Riding The Steps on Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail
The Steps on Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail can look manageable from the driver’s seat, then feel much steeper when you’re close enough to see the rock ledges and drop-offs. This guide explains how to prepare, approach the obstacle, and decide whether your machine and experience suit the route—without treating a famous red-rock trail like a casual scenic drive.
Understand the Steps and the trail around them
What riders mean by the Steps
The Steps are a steep, uneven section of slickrock on Broken Arrow, a well-known route in the red-rock country near Sedona. The name describes the way the rock shelves descend or rise in distinct ledges. It is not a smooth ramp: the height and shape of each shelf can make your machine pitch, shift, or lose traction if you approach carelessly.
The challenge is not only the obstacle itself. Your line, the machine’s wheelbase and ground clearance, the condition of the rock, and the space available to reposition all matter. A route that looks straightforward in a video may feel very different from the driver’s seat, where you have a limited view of the tires and the edges.
Broken Arrow is also more than one obstacle. The route includes rocky terrain and exposed red-rock scenery, with popular landmarks and stopping points along the way. If you are still weighing whether this trail matches your ability, read [Broken Arrow Trail Difficulty] before you commit to the drive.
Choose a machine and route that fit
Do not assume that every ATV or UTV can legally or safely travel every part of Broken Arrow. Route rules, vehicle-width restrictions, closures, and the precise designated path matter. Check official Forest Service travel information and posted signs before riding, and confirm your machine meets the requirements for the route you plan to use. Do not rely on a map pin, an old trip report, or another rider’s recollection as your only permission check.
A machine’s advertised capability is not the same as a safe fit for a specific ledge. Consider its width, ground clearance, tires, turning space, and whether the driver can control it at a crawl. A passenger can change how the vehicle behaves, too, particularly on a steep or uneven section. If you are comparing access for different machines, [Sedona Trails Open to Side-by-Sides] is a useful related read.
If you are new to rocky ledges, have limited experience with low-speed control, or feel uneasy about exposed terrain, it is reasonable to choose a different outing. Some visitors prefer to experience the area with a guided operator rather than drive the obstacle themselves; [Riding Broken Arrow in a Rental] covers questions to consider when looking at that option. A scenic destination is not worth pushing past your comfort level.
| Before you go | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route access | Official travel map, current notices, and trail signs | Routes and access rules can change |
| Machine fit | Width, clearance, tires, and turning room | A capable vehicle still may not suit a particular obstacle |
| Driver readiness | Low-speed control and comfort on ledges | Hesitation or abrupt inputs can make a difficult section harder |
| Weather and rock | Recent rain, wet surfaces, and forecast | Slickrock can become less predictable when wet |
| Group plan | Order of travel, stopping points, and communication | Helps prevent crowding and rushed decisions |
Prepare before leaving the trailhead
Check access, conditions, and navigation
Start with current official information for the route, not just a social post or a saved track. A map can show where a road appears to go, but it does not necessarily establish that motorized travel is allowed there today. Review [Reading an Arizona Motor Vehicle Use Map] and compare it with the local notices and signs you encounter. If there is a closure or a restriction, follow it even if another group continues past.
A navigation app can help you orient yourself and keep track of your planned route. For example, you can use onX Offroad as a planning aid, then cross-check the route against official motor-vehicle information. If you expect weak cell service, prepare the map for offline use before leaving town and make sure you know how to read it without relying on a live connection.
Treat route information as one part of preparation, not a substitute for judgment. Mark your intended start and turnaround points, and discuss what you will do if the obstacle is beyond your group’s ability. Trailhead logistics deserve attention as well: [Arizona Trailhead Parking and Staging] can help you think through parking and unloading before the ride begins.
Pack for a slow, demanding outing
A short distance on a rocky trail can take much longer than the same distance on pavement. Bring water for everyone, sun protection, suitable clothing, and a basic first-aid kit. Carry the tools and recovery equipment appropriate to your vehicle and your own ability to use them. Do not bring gear you have never practiced with and assume it will solve a problem on a steep ledge.
Inspect the machine before you start. Check tires for damage and suitable pressure for the manufacturer’s guidance and your riding conditions. Confirm that brakes, steering, belts or other drive components, and safety restraints are in working order. Secure loose items so they cannot shift when the machine angles over rock. If something already feels wrong in the staging area, it is better to address it there than on the trail.
Plan for heat and exposure even when the air feels comfortable at the start. The red rock offers little dependable shade, and a delayed ride can turn a modest water supply into a real concern. Use [Water Planning for an Arizona Trail Day] to build a realistic plan for your group, and carry more margin than you think you will need.
Approach the Steps with control
Set up slowly and communicate
Before the first tire reaches the ledge, pause somewhere safe and look at the line. Identify the direction of travel, the shape of each step, and any rocks or edges that could contact the underside of the machine. If you cannot see a tire or the landing clearly from the driver’s seat, use a spotter who can stand in a safe position and communicate in plain, agreed-upon signals.
Keep the approach deliberate. A slow, controlled crawl gives the driver more opportunity to respond to what the tires are doing. Avoid charging at the obstacle to gain momentum unless you have specific, sound guidance for your vehicle and the terrain. Speed can make a mistake more consequential, and sudden throttle or braking can unsettle the machine on uneven rock.
Give each vehicle space. Do not line up directly behind a machine that is working through the ledges, and do not let pressure from a queue rush the driver. If your group is large, designate one person to manage spacing and keep people clear of the vehicle’s path. The best line is not useful if people are standing where a machine could slide or roll.
Know when to stop or turn back
A key part of tackling the Steps is recognizing when not to proceed. If the surface is wet, your tires are slipping, the vehicle is making contact underneath, or the driver cannot see the next landing, stop in a safe place and reassess. Do not keep adding throttle simply because the group behind you is waiting.
A spotter’s advice should be clear and consistent. If the driver and spotter cannot communicate, pause until they can. Passengers should remain seated and secured as instructed for the machine; they should not climb out and stand beside a vehicle on a steep or unstable section. Keep bystanders well away from the line of travel.
Turn around if the route is beyond your machine, your skills, or the conditions. That is not a failed ride. It is a sound decision that protects the people in your group and avoids damaging the trail or vehicle. A route guide such as [Arizona Trail Difficulty Ratings] can help you assess your experience more broadly, but the conditions in front of you always take priority.
Make the ride more enjoyable and responsible
Plan the whole outing, not just the obstacle
Broken Arrow is popular, and busy stopping areas can make an already technical ride feel more stressful. Allow time for other groups to pass safely, keep your machine on the designated route, and avoid blocking narrow sections while taking photos. At scenic stops, park only where it is appropriate and leave room for others to maneuver.
Crowds can also affect how long you spend at a viewpoint or obstacle. If you want a quieter experience, plan for flexibility rather than assuming you will have the trail to yourself. [Chicken Point Parking and Crowds] offers more context about one of the well-known stops in the area. Nearby features such as [Devil's Dining Room Sinkhole] may also be part of the broader route-planning conversation, but verify access and directions before adding any side trip.
Use onX Offroad or another navigation aid to keep your bearings, but do not follow a tempting track off the authorized route. Red-rock terrain can make an unauthorized shortcut seem harmless while leaving lasting scars. Stay on designated roads and trails, pack out trash, and give other visitors space.
Keep expectations realistic
Photos often flatten steep terrain and hide the awkward angles that matter most to a driver. A ledge that looks small on a screen may be difficult for a particular wheelbase, tire setup, or driver. Conversely, a dramatic-looking section may be manageable for an experienced operator with the right machine and conditions. Neither impression should replace a careful assessment on site.
If your group has a mix of experience levels, agree beforehand that anyone can call for a pause or turnaround without being teased or pressured. Discuss the plan for a disabled vehicle, an injury, or changing weather before you enter the technical section. A little conversation at the trailhead can prevent a tense disagreement when everyone is tired and the route feels exposed.
Finally, leave enough time to finish without rushing. Sedona’s red rock is rewarding even when the ride is slow, and the goal is not to prove something at the Steps. Check access information again before departure, carry what your group needs, and choose the safest option the terrain allows. For related planning around permissions and local access, see [Sedona Trail Permits and Fees].
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
