Sedona Off-Road Adventures: Jeep Tours & Scenic Drives -

Sedona’s red rock backdrop creates some really fun off roading opportunities. Four wheel drive vehicles can use some of these trails, at your own risk of course. The dirt roads are extremely rutted and wind around high cliffs with no guardrails.

A high-clearance vehicle is not a suggestion. You need one if you plan on driving on these roads. If this is not something you feel comfortable doing, take a guided Jeep tour.

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Originally published July 3, 2020 — Last updated September 4, 2026

You have three ways to experience Sedona’s backcountry: take a guided Jeep tour, rent a 4×4 and drive yourself, or hike into some of the same areas.

Take a Jeep tour if: you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, don’t want to navigate rough roads, or want a guide to explain what you’re seeing.

Drive yourself if: you’re comfortable with rough, rocky Forest Service roads and have a suitable high-clearance 4×4.

Rent an off-road vehicle if: you’re visiting Sedona without a capable vehicle but want to explore on your own.

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Sedona Jeep Tours & Off-Road Adventures

Soldier’s Pass

We hiked Soldier’s Pass to the Seven Sacred Pools, however it is a very popular trail for jeep tours.

From the Soldier’s Pass trailhead you can see the Devil’s Kitchen Sink and the seven sacred pools.

Want someone else to do the driving?

take a Jeep Tour to the 7 Sacred Pools

You do not have to take a jeep tour to see this area. You can hike to these same points and could take your own high-clearance vehicle. We have a 4x 4 truck high clearance truck but would not take it on this particular trail. A full-size vehicle would be difficult to navigate with on this trail. I think a jeep would be more appropriate vehicle than our truck. If you want to drive your own high clearance vehicle on this trail you need to secure a permit ahead of time through Recreation.gov.

Broken Arrow Trail

When we had out of town guests who are not hikers, but they love Sedona’s scenery. In the past we have taken them all over Sedona, but this time suggested a jeep tour for the Broken Arrow Trail.

It was so much fun. We took an afternoon tour in January. I sat in the back row because it is less bumpy in those seats. If I were to do another jeep tour I would take the morning tour, rather than mid-day. The lighting is better for photos. We had five in our group and there were two other people in our tour group as well, so a total of 8 with the driver/tour guide.

January is not peak tourist season, so there were far less jeeps on the trails than there are during peak season. We only saw three other jeeps. I think this makes the trip more enjoyable. We were able to take in the wide expansive views without loads of other people.

The Pink Jeep is the oldest jeep tours in the area and they are the only jeep tour for the Broken Arrow Trail. I think taking the tour was a really fun family adventure. Our visitors loved it. We were able to cover a lot in the 2 hour tour and we didn’t have to hike 5.2 miles.

Stops on Tour

Submarine Rock was our first stop. There is a large flat sandstone surface you can walk up onto and have unobstructed 360-degree views of Sedona’s red rocks.

Stops at Chicken Point and Submarine mountain. They take a vertical descent down the Devil’s staircase. This is where the jeeps can get backed up. Your jeep will have to wait it’s turn to descend.

Chicken Point

You do not have to take a jeep tour to see this area. You can hike to these same points and could take your own high-clearance vehicle. We have a 4x 4 high clearance truck but would not take it on this particular trail. A full-size vehicle would be difficult to navigate with on this trail. I think a jeep would be more appropriate vehicle than our truck. You do not need a permit to drive on this road.

If you want to leave the driving to someone else, take a Jeep Tour on Broken Arrow.

Jeep Tours 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. The old Munds Wagon Trail.

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.

Ready for a little extra excitement? Schnebly Hill Road is a rugged, unpaved road that takes you up above Sedona for some of the most incredible panoramic views around.

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.

Just remember: after rain, this road can get rough, so check conditions before you go! If you follow this road to the end you’ll find yourself in Flagstaff.

Travel Time: 2 hours round trip, 22 miles round trip. You do not have to take a jeep tour to see this area. You can take your own high-clearance vehicle. We personally would choose to take our high clearance vehicle on this trail rather than a tour. We didn’t feel it was that difficult of a road compared to some.

Guided Tour: Want someone else to do the driving? Take a guided jeep tour of Schnebly Hill.

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. You turn around at Vultee Arch.

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. The drive is along a dry creek bed-dry.

Location: West Sedona. You do not have to take a jeep tour to see this area. You can hike or take your own high-clearance vehicle. We personally would choose to hike or take our high clearance vehicle on this trail rather than a tour. We didn’t feel it was that difficult of a road compared to some.

Want someone else to do the driving? Take a Jeep Tour on Dry Creek Road

Honanki Cliff Dwellings

We took a 4×4 truck to see the Honanki Cliff Dwellings and the Palatki Cliff Dwellings. Both are really a fun way to spend the day in Sedona.

You do not have to take a jeep tour to see this area. You can take your own high-clearance vehicle. We personally would choose to take our high clearance vehicle on this trail rather than a tour. This road is fairly moderate to drive with an appropriate vehicle compared to some.

Want someone else to do the driving? Reserve a Jeep Tour to Ancient Ruins.

Note: You cannot visit Palatki Heritage site on a jeep tour, you will only view it from a distance. The jeep tour will take you in the backcountry and to the Honanki Heritage site, so you can explore the Honanki site.

Off Highway Vehicles

High clearance vehicles recommended. Some popular routes in Sedona include:

Broken Arrow Trail
Cliffhanger
Diamondback Gulch
Outlaw Loop – Honanki
Soldier Pass – permit required if driving.
Schnebly Hill
Vultee Arch

Which Sedona Jeep Tour Should You Take?

Looking for the classic red-rock experience?
Broken Arrow.

Expansive views and the Mogollon Rim?
Schnebly Hill.

Interested in ancient ruins?
Honanki/Ancient Ruins tour.

Want a shorter adventure combined with one of Sedona’s popular attractions?
Soldier’s Pass.

Want to explore the backcountry without hiking several miles?
Choose a guided off-road tour.

Want a less bumpy jeep tour?

Looking for a scenic jeep tour on paved roads?

Want to Drive Yourself?

If you’re flying into Arizona or arriving in a vehicle that isn’t suitable for Forest Service roads, you can rent a high-clearance 4×4 or off-road vehicle. However, if you’re not familiar with Arizona’s backcountry I wouldn’t recommend driving these roads.

Check before renting:

High clearance
4WD vs AWD
Tire requirements
Rental company’s restrictions on unpaved roads
Insurance
Whether the rental company permits these specific roads

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 Sedona’s dirt roads can be a fun inexpensive off the beaten path adventure.

To learn more about the rules for off-roading please visit the Arizona State Park page on OHV.

Where to Next?

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