Broken Arrow Complex

The Broken Arrow Complex is the most famous offroad trail in Sedona and one of the most iconic Jeep routes in the entire American Southwest. This roughly four-mile route combines technical slickrock driving with towering red rock scenery that has made it the signature experience of the world-renowned Pink Jeep Tours and a bucket-list destination for offroad enthusiasts from around the world. The trail surface is predominantly Permian-age red sandstone slickrock, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation that was deposited approximately 280 million years ago and stained its distinctive deep red by hematite, a form of iron oxide that permeates the rock and gives Sedona's landscape its signature color.

Driving the Broken Arrow trail means navigating directly across exposed sandstone shelves, steep ledges, and undulating rock surfaces that alternate between smooth slickrock cruising and technical obstacles requiring precise vehicle placement. The trail demands a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle with low-range capability, as several sections present steep ascents and descents through rock features that test approach angles, departure angles, and driver nerve. Named obstacles include The Steps, a series of steep rock ledges that must be climbed or descended with careful tire placement, and The Slide, a sloped section of slickrock that requires committed throttle control.

The trail's dramatic terminus is Chicken Point, reached at approximately 1.7 miles. This flat, shelf-like expanse of slickrock provides one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Sedona, with panoramic views that seem to stretch in every direction. The Christianity Spire and Praying Sisters rock formations tower directly ahead, while views extend south toward Oak Creek Village and north toward the high mountains beyond Sedona. The name comes from the question every driver faces: do you dare take your vehicle to the edge of this dramatic overlook, or do you chicken out? The exposure at the rim is real and the drop is significant, making this one of the most memorable moments on any offroad trail in Arizona.

At the 0.6-mile mark, the trail passes Devil's Dining Room, a striking geological feature where the earth has collapsed into a 90-foot deep, 50-foot wide sinkhole. This dramatic formation is fenced for safety and serves as home to a colony of bats. The sinkhole formed when underground caverns in the Pennsylvanian-age Redwall Limestone dissolved and collapsed, creating a window into the geological forces that continue to shape Sedona's landscape. Submarine Rock, another massive formation accessible via a spur trail, offers those willing to climb to the top a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding red rock towers, mesas, and canyons.

The geological story written into the Broken Arrow trail spans over 300 million years. As you drive across the exposed sandstone, the diagonal cross-bedding patterns visible in the rock preserve the surfaces of ancient sand dunes that were compressed and cemented into stone over geological time. The surrounding formations including Twin Buttes and Battlement Mesa represent different layers and eras of deposition, each contributing to the complex tapestry of color and form that makes Sedona's red rock country one of the most visually stunning landscapes on earth.

The trail is shared by offroad vehicles, hikers, and mountain bikers, and narrow sections may require backing up to let oncoming traffic pass through the tight corridors between juniper and pinyon pine trees. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable riding conditions, with temperatures in the pleasant 60s to 80s range. Summer monsoon season from July through August brings afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures in the 90s, while winter is cooler but the trail remains open year-round.

Whether you are an experienced rock crawler seeking a technical challenge or a first-time Jeep trail rider looking for an unforgettable introduction to Sedona's legendary terrain, the Broken Arrow Complex delivers an experience that combines ancient geology, world-class scenery, and genuine driving challenge in a way that no other trail in the region can match. A local guide familiar with the specific lines through each obstacle can help you navigate with confidence and ensure you discover the hidden viewpoints and geological features that make this trail truly special.