Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
This hike was our biggest surprise in Sedona. While the hike is often on the list of the best hikes in Sedona , the Broken Arrow Trail does not get nearly as much attention as some of the other hikes in the area.
We loved this hike and the amazing views in every direction and Submarine Rock Sedona was one of our favorite spots on our whole trip.
We hiked this trail as a loop that involved a stop at Submarine Rock, Chicken Point and then the Hog Trails to get back to the Trailhead. At every point there are gorgeous, expansive views and interesting rock formations.
Below you can find hiking direction for the Broken Arrow Trail as well as some other important details for hiking and visiting Sedona,.
Find suggestions for a 3 Day Sedona Itinerary and other hiking trails.
Quick Look at Hiking Broken Arrow Trail to Chicken Point and Submarine Rock Sedona
Distance: 5.7 miles (you can also hike the Broken Arrow Trail as an out and back ot combine many different trails) Elevation Gain: 600 ft Difficulty: moderate (there was some exposure if you have a problem with heights)
There are many ways to do this hike and you can pick and choose and adjust as you go. The Broken Arrow Trail can be done as a 2.8-mile hike out to Chicken Point and you can add on the hike to Submarine Rock from here.
The Submarine Rock – Sedona is a round rock that rises from the canyon floor that offers exceptional views in every direction.
Another important thing to know, is that this area is truly a multi-use trail system. The road to Chicken Point is one of the best and most popular 4×4 driving trails and we saw many vehicles up on the rocks. There are also several biking trails as well and you will likely see bikers on the trail.
You can usually get recent trail conditions by looking at the reviews on All Trails.
Things to Know About Visiting Chicken Point and Submarine Rock Sedona
Best Time to Hiking the Broken Arrow Trail: This trail has very little shade and is best hiked in the spring and fall months. The summers are very hot, so if you are hiking in the summer, make sure you get out early in the morning.
Parking at the Broken Arrow Trailhead: In order to park at the Broken Arrow Parking Lot, you need a Red Rock’s Pass. This can be purchased for $5/day or $15/week right at the trailhead. You can also use your National Parks Pass. This parking lot can fill up before 8:00 in the morning, so make sure you arrive here early to get a spot.
Also check out 11 Things to do in Sedona or the Best Hikes in Sedona.
Finding the Trailhead to Broken Arrow Trail Sedona
The Broken Arrow Trailhead is at the end of Morgan Road just a few minutes outside of Sedona. From Sedona, drive South on 179 and turn left onto Morgan Rd. Drive to the end of the road through the residential neighborhood and you will find the trailhead.
The trailhead parking is limited, so make sure you get there early. There is also a road from here you can drive up to Chicken Point Overlook but only with a 4×4 drive car with high clearance.
Map of the Borken Arrow and Hot Trails Loop
Hiking the Broken Arrow Trail (and Hog Trails Loop)
There are many ways to hike this trail, but I would definitely recommend visiting both Chicken Point Overlook and Submarine Rock. I’m going to describe how to hike this trail as a loop. If you prefer, you can also simply hike out to Chicken Point on the Broken Arrow Trail and stop at Submarine Rock on your way back. This significantly shortens the hike and also avoids the steep drop-off sections on the Hog Trails.
The trail starts right in the parking lot and winds mostly flat through the canyon. After about 3/4 of a mile, you will see the trail to the Submarine Rock off to your right. The trail goes downhill and crosses the 4×4 road before climbing up slightly to the rock itself. The Submarine Rock Sedona was one of our favorite stopping points. We almost had the rock to ourselves and loved sitting here and soaking in the 360-degree views.
After you’ve enjoyed Submarine Hike, retrace your steps back up to the Broken Arrow Trail, and continue further on. The Trail gradually climbs and you will likely see some of the vehicles as you hike. This is a very pretty part of the trail as it has views across the basin and up to some really lovely rock features.
Chicken Point Overlook is at the very end of the trail. We also hiked up to the right just before getting to the point and loved the view looking down at Chicken Point.
After you’ve taken in your fill of the view, you will turn around and head back down the Broken Arrow Trail. In about 1/3 of a mile, you will come to a trail break. If you want to head back to the parking lot, follow the Broken Arrow Trail, otherwise this is where you will head off onto the Hog Trails to make the hike into a loop.
This trail is also a mountain bike trail, so be on the lookout for bikes. The first trail you will take is High on the Hog. This trail follows the rock wall and has lovely slabs to walk across. There are several rather exposed sections and the trail is much more challenging than the Broken Arrow Trail. We really loved this trail and the constantly changing views.
The Trail breaks and you can return to the parking lot by taking Twin Buttes Trail, or you can turn left and continue on following Hog Heaven which is what we did. The trail goes up over a small pass and comes down the other side. Follow this trail until it meets the Hog Wash Trail and turn right to begin making your way back to the parking lot. There are a few rock scrambles along these two trails, but overall they are easy walking if slightly exposed.
The Hog Wash Trail intersects with the Broken Arrow Trail and you will turn left on the trail for a short distance before arriving back to the parking lot. The entire trail is well marked and since there are many options, you can easily tailor the distance to how you’re feeling. There are also several ways to lengthen the hike if you want more distance and you can also park at the Mystic Trail Trailhead.
Looking for more Hikes in Sedona? Check out:
- Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave
- Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass
- Birthing Cave Hike
- Devil’s Bridge Hike
