Broken Arrow Trail Fast Facts
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 413 ft.
Type: Out and Back
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Approximate time to hike: 2 hours
Red Rock Pass: Required.
Parking: Broken Arrow Trailhead
About Broken Arrow Trail
Broken Arrow Trail is one of the shorter trails in Sedona with a moderate to difficult rating. Although the trail is short in length, it more than makes up for that with its gorgeous views of the red rocks and wildflowers. Broken Arrow Trail is a popular trail for off-road vehicles, and is one of the most highly rated trails offered by Pink Adventure Tours here in Sedona. If you’re looking for a quick trail that will elevate your heart rate with non-stop views of the gorgeous Sedona landscape, Broken Arrow Trail is the one.
Hiking Broken Arrow Trail
Once you’ve parked your car, head south from the trailhead and cross over the 4×4 road to enter the trail. Keep an eye out for off-road vehicles throughout the trail, as Broken Arrow is one of the most popular trails for 4×4 vehicles and is a major destination for many Sedona jeep tour companies. The trail is highly trafficked and very well-marked with signs and basket cairnes, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding your way.
The beginning of the trail takes you through some brush and junipers, before leading you to a red rock mesa, and back to another tree-lined trail. The hike will continue in similar fashion, winding through trees and brush only to switch back to red rock and sand. This nice mix of terrain means that hiking Broken Arrow Trail will never leave you bored, and there will always be something to marvel at. Pay close attention to flowers along the way, and be on the lookout for wildlife! Snakes and lizards are common on Broken Arrow Trail, and while most are harmless, they’re all deserving of your respect and distance.
Quick Tips to Hike Broken Arrow Trail
- While the trail is well-marked and heavily trafficked, we recommend downloading maps before you head out. The last thing that you want is to be alone in the wilderness with no tools to find your way back!
- There isn’t much shade along the trail depending on the time of day, so be sure to pack the proper sun protection and bring plenty of water.
- Make sure you stop at the Devil’s Dining Room to take in the scenery and snap a picture! This large sinkhole was created when underground caverns collapsed, and serves as a great waypoint early on in the hike.
Photography Pro Tips
Broken Arrow Trail is one of the most photogenic hiking trails in Sedona. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens, or using your cell phone’s panoramic mode to capture the full beauty of the sprawling Munds Mountain Wilderness. The red rock landscape along the trail is breathtaking, and the wildflowers offer beautiful subjects for macro photography. Finally, be sure to stop and take some photos at the Devil’s Dining Room – your Instagram feed is sure to love it.