Where the Pavement Ends: Off-roading in Sedona
Off-roading in Arizona is a popular activity. Sedona has so many cool trails available for off-roading. While you can choose to take a guided jeep tour, with a proper vehicle (SUV, Hummer or Jeep) Sedona’s dirt roads can be a fun inexpensive off the beaten path adventure.
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The dirt roads are extremely rutted and wind around high cliffs with no guardrails. If this is not something you feel comfortable doing, take a guided Jeep tour.
Four Wheel Drive and OHV Routes
Sedona’s red rock backdrop creates some really fun off roading opportunities. Four wheel drive vehicles and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) can use these trails, at your own risk. High clearance vehicles recommended. If you have have OHV you are required to purchase an Arizona OHV decal to use the trails. Some popular routes in Sedona include:
- Broken Arrow Trail
- Casner Mountain
- Cliffhanger
- Diamondback Gulch
- Outlaw Loop
- Smasher Canyon
- Soldier Pass
- Schnebly Hill
- Ranch Loop
- Vultee Arch
If you don’t have a high clearance or OHV vehicle you can take one of the many jeep tours offered in Sedona.
Off-roading in Sedona: Schnebly Hill
A visit to Sedona is about all about nature and the fantastic views. Schnebly Hill, Forest Road 153, is one of the most scenic off-roading routes in Sedona.
Away from the hustle of uptown Sedona, Schnebly Hill Rd is just outside the Gallery District on 179. Climbing your way up to part of the Mongollon Rim, the paved road will turn into a dirt road. This road was once used by the early pioneers of Sedona and is considered the old wagon trail.
This road has severe ruts, however you will find yourself winding around some of the best panoramic views of the Sedona area.
Winding around for several miles you will reach the Schnebly Hill Vista. At 7,500 foot elevation this trail offers impressive views. A large gravel pull off area known as Schnebly Hill Vista will let you take in the stunning views. There are no guardrails in this area, so be careful.
From this point you can choose to drive back the way you came, or follow the dirt road forward. If you continue driving through the pine forest you will reach I-17 and can take the interstate home.
Travel Time: 2 hours round trip, 22 miles round trip.
Vultee Arch-Dry Creek Road Adventure
When the pavement ends this is where the fun begins. If you are looking for an adventure Dry Creek Road, also called Forest Road 152, is a fun scenic drive. It is about 4 miles in length.
Each time we visit Sedona, we’ve decided to start driving one of the popular jeep tour trails. We have used a high-clearance SUV and a truck. Any vehicle with high clearance can have fun on the Forest Service roads.
While in Sedona you can also take a jeep tour or rent a jeep and drive the roads yourself.
The road leads to several popular hiking spots including the Devil’s Bridge and Vultee Arch, so be mindful of hikers on this road.
You can purchase a Red Rock Pass from the automated machine at this location. The drive is along a dry creek bed-dry.
Location: West Sedona, Right off o
Off Highway Vehicles
To learn more about the rules for off-roading please visit the Arizona State Park page on OHV.
Sedona Jeep Tours
Jeep tours in Sedona are extremely popular. If you want to see what’s beyond where the pavement ends you can take one of these exciting tours.
- Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
- Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
- Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
- Tours to Take in Sedona
