Broken Arrow Trail is a red-rock hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 route in the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District. The trailhead sits at the end of paved Morgan Road (799 Morgan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336), just east of State Route 179 in south Sedona. The route takes its name from the 1950 western Broken Arrow, starring James Stewart, which was filmed in the area. Travelers come for sandstone slickrock, close-up views of Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, and the jeep track that made Sedona famous for off-road touring.
What to Expect at Broken Arrow Trail
The singletrack for hikers and bikers runs roughly 1.5 miles one way from the Morgan Road trailhead to Chicken Point, with moderate climbs over red dirt and slickrock. Along the way, short spurs lead to the Devil’s Dining Room, a fenced sinkhole, and to Submarine Rock, a long sandstone fin you can scramble onto for wide views of Twin Buttes and the Mogollon Rim.
Parallel to the footpath, the Broken Arrow 4×4 road is one of Arizona’s best-known technical jeep routes. It climbs steep ledges such as the Road to Hell descent, so high-clearance vehicles and experienced drivers are essential. Commercial jeep tours run the road daily. At Chicken Point, the hiking trail links to the Little Horse and High on the Range trails, which makes longer loops possible.
- Chicken Point: A broad slickrock overlook facing Gibraltar Rock and the Twin Buttes.
- Submarine Rock: A climbable sandstone formation with 360-degree views.
- Devil’s Dining Room: A natural collapse sinkhole beside the trail.
- 4×4 Route: A rated-difficult jeep road with famous stair-step ledges.
- Trail Connections: Links to Little Horse and Chapel trails for loop hikes.
Broken Arrow Trail at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 799 Morgan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South Sedona off SR 179, Red Rock Ranger District |
| Operating Hours | Trail open year-round; ranger phone line Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Sat–Sun |
| Admission / Price Range | Free trail access; Red Rock Pass or federal pass required to park at the trailhead |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours on foot; about 2 hours by jeep |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Small trailhead lot on Morgan Rd; Sedona Shuttle stops at Little Horse Trailhead |
| Official Website & Phone | Coconino National Forest, +1 928-203-7500 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The Morgan Road lot is small and often fills by mid-morning. Plan to arrive near sunrise, or take the free Sedona Shuttle to Little Horse Trailhead and hike in to Chicken Point. Summer temperatures often pass 95°F, so carry at least two liters of water per person. Recent flooding has also closed parts of the Red Rock Ranger District, so check the official alerts page before you go. Leashed dogs are allowed. Hikers should yield to jeeps at road crossings.
The terrain is uneven, sandy and ledgy, so it does not suit wheelchairs or strollers. Visitors with limited mobility can see the landscape from a guided jeep tour instead. Nearby, the Chapel of the Holy Cross sits about 1.5 miles away on Chapel Road. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and the restaurants of uptown Sedona are a 10-minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hike Broken Arrow Trail?
The trail itself is open daily. Spring and fall mornings are ideal, while summer hikes are best started before 8 AM. Late afternoon light turns Chicken Point a deep red.
Do I need a pass or ticket?
Hiking is free, but parking at the trailhead requires a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass. Jeep tours are priced separately by each operator.
How long does the hike take?
The roughly 3-mile out-and-back hike to Chicken Point takes about 2 to 3 hours, including time on Submarine Rock.
Is it suitable for families?
Active kids handle the hike well, but watch them closely near slickrock drop-offs. The route is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
When planning your Sedona travel guide or comparing verified attractions and hiking area in Sedona, pair this stop with standout local spots including 89Agave Cantina, Honanki Heritage Site, Red Rock Crossing Vortex, and Son-Silver-West Galleries Inc (0.9 km away).
