Can a Stock Jeep Gladiator Survive Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona?

WARNING: This video may cause you to cringe. If you don't want to see and hear a brand new Gladiator acquire some fresh battle wounds, don't watch this video.
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Once again, we took our brand new, 2020 Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon out to test it out and see how capable it is off road. This time, we explored Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona, Arizona. This time, we learned some lessons.
The trail is fairly short at only about 4 total miles, but it is one of our favorite 4x4 trails in Arizona. It is rated as "Difficult" according to FunTreks, but most stock Jeeps can do it provided you're comfortable with a bit of scraping. 4-wheel drive is required here, but that's about all. Careful tire placement will get you through the few tougher obstacles. The most difficult segment of the trail is the Devil's Staircase or "The Steps" (one-way, downhill ONLY). Here, high ground clearance and even braking pressure helps to make it down the steep descent without any damage. We weren't so fortunate to have the ground clearance needed. Listen closely and you'll hear the Jeep screaming for help at times as it passes over/on rocks.
The real prize here is the red rock scenery that you can enjoy throughout the entire Broken Arrow trail. Be sure to pack a lunch and some drinks to take a pit stop while enjoying the views.
One other noteworthy point is the high traffic that this trail sees. It is common to run into Pink Jeep tours while there, and it is best to give them the right-of-way. Most of their drivers are extremely friendly and it's often best to let them do their job while you take a moment to enjoy the views while they pass.
Overall, the stock Gladiator Rubicon did great off roading but drove away with a few new scrapes underneath. We can now justify new suspension and tires for this thing!
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****To check out the lights we've installed on the Jeep Gladiator, see the links below:
A-Pillar: www.kchilites.com/vehicle/jee...
Bumper: www.kchilites.com/vehicle/jee...
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More information on the trail can be found here:
azoffroading.com/arizona-trai...

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great video, Sedona is so beautiful!!!! I am glad to see you putting through its paces. It sounds like a fun project!!!!

[@Brasauge]

Looks like an awesome time! Cant wait to see how this build transforms!

[@johnbehneman1546]

Thank you so much!!!! That trail looks like fun, but also a challenge. Then going on the trail with your mountain bikes looks like more fun as well. Great video and thanks for sharing!!!!

[@JeeperSteve2011]

Great video! My dad and I talked this last June in a bright white factory JK Sahara that we rented. This video brought back some great memories!

[@bradmyers8162]

Nice work Taylor and Ron, looks like fun!

[@Ir23rivera]

Just went out to Broken Arrow today on my stock Gladi. I should of watched this video before and would of felt confident doing it. I ended up turning around cause some guy there suggest me not to do it since I wouldn’t have enough clearance. But now I know. Thanks for the video

[@ronbarry8542]

yeah, you'd be fine. i see 4 runners up there all the time, some stock.

[@ltr310]

I’m diggin the last couple vids!!! Keep it up!

[@mcwendel8066]

You guys were giving me anxiety dropping off of ledges with the tailgate down. I kept thinking it was going to scrape. Cool video cool trail

[@DSDesignWoodworking]

Having driven that a week ago in a rented Wrangler with a 2" lift and 37s I thought no way a stock Gladiator would make it through everything. You did leave out the very steep rock leading to the 'traffic circle' rock area that seems like it would be the worst for departure angle, did it scrape there? If anyone is visiting the area and wants to see the trails don't take a tour on the Pink Jeep or other tours where you'll eat tons of dust, likely sit sideways on a bench, and be tossed around a lot more than if driving as you sit higher and behind the center of the vehicle. I'm SO glad we rented instead as we paid less for a full day rental than it would have been for 4 of us to take a 2 hr tour, and can't say enough good things about Red Rock Rubicon Jeep Rentals and the owner Kris.. 👍

[@mixflip]

I'm lovin the lights on the gladiator.

[@campNcrawlR]

Great video. Can't wait to get my JT onto some more challenging trails. Definitely looks like belly clearance is a bigger issue than departure, as I assumed. Can't wait to see what lift you guys go with.

[@GatorOverland]

It's about time someone got off the beaten path with their Gladiator. Thanks for making this video!! I know a main concern is the longer wheelbase, breakover and departure angle, but this proves that even with standard equipment the truck is still very capable offoad. I cant wait to see what comes from yall next! What suspension are yall thinking about going with? Ive seen the Mopar, EVO and Rough Country kits available, but ive heard Teraflex and Dynatrac have some in the makings as well. Keep it up guys!!

[@GatorOverland]

@@kchilites wow i appreciate your reply! Ive seen EVO's rig as well as Stradmans EVO equipped rig, and they are nice, but im located in SE Texas, which makes me a flatlander by default. I could see myself going up 2.5" to 4" to alleviate the clearance issues, especially after seeing your video. Thanks again

[@peacockpanther]

👍👍👍🤙🤙🤙 great video Taylor and Ron!!!!

[@Overlanding_4_Sanity]

Wow!!! What amazing views and scenery. Now that I moved up from Tennessee and living here in Arizona that’s definitely on my to do list as well as the other trails that Arizona has to offer. 👍🏻👊🏻💥

[@Overlanding_4_Sanity]

We just moved up to Peoria, AZ. Been following you guys on ig and want to go visit your store here. I’m looking to get the Pro 6 gravity light for the jeep.

[@stevejohnson6321]

Great video Taylor✌️

[@thomascarrillo4548]

Nice job on showing the departure angles after the mushroom and before the stairs. I’m positive that thing hit.

[@CammieGee]

Excellent video

[@andyham6094]

Took my base 4runner sr5 with a 3 inch lift on this trail and handled it like a boss. Awesome video and sick shots man.

[@bassage13]

I did it in my 4runner with no lift. Got a few scrapes on the skid plates, but that's all.

[@ronbarry8542]

i got video of a guy in full-sized crew cab (lifted F250) handling it like a champ.

[@Jeep.Generation]

I love Sedona. Beautiful place. I stopped by during the Overland Expo trip to AZ. I did Broken Arrow and Schnebly Hill for the Badge. I still need to edit those. I think it is so great that KC is taking this Gladiator out on adventures. Keep it up. I cant wait to see more!

[@Jeep.Generation]

@@kchilites Lets do it! I'll let you know when I head back up.

[@jasondevereaux3369]

I too did broken arrow and schnebly hill when I was out in April on the way home from Moab! Sat a.m. place was packed..gotta watch out for bikers, hikers, pink jeeps, sxs and old lady's walking dogs. Schnebly.....i will be happy to NEVER drive that road again. Great views tho!👍👍👍 just got my badge yesterday, along with my fins n things

[@Jeep.Generation]

@@jasondevereaux3369 I forgot to request my badges. Thanks for the reminder. Gotta get the originals before the new badge design comes outs. They will send out replacements with the new design, but will still be cool to the have original badges. The Pink Jeeps are everywhere out there, haha. They do a lot of trail maintenance and they fight to keep the trails open for the public though.

[@jasondevereaux3369]

@@Jeep.Generation unfortunately I didn't know about the badges when I went to Ouray. I did black bear, imogene and ophir...got stickers tho! Lol

[@2fuzzies]

I've had my jeep for 4 years and live in AZ, but have yet to do this trail. Reminds me of moab. I use to camp over night and mountain bike sedona. Park near a circle k and ride to buddha beach. I do miss mountain biking.

[@ivanchavez9483]

Looks awesome

[@ronbarry8542]

i've done that trail many times in my mostly stock JLUR. such a fun, beautiful trail! lunch up on Submarine Rock is a must. but i'm about to move to the Gladiator Rubi or Mojave. never seen a JT up there, so was happy to see your stocker make it with ease. The Steps can definitely be the punisher if you don't know how to pace it, especially with your longer wheelbase. i'll def do 35s and possibly a little more lift on the JT. but other than that i'd love to stay stocker for the suspension. ps: i've never aired down. didn't really need it, and enjoyed the lift that the full K02 35s provide.

[@michaelmurray2592]

Great video! Thank you

[@parleycasto3235]

Yay! That’s my black JK at 2:32. I was so excited to see the Gladiator on the trail there I kind of got tunnel vision.

[@markgosser9578]

Keep the videos coming, I will be buying a gladiator soon and interested to see what you guys do with yours. I live in north Delaware and obviously do not have these kind of beautiful views. Maybe some day I can make it out with my gladiator.

[@markgosser9578]

KC HiLiTES thanks, that would be awesome!

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Great video

[@jackojacko3545]

I kept watching to see if tailgate hit ,but all good.👍

[@jeffnabers9180]

Great video - Love Sedona - What PSI did you air down your tires to?

[@nolanohana]

Awesome place!

[@sergiovazquez398]

Wow that Jeep Gladiator Rubicon it’s Trail Rated 😎

[@sergiovazquez398]

KC HiLiTES I think that only one lift kit is missing because it is very capable of factory, and maybe bigger tires or different wheels if you want it.

[@jefflenney9460]

Any issues with the branches scraping and your painted fenders? Great video btw, ty! :-)

[@bassage13]

I did it in a stock 4Runner, no lift at all. Got some scrapes on the skid plates, but it's doable. I would definitely want a lift if I did it again though.

[@jcmjcm2412]

I rented a jeep in Sedona to do all this trails, I saw a stock 4Runner do the same trails no problem, mad respect to the 4Runner.

[@fpartidafpartida]

So does that same trailhead have the start of the mountain bike trail as well as the start to broken arrow?

[@paulc1432]

Where can I buy the mounting brackets that you have on your KC LED off road light?

[@phantomphan1974]

No Submarine rock or that one loop down the extreme grade....wonder if the longer wheelbase was issues. Couple inches of life would help. Love Broken Arrow.

[@phantomphan1974]

@@kchilites Saw a 2 WD Tundra do that steep loop and thought he nose over with no weight in bed...he didnt... We love Sedona, go every year. Fell in love with Jeep after rental at Barlows...our 2014 Rubicon has 103,XXX miles already.

[@ronbarry8542]

what additional loop? the nipple? or the big rock crawlover with the 31 degree pitch?

[@phantomphan1974]

@@ronbarry8542 I think the nipple is called the Mushroom but not sure.

[@stevest.martin3940]

How far up this trail can you go without lockers? stock JK 2 door

[@e5toro7008]

Good stuff man! We were just there in April as well and met a bunch of cool people. Lots of mountain bikers. Wish I could have joined in, but my bike was back home in Cali :( What kind of bikes were those in the Gladiator?

[@e5toro7008]

@@kchilites I'll have to bring my Rip 9 out with me next time. 👍

[@jamesgonzalez1738]

Going out there tomorrow 5/28/21 in my mojave jt. Can it be done with no spotter?

[@joeyrt100]

I love KC lights

[@camaroboi13]

I followed a guy who did it in a Subaru Crosstrek 2 weeks ago. So without watching your video, I think I know the answer.

[@805gregg]

It's that 137" wheelbase, that you need to change

[@zdiver1]

How much clearance do you need to do that trail? can a 2019 TRD PRO Tundra do it?

[@N530SYF]

Yes you can do it!!!!

[@ronbarry8542]

absolutely. there will be some scrapin, but worth it. fairly easy to pick less aggressive lines once you've done it once.

[@Benjeepjammin]

What tire deflators are those?

[@Benjeepjammin]

@@kchilites thanks!

[@alvancabrera391]

dose tires and wheels are the gladiator original? they look jk jeep rubicon

[@SKULL0fD3ATH.]

You can get the sames tires and wheels that are on the jk rubicon as a option.

[@VC-dj2vg]

Owner was out enjoying a beautiful hike. Now that I got the Rhino Lining in the bed, hopefully I won’t be caught w/o my bike.Was nice meeting you guys on the trail. Hope to come see you soon when I’m able to add some KC lights.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

I did this trail in my old 2010 Subaru Forester.

[@tao265]

I did this trail in a 2002 Prius

[@kchilites]

That’s pretty awesome!

[@hxrepeat]

Shd hv 1 with music and one stock. 🙂

[@MountainPerson]

I've seen a older model Rav4 at the top of broken arrow. Definitely no need for rock crawling style slow pace on a lot of that stuff

[@mariodesmo]

So, your JT is a California rig. How does that work? I thought you guys are in Williams??? Nice looking rigs, those Gladiators.

[@garthhayward9581]

So is this Gladiator totally stock?

[@garthhayward9581]

KC HiLiTES 😂😂😂 do you think it needs a lift or would 35's be enough?

[@capt.stubing5604]

Definitely 37s and a lift. That’s what mine will get when they build it, hopefully soon.

[@corksauve4949]

@@kchilites If you go with 37's are you going to upgrade your axles as well? Pretty large tires for dana 44's.

[@garthhayward9581]

Agreed. Once you go larger than 35's then a lot more needs to be upgraded. 35's and 2" lift and the approach, Break over and exit angles should be great.

[@casTingcall07]

2wd trail except for a couple spots!

[@sugarnads]

casTingcall07 yeah not seen anything my old pathfinder wouldnt do in 2wd yet...

[@dilligaf78]

A rubicon is NOT a stock Jeep. The Sport S or Sport are the stock jeeps.

[@mcwendel8066]

Tim Behr yes it is

[@chrisbayridge23]

This trail is easy for any Jeep

[@kchilites]

Normally I would agree but some guy actually just flipped his TJ going down Devil's Staircase haha, so maybe we are all just used to it already? - Jacob

[@Expressionistix]

Beautiful trails and scenery too bad the actual town of Sedona is an over-consumerized tourist trap.

[@autoblog3922]

umm hill decent control.

[@ronbarry8542]

nah, not for The Steps, anyway. it need human feel and variance, meter by meter.

[@CR33MPIE]

I live in Sedona lol 😂

[@muneebwaseem8275]

There was no music required ...

[@royf.2471]

"can it survive Broken Arrow"? wow, seriously?? hype it up!!!

[@jinoh7418]

I've done broken arrow in my 2016 rubicon. Was a great drive. And no, a subaru would not do most of the trail. Silly subaru guys. Most of it is very easy, but some parts are very tricky and did plenty of scraping.

[@ajpowers7842]

jino h you need to work on your skills man. I’ve done this in a stock FJ and didn’t scrape anything. I’d hesitate to even call this a moderate trail.

[@jinoh7418]

@@ajpowers7842 I went in the winter when the rocks were sticking out due to the sand being eroded. There were spots even the pink jeeps told me to avoid.

[@dilligaf78]

Rubicons are not stock jeeps.

[@ronbarry8542]

they are stock Rubicons, from the factory.

[@TheRedStateBlue]

that isn't "stock." that's "stock" with an upgrade package (Rubicon).

[@kchilites]

Not this again, OEM “upgrade packages” are still considered stock. The second you put on new tires, bigger shocks, or any other performance upgrade it is no longer stock. Check out our Bronco video where the same argument is shut down.

[@TheRedStateBlue]

@@kchilites says who?

[@TheRedStateBlue]

@@kchilites if i buy a base model wrangler and put dana 44s with e lockers front and rear, a lift, bigger tires, an electronic sway bar disconnect and a new transfer case (everything in the rubicon package) is my vehicle still stock? its just all the shit that comes in a rubicon package, so still stock, by your logic.

[@kchilites]

@Vote_Blue No, since you’re not Jeep putting it on in the factory. However it rolls off the factory floor is considered stock. A Rubicon model, or TRD pro or whatever trim level you choose is done during assembly, it is not done after the vehicle is assembled. Some dealerships will do their own modifications after the vehicle arrives, that is NOT considered stock since modifications were made after it rolled off the factory floor. I hope this offers a bit of clarity!

[@TheRedStateBlue]

@@kchilites whatever you have to tell yourself, guy.

[@rdone4932]

Ugh music.

[@hxrepeat]

Bad only for dumb music..cant hear if Jeep is hitting at bottom

[@steveawesome9538]

A Jeep that can't Jeep and a truck that can't truck. What a gloriously stupid vehicle!

[@semiauto3148]

He seems to be doing everything the trail is throwing at him. ( even with 2 bikes in the back) So what’s your post mean?

[@gregg2922]

Broken Arrow is lame. It is a Pink Jeep tourist trap tour, only does a two mile round trip and you pay $125 each(typical 2 hour tour should only cost $75 each). Fool tourists. You want to do an extreme tour, try Diamondback Gulch or Cliffhanger with Hummer.

[@martinklaus2203]

Cringe at what? Nothing on here was cringeworthy. Broken Arrow is an easy trail, don't know why some people make it out to be so difficult.

[@joldidjeridoos6026]

Will all of you city people PLEASE stop destroying our beautiful country here in Sedona? Just stay home! And yes, most locals here are thinking “what a douchebag” when we see y’all trashing our home!

[@sugarnads]

JoL Didjeridoos hope you never go anywhere else and do stuff... Thatd make you a hypocrit.

[@justemptiedeverypocket9520]

🖕🏿🖕🏿🖕🏿

[@faithinhim79]

Y’all have a very expensive hobby…..

[@CarnutMM]

Great video