Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona

Posted byLisa at Micro of the MacroPosted inBeauty of NatureTags:, , , , , , , , ,

Recently, I met an old friend to hike Broken Arrow Trail to Chicken Point (a funny name for a gorgeous viewpoint) in south Sedona. I had hiked the trail twice before, once in 2012 and again in 2014. The trail had much more sun exposure than I remembered, so I’m glad I returned in winter, while temps were in the high 60s, instead of the hotter months.

The trail takes its name from a nearby subdivision named after a big-budget Western movie filmed there called Broken Arrow. The film starred Jeff Chandler and Jimmy Stewart and was released in 1950. (Many Westerns were shot in and around the Sedona area in the 40’s and 50’s, when the area was much less developed.)

The trail is relatively short, 1.5 miles one way, and has a 300 foot elevation gain, but ascends a bit and then descends a bit as you go along, so there’s no spot that’s super steep. It has much to offer in the way of views both along the trail and at the end. Near the start of the hike, you may spot a sinkhole, called the Devil’s Dining Room, considered a local landmark. Later, you’ll come to a viewpoint of (and a side trail to) Submarine Rock. Hiking around the base of Twin Buttes, you will see some really beautiful spires and other weather-sculpted red rocks, as well as views of Munds Mountain Wilderness. You’ll traverse a good deal of slick rock, where you’ll need to look for cairns to stay on track. Finally, the trail drops down to Chicken Point, which reveals expansive and gorgeous views all around.

There are no toilets and no water at the trailhead or along the hike. Although you will pass some lovely cypress, juniper, and pinyon pines, there is very little shade on the trail. It’s important that you carry enough water/electrolyte drink to make it through 3 hours of heat and dust. The trail is very popular for mountain bikers, and runs alongside a Pink Jeep trail, so paying attention to sights and sounds can help keep you safe.

Many of the reviews and descriptions of the hike I’ve read suggest stopping for a picnic on Chicken Point, but I find it too windy. I’d much rather drive a few miles to a favorite local restaurant, like my friend and I did after the hike, with restrooms, no wind, and plenty of water!

Have you hiked Broken Arrow Trail? Or are you adding it to your list of must-sees when you visit Sedona? If so, let me know in the comments. The history and diversity of beauty on the trail is astounding.

Blessings for the Trail,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

35 thoughts on “Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona”

      1. That would be great, although we’ll be in California this coming weekend and it looks like it’s going to start warming up quite a bit after that. We’ll see. Even if we just get together, it would be fun.

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    1. Hi, Deacon G, good of you to stop by! In all the years I’ve been out West, I’ve only seen 1 rattlesnake, and that was in New Mexico. I’ve seen lots of other smaller snakes around northern Arizona but they seem to just sun themselves and disappear. Enjoy the weekend! ☀️

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  8. I will definitely add this trail for our next visit out to Sedona. We took the Sugarloaf trail while we were out there last year and we enjoyed every foot of it – shorter than your featured trail here, but was a good introduction to the beauty in Sedona. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Hi, Brian, thanks for stopping by! Glad to know you’re adding this hike to your list. If I’ve done Sugarloaf, I don’t remember it. I’m going to have lunch with another friend in the area next week & maybe I’ll check out Sugarloaf before we meet. Enjoy the weekend! ☀️

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