When Wheelers plan vacations, they seek out the best scenery, the best destinations, and new places to explore. That was no different in our latest trip to Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona! I had heard that Schnebly Hill Rd was a relatively easy trail to collect our first Jeep Badge of Honor and that Sedona’s scenery is breath taking! So the decision was an easy one. However, getting there required a little planning. AND blocking out the time to travel the 450 miles there and 450 miles back was a challenge! So when a weekend popped onto the calendar without any kids, we knew just what to plan!
Initially, we booked an Airbnb in flagstaff and planned on trailering our Jeep behind the Suburban for drivability and comfort. However, to save a little money in renting a car trailer, we decided to trek the 900 miles in our little JK! We recently completed a similar trip to Mammoth Mountain (Read about that here). With similar mileage so we basically knew what the experience would be like, just a little warmer!
With snacks packed, monsters in the cooler, and music blasting, we headed out on our quick weekend getaway. If you are driving from Southern California to Williams, Flagstaff, or Sedona in your Jeep JL, JT, or JK plan on taking an extra gas can. We were eating through the ‘black gold’ at a quarter tank per hour. With oversized tires, no re-gear, and trying to make the most of our time, we had to make a few stops on the way out there for gas and stopped to refuel once on the way back! One grateful thing we noticed in Arizona, was that all the gas stations had fresh and quality window scrubbers / soap available to wash all the bugs off. This was a culture shock as Southern Californians don’t seem to care if there’s fresh soap or wipers handy at ANY gas station. Being springtime traveling across Arizona, the Jeep JKU was constantly covered with bugs. We would stop, scrub away, and ‘fly’ back onto the highway.
Where to Off-Road in Sedona Arizona
If your are visiting Sedona in an off-road rig you have to wheel Schnebly Hill Rd! Schnebly Hill road is a relatively easy historic wagon trail that drops into Sedona from the I-17 freeway. (Recommended direction. East to West from the I-17 freeway into Sedona.) At the time we drove it it was dry and rocky. Very rocky! That is Schnebly Hill’s biggest downside, however, we did not let that distract us from the scenic beauty. Between December and April, prepared for the gate to be closed at the midpoint. And during that time prepare for rain and mud, and even the possibility of snow. Overall, if you want an off-road trail that immerses you into the red rocks, without any of the hiking, this is a great trail for you! Plus, log into the Jeep Badge of Honor App and get a cool badge! It is an easy beginner trail and one we highly recommend.
Schnebly Hill Trail Maps
Schnebly Hill Road Exit from the 17: #320. Google GPS: Schnebly Hill Rd at 17.
Schnebly Hill Road GPS Coordinates near the I-17: 34.912167, -111.642318
US Forestry Website for Schnebly Hill Trail
Broken Arrow Off-Road Trail in Sedona, AZ
Broken Arrow Jeep trail is another very popular offroad trail near Sedona, Arizona. Go with another off-road friend, because this is rated advanced! The trail is located just south outside of Sedona just a few minutes and offers challenging obstacles. It is a up and back trail but some say it is well worth the challenge!
US Forestry Website for Broken Arrow No. 125
Outlaw Off-Road Trail in Sedona, AZ
This is an easy to moderate short trail, great for experiencing wild flowers and Indian ruins. You will need a Red Rocks day pass to park to experience this trail.
The Outlaw Off-Road trail is part of 7 OHV trails on the west side of Sedona.
Here is the US Forestry information page with helpful maps for these trails!
Looking for other amazing off-roading trails in the Coconino National Forest area?
US Forestry Maps page for the area! – Red Rock Country Recreation Maps
US Forest Service Home Page for Coconino
Most of the trails on the list are for hiking. But these websites are incredibly informational for camping and all sorts of outdoor activities. We hope you have a great adventure immersing yourself into Sedona Red Rocks!
Dispersed Camp sites also available in these areas perfect for the weekend overlanders get away!
Table Mesa Road
Just north of Phoenix, Table Mesa Road is another Jeep Badge of Honor trail that is relatively easy. Table Mesa Road is an out and back off road trail with views