Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail: The Scenic Journey to Chicken Point
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After moving to nearby Flagstaff, I can say that Sedona is the most gorgeous hiking destination in the Southwest. There are trails here for every ability level – each featuring mesmerizing views of ancient red rocks which are more than 200 million years old. While some hikes are more scenic than others, I haven’t hiked one trail which didn’t impress me.
Broken Arrow, one of the most popular tourist hikes, offers some incredible red rock scenery in exchange for a pretty easy hike. While the iconic ending vista at Chicken Point is incredible, the journey itself (1.7 miles out-and-back) is quite a beautiful, and surprisingly, quiet experience. While this hike is a popular Pink Jeep tour location, I recommend exploring the beauty via a gorgeous & rewarding hiking experience if you are able to do so.
Few crowds=great photo opportunities!
This relatively easy hike is one of the best beginner trails. Sure, you will come across a few steep sections, however, the trail is nicely maintained and very easy to follow. Anytime you feel lost, follow the cairns (pictured below). A cairn is basically a wire basket of rocks which marks the route. My first few hikes I had no idea that these were trail markers; I finally found out by asking someone in town.
The route is almost completely flat with barely any tall trees, enabling you to enjoy wide open views. You will find many scenic overlooks along the way to get that perfect photo. As you can see from my pics, there are some really mesmerizing viewpoints along this trail. Considering the round-trip distance is just over 3 miles, I would consider this trail one of the better bang-for-your-buck options for anyone looking to not go all out.
In terms of plant life, we saw a few prickly pear cacti and some yucca plants. It’s always fun to see exotic cacti if you are not naturally from the region. I am so used to see cacti everywhere now that I have been living in Arizona for several years. Nonetheless, I still love the desert scenery being that I am originally from the Midwest.
Devil’s Dining Room sinkhole
What I love most about hiking in this area as that there are almost always surprises along the trail. On this hike, you will come across Devil’s Dining Room, a 90 foot deep sinkhole located about a half mile in. For safety reasons, a fence has been placed around it. This makes it hard to capture a decent photo, but it’s pretty cool to see in person. Just another reason to get out there yourself. Soldier’s Pass is another great hike featuring a sinkhole.
A great winter hike
There are only a few shady sections, so it’s best to save this one for the winter season. It would be way too hot and sunny to hike a trail this long during the heat of summer. Keep in mind it is super sunny here and temps often top 90 daily. I recommend these short shady trails instead if your visit falls during the hot season.
There are many benefits to hiking in winter including: less crowds, better photo opps, and cooler temps. If you hike after a winter storm, you may see rare snow capping the rocks like we did. It’s a bit hard to make out in this picture, but seeing the red rocks capped with snow is so enchanting. I was lucky enough to take a drive through the area right after a major snowstorm (the snow melts super fast) thanks to living just a half hour away.
Chicken Point summit
The best part about this hike is the amazing ending view. While the entire trail is scenic, the Chicken Point overlook is truly mesmerizing. After all that hard work, you can take a step back and enjoy the beauty all around you!
Why this hike should be on your bucket list
In my opinion, this is a great first timers hike as well as a wonderful casual hiking destination for any locals who want to take it easy. Despite the busy, cramped parking lot, this trail is pretty quiet overall and definitely makes for a wonderful escape into nature for a few hours. In short, when planning your vacation itinerary, be sure to plan a few hours for exploring this extraordinary trail.
Although a very popular Pink Jeep tour runs parallel to the hiking trail (and ultimately reaches the same ending viewpoint at Chicken Point), I recommend saving the $100+ and completing the hike yourself if you have the ability. Nothing is as rewarding as spending time in nature and reaching the summit via your own 2 feet! Plus, you can stroll at your own leisure, taking as many photos as you want, and possibly continue on further up for an even more spectacular view. That being said, a jeep tour is a great alternative for anyone with medical conditions or limited fitness ability.
Hiking Details
- Trailhead location: 799 Morgan Rd.
- Distance: 1.7 miles out-and-back (3.4 total)
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Best season: Late winter/early spring
- Dogs allowed: Leashed ok
- Learn more about this hike
Note: Be aware that there are no restrooms or water at the trailhead. Fortunately, there is no parking fee, however, the lot is very small so arrive as early as possible to guarantee a spot or you might be waiting for a while!
