Sedona jeep tours at a glance
Around Sedona, the Coconino National Forest is crossed by unpaved roads that climb over slickrock ledges, through washes and up to viewpoints you cannot reach by car. Sedona jeep tours use these roads in open, modified 4x4s, usually with a driver-guide who explains the geology, plants and history along the way.
The routes range from a scenic dirt road with potholes to genuinely technical rock crawling. Which one suits you depends on how much bouncing you enjoy, how much time you have and whether you want to drive yourself. If this is your first time, choose the route first and the operator second.
The best-known off-road routes in Sedona
Most guided tours and self-drive trips use one of these roads, sometimes combining two.
Broken Arrow
The most technical and famous route, south-east of Uptown off State Route 179. It crosses steep sandstone steps and ledges to Submarine Rock, a slickrock fin with wide views, and Chicken Point below the red spires. Thrilling, but the roughest ride of the three.
Schnebly Hill Road
Forest Road 153 starts near Uptown and climbs east through the rocks towards the Mogollon Rim and Schnebly Hill Vista. The lower part is the rocky bit, with a slickrock section known as the Merry-Go-Round. Less technical, more scenic, with sunset views back over Sedona. The upper section can close in winter.
Diamondback Gulch
A quieter route on the west side of Sedona, reached from the Boynton Pass area. Its highlight is a steep descent and climb through a ravine. Moderate rather than extreme, and it can get slick and impassable after rain.
Dry Creek and Devil's Bridge roads
The rocky forest road to the Devil's Bridge trailhead, about 1.3 miles (2 km), is a popular short self-drive challenge. With a high-clearance 4x4 it cuts the Devil's Bridge hike to roughly 2 miles round trip.
Hiking Devil's Bridge →Sedona jeep tour routes compared
A rough guide to character and comfort. Tour lengths, prices and exact routes vary by operator and season, so check the details of each listing.
| Route | Character | How bumpy | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Arrow | Technical slickrock steps and steep drops | Very | Submarine Rock, Chicken Point | Thrill-seekers, no back problems |
| Schnebly Hill Road | Rocky forest road climbing to a rim viewpoint | Moderate | Merry-Go-Round, Schnebly Hill Vista, sunset | Views, photographers, mixed groups |
| Diamondback Gulch | Quieter backcountry with a steep ravine crossing | Moderate to high | Ravine, west side scenery, fewer vehicles | Repeat visitors, small groups |
| Combination tours | Two routes in one longer outing | Varies | Variety of views and terrain | One-time visitors with half a day |
| Self-drive rental | Your own pace on the roads your rental allows | Up to you | Freedom, sunrise and late light | Experienced off-road drivers |
Our picks: Sedona jeep tours
A climb up the Mogollon Rim, a tour to the vortex sites and a private ride through the canyons west of town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private Red Rock West jeep tour
Just your group in the jeep, on trails and off-road sections through seven canyons to the Dry Creek Basin.
Check availability →Scenic rim jeep tour
Climbs onto the Mogollon Rim for views over the red rocks and the desert about 2,000 feet below.
Check availability →Guided vortex jeep tour
A small-group drive to a couple of Sedona's vortex sites, with the guide explaining their history and the beliefs around them.
Check availability →Compare Sedona jeep and off-road tours
Guided jeep tours on Sedona's classic off-road routes, sunset rides and combined tours, with live prices and availability.
Guided jeep tour or rent your own?
Sedona has plenty of places that rent jeeps, UTVs and off-road vehicles. Driving yourself is tempting, but it is not the same experience as a tour.
- A guided tour means you can look at the scenery instead of the next rock step. Guides know the lines over the ledges, the stories behind the formations and where to stop for photos. Commercial tours operate under Forest Service permits on their routes.
- A rental gives you freedom of timing, which is a real advantage for early-morning and late-afternoon light. You need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range for the rougher roads, and the confidence to use it on slickrock. Read the rental terms carefully: they define which roads you may drive and what happens if you damage the vehicle.
- Parking and passes: if you park a private vehicle at a National Forest trailhead, you usually need a Red Rock Pass, as of 2026 $5 per day, $15 per week or $20 per year. An America the Beautiful pass is accepted instead.
- Conditions change. Rain, snow on the upper Schnebly Hill Road and seasonal restrictions can close roads. Check the Coconino National Forest road status before you set off.
Our advice: if you have never driven off-road, book a tour for Broken Arrow and keep a self-drive for the easier lower Schnebly Hill Road. See all Sedona tours with free cancellation
Comfort, timing and what to bring
Small things that make a bumpy ride more enjoyable.
Who should skip the rough routes
The rough routes jolt you around constantly. If you have back or neck problems, are pregnant or have had recent surgery, choose a gentler route or a scenic drive. Operators state their own health and age rules in each listing.
Best time of day
Morning and late afternoon have the softest light and the most pleasant temperatures. From May to September, midday in an open vehicle is hot, and July to mid-September brings monsoon thunderstorms.
Best time to visit Arizona →What to bring
Sunglasses against the dust, a hat with a strap or none at all, sunscreen and water. On winter mornings a warm jacket, because open jeeps are windy.
Where to sit
The front rows usually feel smoother than the back. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask for a seat near the front when you check in.
Plan the rest of your Sedona trip
Jeep tours fill a morning or afternoon. Here is what to do with the rest.
Things to do in Sedona
Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge, Slide Rock and the free trailhead shuttle.
Hot air balloon rides
Red rocks or Sonoran Desert from above: Sedona and Phoenix balloon flights compared.
Where to stay in Sedona
The best areas for a base close to the trailheads and tour pick-up points.
Grand Canyon tours
South Rim, West Rim and helicopter flights compared, including trips from Sedona.
Sedona jeep tours: frequently asked questions
Which Sedona jeep tour is the best?
For pure adventure, Broken Arrow. For views with a gentler ride, Schnebly Hill Road. If you want fewer vehicles around you, look at Diamondback Gulch. Combination tours are a good choice if you only do one tour.
Are Sedona jeep tours very bumpy?
Yes, all of them are bumpier than a normal road, and Broken Arrow is the roughest. If you are unsure, pick a scenic route and sit near the front.
Can I drive Sedona's jeep trails myself?
Yes, with a suitable high-clearance 4x4 and some off-road experience. Check your rental agreement for allowed roads, carry a Red Rock Pass for trailhead parking and check road conditions with the Coconino National Forest.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass on a jeep tour?
Not as a tour passenger. You only need one when you park your own car at a trailhead or day-use site that requires it.
Can children join a jeep tour?
Many tours accept children, but rules on minimum age and car seats differ by operator. Check the listing before you book, and choose a gentler route for small kids.