visitor center said no "red rock" pass is required, the guides on the trail were respectful. Maybe I was just one of the lucky few.

Absolutely beautify trail though, pink jeeps or not.

AzTacoma wrote re: Broken Arrow & Greasy Spoon Trail - Sedona, Arizona
on 06-09-2007 9:29 PM

I'll have to amend my statement about the tour drivers: I had no problems at all on Broken Arrow this time around. Maybe they're getting better about that?

It's true the Red Rock Pass isn't required, but you're supposed to have it if you do park, ie, get out of the vehicle. I'm usually dilly-dallying in and out of the truck on this trail -and all the designated red rock pass area around Sedona- so I get it to be safe.

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