Extended Routes

Sedona's Extended Routes connect the area's individual trails into full-day adventure circuits that showcase the complete diversity of terrain and scenery across the red rock country. These longer routes combine multiple trail systems into journeys of 25 miles or more, taking riders from sandy desert washes to technical rock crawling, from deep gulches to rimtop panoramas, all within a remarkably compact geographical area. For experienced riders seeking remote terrain and fewer crowds, these extended routes deliver some of the most rewarding offroad driving in Arizona.

Diamondback Gulch stands out as the centerpiece of Sedona's extended route options, covering approximately six to nine miles through what many consider the most diverse offroading terrain in the region. The trail follows a pipeline route through steep, rocky hills with exposed rocks, drop-offs, and loose surfaces that demand constant attention. The signature feature is a massive V-shaped ravine at approximately the 4.3-mile mark, where a series of steep descents and climbs test both vehicle capability and driver confidence. The terrain shifts between dirt, sand, rock, and gravel surfaces, requiring frequent transitions between four-wheel-drive high and low range as conditions change. Diamondback Gulch is rated as one of the most difficult trails in the Verde Valley, and its rugged character rewards experienced drivers with a genuine sense of backcountry exploration.

Outlaw Trail offers moderate to challenging terrain with rolling hills, red rock arroyos, and stretches of historic ranch lands that provide a different perspective on Sedona's landscape. The trail gains approximately 1,535 feet of elevation through bumpy sections interspersed with stunning viewpoints, and its proximity to Diamondback Gulch makes the two trails a natural pairing for a combined loop that fills a solid morning or afternoon. The historic ranch character of the area provides visual contrast to the dramatic rock formations found on the other Sedona trails.

Ranch Loop provides an eight-mile circuit on what locals call the secret side of West Sedona. This more novice-friendly route traverses sandy, open desert stretches with expansive views, multiple surface types including dirt, sand, rock, and gravel, and a few rougher intermediate sections that add just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The sandy areas are manageable without being treacherous, and the rock sections feature small outcroppings rather than the large ledges found on the expert trails. Ranch Loop is an excellent introductory offroad experience for riders who want to explore Sedona's terrain without committing to the intensity of Broken Arrow or Diamondback Gulch.

The real power of Sedona's extended route system emerges when you begin connecting trails into full-day itineraries. A morning circuit through Ranch Loop, Outlaw Trail, and Diamondback Gulch covers the western side of the trail network before transitioning to an afternoon of Soldier Pass and Broken Arrow for a comprehensive tour of Sedona's finest terrain. Alternatively, starting with Dry Creek Basin and a Devils Bridge hike at sunrise, then progressing through Soldier Pass and Schnebly Hill Road before finishing with Broken Arrow at golden hour, creates a dawn-to-dusk adventure that touches every significant trail complex in the area.

Schnebly Hill Road itself serves as an extended route connector, with seven miles of ponderosa pine forest beyond the rim linking Sedona's trail network to Interstate 17 and the broader Arizona landscape. This forested section provides a dramatic change of scenery from the red rock desert below, with cool mountain air and tall pines replacing the warm sandstone and juniper of the lower elevations.

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for full-day adventures, with the extended time on trail making hydration and sun protection particularly important during warmer months. Summer rides should start early to avoid afternoon monsoon thunderstorms and peak heat. A local guide familiar with the full trail network can craft custom itineraries that match your skill level, vehicle capability, and time constraints, ensuring you experience the best of what Sedona's extensive trail system has to offer without wasting time on navigation or encountering terrain beyond your comfort zone.