Surround Yourself With Red Rocks And Unobstructed Cliff And Canyon Views On An Arizona Hike

Arizona's complex southwestern landscape and abundant natural wonders make it a perfect destination for once-in-a-lifetime vacations. With views that don't quite resemble any other place on Earth, vibrant cities and small towns, and a generally warm climate year-round, Arizona offers more opportunities for memorable trips than the average state. And while so many Arizona destinations from north to south make for excellent excursions, one particular city stands out above the rest. 

The Arizona city of Sedona is famous for its superb combination of charming culture, excellent shopping, and sublime natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a casual stroll in the warm, but dry, Arizona temperatures against the breathtaking backdrop of titanic red mesas towering over the town. This dual offering of modern amenities and natural beauty makes Sedona a must-visit stop for a relaxing, luxurious Arizona getaway. 

Sedona's amazing shopping, dining, and spa experiences mean you can enjoy your stay without spending too much time outside. But the town is most famous as the epicenter of what is arguably Arizona's best network of hiking trails among some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Hiking fans have no shortage of marvelous trails to choose from when visiting Sedona, ranging from short and easy hikes to long and challenging treks through the rugged wilderness. But if you're looking for the best views of Sedona's spectacular landscape on a trail that's accessible to most hikers, you'll find no better spot than Sedona's superb Broken Arrow Trail. 

Sedona's natural beauty stems from its prime location in the heart of the Coconino National Forest, a magnificent landscape across northern Arizona defined by striking red mesas, archeological sites, and even ancient volcanoes. The area around Sedona is particularly famous for its prominent red sandstone rock formations that define the region's complex desert landscape. With trails that take hikers through an amazing "forest" of steep red mesas, sharp rocky pinnacles, and other impressive geological marvels, it's no wonder why Sedona is widely considered a hiker's paradise. 

Newcomers to Sedona can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of hiking trails at their disposal, each seemingly more incredible than the last. However, the Broken Arrow Trail is a perfect "Goldilocks" destination for a Sedona hiking adventure. Compared to other, more challenging Sedona hikes, the Broken Arrow Trail is only around 3 miles and covers relatively accessible terrain, given the surrounding landscape. The trail involves an average of only about 400 feet in elevation gain, and with most hikers being able to complete the entire out-and-back route in one to two hours, the Broken Arrow Trail is the perfect spot for a hiking day trip from Sedona. 

But this accessibility does not mean that the Broken Arrow Trail sacrifices amazing views. On the contrary, the trail showcases some of the best sights anywhere in the Sedona area. During the 3-mile hike, you'll pass some of Sedona's most picturesque geological formations, including prominent spots with names like Submarine Rock, Devil's Dining Room Sinkhole, and Chicken Point Overlook. 

Sedona visitors have several options for enjoying the Broken Arrow Trail. If you're driving the route in your vehicle, be aware of a particularly steep stretch along the route known appropriately as "The Steps," which may give your car a run for its money. With these kinds of steep slopes and otherwise rugged terrain, bringing a high-clearance SUV may not be a bad idea. Driving to and from the Broken Arrow Trail is much easier with a Sedona self-guided driving audio tour from Viator. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can get your very own virtual assistant to help navigate you through the rough and maze-like terrain without worrying about getting lost or stranded. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even book a 20-mile helicopter tour of Sedona to see the Sedona landscape from above, including Broken Arrow Trail. 

Regardless of how you experience Broken Arrow Trail, access to the area requires a Red Rocks Pass, which you can book online or purchase at a designated spot in Coconino National Forest. Though Sedona hikes are worthwhile year-round, the Broken Arrow Trail may be at its best between October and May. During these months, the Arizona winter takes the edge off the brutal summer heat while staying warm enough for a day of hiking. 

Broken Arrow Trail (and Sedona in general) is an excellent stop on a scenic Arizona road trip to the Grand Canyon. With so many terrific tours available, you can experience the Broken Arrow Trail at its best without worrying about getting lost or endangered in the Arizona wilderness. If the Broken Arrow Tour is your main destination on your Sedona trip, don't forget to enjoy the town's many modern amenities as well!