NOTICE: Trails may be closed due to local orders related to stopping
the spread of COVID-19. The towns and counties you drive through to
get to specific trails may be closed due to local orders. Please
follow all local health authority directives before venturing off.
Ancient Indian ruins, seclusion, and wide open panoramic views are what you get with this off-road trail just outside of Sedona, Arizona. Starting off at the Honanki Indian Heritage site, this route travels 6.5 miles through the Coconino National Forest on an old, and much less traveled ranching road. Leave the people behind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sedona red rocks, Mingus Mountain, and many other surrounding mountain ranges. This is a nice and easy wheeling trail with lots of great scenery, and a few small challenging rock crawls to hone your off-roading skills.
Outlaw Trail starts at the Honanki Heritage Site(Indian ruins) parking lot, continue through the parking lot and follow signs for FS-9551. Restrooms and picnic tables are available here for pre-trail preparation.
Head West on 89A through Sedona until you reach Dry Creek Road, turn right and head North on Dry Creek Road until you reach a "T" in the road. Turn left and head West on Boynton Pass Road, continue to the next "T" and turn left (Southwest). Boynton Pass Road turns to FS-152C. Continue on FS-152C until you reach another "T" and a sign for Honanki Ruins. Turn Right at the "T" and head North on FS-525, you will immediately come upon a "Y" in the road, stay left at the "Y" and continue on FS-525/ N Loy Butte Rd. Follow this road to the Honanki Heritage site and turn left into the parking lot to begin the Outlaw Trail.
A beautiful day, visited the two heritage sites accessed by FR 525. Made the return trip down Outlaw, the trail was a little cut up due to the recent rain and snow. Several mud puddles of considerable size. Ran the trail with no problem ,however the climb out of the wash at WP 12 was pretty tight and pretty rough. I wouldn’t recommend for stock suv unless it has a good lift and articulation. Otherwise the trail was a lot of fun and the scenery was awesome.
You can also get to this trail coming from Cottonwood heading towards Sedona via 89A & Angel Valley Rd/Forest rd 525 turn left on to Forest rd 525!
Our club ran this trail along with Greasy Spoon. It was a nice ride, the weather was awesome! The scenery stunning! My only issue with this trail is; it is overrun by the Sedona Atv rentals & Pink Jeeps. I can only speculate that this is best ran during the week??? Its still shows cases Sedona's beautiful Red Rocks from a different vantage point than being in town. Enjoy the Views.
I stumbled upon this trail on my way to the Honanki Ruins a opted for the detour (meaning I ran it "backwards"). The trail was in good condition and the snowfall the prior day made it all the more fun. Be prepared to use the passing points as this trail is popular with those renting side-by-sides.
I planned a day in Sedona running both Outlaw and Greasy Spoon back to back. The GPS listed on here will bring you exactly where you need to go.
Outlaw is a solid trail. I ran it in the reverse way that is listed here. So I started at waypoint 13 and went toward the Honanki Heritage Site(Indian ruins). I took the first sign I saw that said Outlaw Trail. It was a quick run that does not provide much obstacles. But, much like others, I enjoy just being out in the good weather with my Jeep. If you are worried about the initial gulch obstacle do the trail as I did... in reverse. Most of the time going down is easier than going up and over obstacles. And if you still cannot make it over the gulch, you can turn around and came back the way you came.
The whole trail will provide you with an outlook of Sedona red rocks. Check out the Indian ruins if you have time, will have to pay for a permit.
I like to provide my vehicle specs as I believe it helps others compare and prepare for a possible trip.
15 Wrangler Unlimited Sport
4in lift with 35in tires
Rock sliders
Open diff- stock axles
Hawk Miller, born and raised in Northern Arizona is the owner of a Sedona Jeep rental company called MYE Jeep. He is an avid climber, hiker, and "Jeeper". Constantly out on excursions to discover new hidden routes and trails, he can usually be found wherever there is no cell service. He spends his free time in Austin, TX as a performance driving instructor, with an extensive history of off-road rally racing, he is no stranger to playing in the dirt!
