Vultee Arch 4x4 Trail in Sedona, Arizona

The Vultee Arch off-road trail in Sedona is an exciting ride on the red rocks in your off-road vehicle, which also leads to a vast network of iconic hiking trails in the Coconino National Forest and the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The area features many natural wonders including stone arches, natural bridges, pinnacles, cliffs, and slot canyons, all waiting to be explored.
Those with high-clearance vehicles have the advantage of driving straight to the trailheads of Devil’s Bridge, Brin’s Mesa, Secret Canyon, and Vultee Arch. However, they must first conquer the rock gatekeeper at the beginning of the trail. This is a rocky trail in most sections with small ledges, protruding rocks, bedrock, and sections of sand.
While hiking is the main attraction in this area, off-roaders can take unique photos of their rig against the beautiful red rock backdrop along the Vultee Arch Trail. The best time to capture stunning photos is in the afternoon when the sun casts its warm light on Capital Butte and the surrounding ridgelines.
If you continue up the trail, you can take a short side trip down Forst Road 9917. Here, you will find the Van Deran Cabins and the most challenging section of the trail, where you will cross Dry Creek, navigate through a gulch, and arrive at the smooth rock overlook by the cabins. The cabins are nearly 100 years old and were used in two movies back in the 1940s: “Riders of the Purple Sage” and “Blood on the Moon.” A plaque at the site provides additional history of the previous owners and building materials used.
Back on the main trail, the northern end is fairly quiet and doesn’t get much traffic but provides great access to the northernmost hiking trailheads. This is an out-and-back trail. Once you hit Vultee Arch Hiking Trailhead, time to turn around and get a completely different perspective on your way out

[@DISOPtv]

New to AZ, love the vidoes, keep em coming! Gotta get my rig in order for this fall/winter visit!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Lots and lots of things to see and explore in Arizona! Thanks for watching!

[@antdoggames1396]

This was my first ever trail! I went out there to do Schnebly hill road but it was closed. We went all the way down to the roundabout and came back. Stock Tacoma TRD 4x4

[@Trail89Adventures]

When was Schnebly closed? Was just out there a few weeks ago and was open.

[@antdoggames1396]

@@Trail89Adventures oh this was around February. There was a lot of snow on the ground I guess. Either that or they were fixing the trail. Still haven’t gone yet. Want to hit that trail before the winter comes around.

[@Trail89Adventures]

@@antdoggames1396 oh got it. Yeah they close that gate in the winter. Best way to find out the status is to check the Coconino National Forest website.

[@antdoggames1396]

@@Trail89Adventures thanks! Stay safe out on the trails!

[@rocklanderoffroad]

Leaving Tn for the North Rim and then Sedona in 4 days!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Lots to do and see in Sedona. Great scenery as well. Have fun on your trip.

[@chrisbayridge23]

I was out there in June my 2dr Rubicon on 33s ill be back next year on 35s with a 2in lift!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Nice. Like the two doors

[@petogarcia2003]

Great video! I was getting ready to head to broken arrow this morning and my wife ended up not feeling well. Your video helped me get a quick fix to my off-road accident.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Well, hope she feels better and you both can get back out on the trail! Thanks for watching.

[@cw50must]

I've done this trail in my Truck before and on the way back I ended up with a bed full of hikers. 🤣 I should have charged for that shuttle service.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Yeah, the hike to the trailhead I think is longer than the actual trail.

[@grohlmeier]

Great video! We are heading there in a few weeks for spring break. Are there any places to camp along that trail by chance? We have a small patriot camper x1 and I’m trying to figure out where I want to set it up for a few days in Sedona. Keep up the cool videos, definitely subscribing!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Glad you liked the videos. Thanks for watching. Camping in Sedona is a challenge. There are very strict no camping rules across this entire area. There are a few established campgrounds. You can find more information online. They fill up fast in the summer. There is dispersed camping available on Loy Butte Road about halfway between Sedona and Cottonwood. That is really the only other place.

[@renee_thetraveler]

Enjoyed watching your video! About how long did it take in your Jeep to get to Devils Bridge TH from the gate?

[@Trail89Adventures]

Devils Bridge Trailhead is 1.16 miles into the trail. So guessing maybe 10-15 minutes.

[@njbinkers]

Great video Todd! We hit up that trail a few years ago when we had our stock JK 2door Willys on 33s and that gate keeper is definitely there to keep cars out. Yes it was very very busy when drove on a Saturday to Devils bridge

[@Trail89Adventures]

Nice. I would steer clear of that place on a Saturday! I ran this on Thursday a week ago.

[@mikecarey5225]

Hey Todd! Great video! Great meeting fellow Snazzberry Jeep owners.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Thanks Mike! I took a little beating on the way out on that gatekeeper!

[@independent900]

Good video as usual, looks like a good trail. I just noticed your winch. What else did you add? It doesn't look like a simple winch install. Looks like a massive bumper. This trail isn't in TrailsOffroad, though I think I found it in OnX. How do you learn about trails likevthis, and know where to find featuresvyou can't see from the road? If you have any Sedona drives coming up and don't mind company, feel free to let me know. I've been checking out trails around there and loving it. I spoke with Pink-Jeep-Mike up on Schnebly Hill a few weeks ago...super nice guy. It was funny to see him in you video.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Yeah, Mike is a great guy! I was actually rewriting the trail guide for Trails Offroad that day when I ran into him. It should be published soon. Currently, it is on there but listed as Dry Creek Road and is a bit outdated. Over the past couple of months, I spent some time up there running a bunch of the Sedona trails to update the trail guides. New ones will be published for Cliffhanger, Outlaw, Casner Mountain, Vultee Arch, and a Scout Route for Ranch Loop. Soldier Pass was updated a couple of months ago and Schnebly was just updated. Most of my recent videos are from Sedona area Trails.

[@Trail89Adventures]

I added the bumper and winch last December. Glad I did as I got stuck in some mud a couple months after that and had to winch out.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Looks like the Sedona trails I mentioned were updated on Trails Offroad today.

[@Raydawg]

Born in Raised in the Chicago Suburbs. moved away in 1989 age 13 to SLC Utah by 1990 I learned Phoenix Az. was the best place on planet earth weather wise. and over years of events, by 2011 I was able to make the move to Paradise sunny and warm Surprise Az. Best move I ever made

[@Trail89Adventures]

Yes sir! I run into a lot of folks from Chicago out here. Great place to be especially in the winter compared to there! Thanks for watching!

[@user-zj4om1kl1x]

i have a normal wrangler not lifted.. do you think ill get over the gatekeeper? it has scared me away before becuase ive seen people scrape bottom too.

[@Trail89Adventures]

When I ran this trail I was in a stock Rubicon with 33” tires if that gives you a comparison.

[@danielleoutdoors_]

Thank you! I want to do it but so nervous about destroying the undercarriage haha

[@wendycity99]

Enjoy your videos I'm originally from Chicago now located in Las Vegas if you're ever up this way drop me a message I love to go Wheeling with you

[@Trail89Adventures]

Very cool. I lived in Chicagoland for 20+ years! Love it out west. Haven’t had the Jeep up in Vegas for a while though. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy.