Trip Overview

Sedona doesn’t just show up—it struts in like the cover model of an Arizona postcard. With those jaw-dropping red rock spires, forested trails, and endless blue skies, it’s no wonder everyone and their cousin wants a piece of it.

We set up camp in the higher elevations east of town, which was both stunning and… a little chilly. Like, freeze-your-water-pipes chilly. Yes, the RV promised a hot shower. No, the pipes argued. Turns out, winter in Sedona is not for the faint of plumbing.

But man, was it worth it. Between Broken Arrow’s world-famous views, rocky climbs, and winding forest roads, this trip was a nonstop highlight reel. Every turn felt like it came with its own dramatic soundtrack—cue the “oooohs” and “ahhhhs.”

Pro tip: If you're rolling past the pink jeep tour groups, just give a friendly wave. They looked a little jealous that we weren’t sticking to the tour script. Freedom tastes like trail dust.

Terrain & Trail Conditions

Mostly dirt roads that start out chill and slowly escalate to “hold onto your snacks” rocky. The closer you get to the rim, the more the pace slows. It's not technical, but definitely rugged—just enough to make you feel like you earned the views.

Route Summary

We launched our adventure from Schnebly Hill Road just off Highway 17, deep in the heart of the Coconino National Forest. From there, it was all red rock and rugged beauty.

Day trips included a scenic jaunt to Chicken Point (where the views serve chicken soup for the soul), hikes through Wupatki and Sunset Crater (both amazing and refreshingly foot-powered), and a rare entry into the elusive Soldier Pass Trail—hidden inside a posh neighborhood and protected like a VIP club. Make sure you get a permit, or your adventure ends at the gate.

And yes, we visited a vortex or two. Did we feel the energy? That depends. Does hunger for tacos count?

Camp and Scenic Highlights

Camping in the forest east of Sedona was pure magic. Cold, yes—but the kind of cold that makes your coffee taste like a campfire hug. The sunrises lit up the canyon walls like fire, and the sunsets made you forget what a phone was.

Every hour brought a different version of the same view—shadows stretching, colors shifting, and every photo looking like it had an Instagram filter... but better. We didn’t need cell signal. Nature had bars.

Wildlife

Not a lot of creatures stirring in the winter woods, unless you count the birds and the occasional mystery track in the snow. Probably a deer. Definitely not Bigfoot. Probably.

Trail Notes & Conditions

Trail conditions ranged from “Sunday drive” to “hold onto your coffee.” Icy puddles here and there, and plenty of rocky sections that’ll slow your roll, but nothing a high-clearance rig couldn’t handle.

Trailers or RVs are doable—just park at base camp and day-trip the rocky stuff. You’ll want your rig to stay on speaking terms with its suspension.

Final Thoughts

Sedona is like a natural theme park, minus the lines and with way better views. Even in winter—with frozen water, chilly nights, and fewer open amenities—it delivered in a big way.

The trails, the views, the unexpected quiet… we’d do it again in a heartbeat (with better insulated pipes, thank you very much). Spring and fall will draw more people, but winter brought solitude and stars, and we wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Solid 4 out of 5 lug nuts. Would off-road again—maybe with an extra blanket.