Sedona: 4x4 Outlaw Trail Tour, Western Canyons & Wildlife

Summary

Red rocks, canyon trails and wild desert views with a guide

You’ll ride through Sedona’s western canyons in a 4x4 jeep with a local guide—catching golden light on Cathedral Rock, hearing cowboy tales by Snoopy Rock, and watching for wildlife in Coconino National Forest. Expect laughter, a bit of dust, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left the red rocks behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight hit Cathedral Rock — like someone had thrown a bucket of gold paint across the cliffs. We’d barely left Uptown Sedona when our guide, Mike, cranked up the 4x4 and grinned at us in the rearview. “Hang on,” he said, and honestly, he wasn’t kidding. The tires crunched over red dirt as we bounced into Coconino National Forest. I could smell juniper and dust — it’s weird how you remember smells more than anything sometimes.

We stopped near Snoopy Rock (it really does look like him if you squint), and Mike pointed out Elephant Rock too. He told us about old ranchers who used to run cattle through these canyons — apparently there’s still barbed wire hidden in the brush if you look close enough. My nephew tried to spot javelinas but all we saw were lizards sunning themselves on warm stone. Someone asked why Thunder Mountain was called that and Mike just shrugged: “Wait for monsoon season.”

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a day trip from Sedona — or to feel so small next to those wide open mesas. The wind picked up as we drove by Cathedral Rock again, rattling the jeep windows, and for a minute it got quiet except for the tires grinding over gravel. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home stuck in traffic. So yeah, if you’re looking for a real Sedona 4x4 tour with local stories (and maybe some bad jokes), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 3-hour 4x4 tour of Sedona canyons

• Check in at Uptown Sedona office
• Board 4x4 Jeep and start tour
• Drive through Sedona to Coconino National Forest
• See Snoopy Rock, Elephant Rock, and more
• Stop for photographs at scenic spots
• Drive by Cathedral Rock
• Learn about local history and rock formations
• Return to tour office for drop-off

Top questions

How long is the Sedona Outlaw Trail 4x4 tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Does the tour include pickup in Sedona?

You check in at the tour office in Uptown Sedona; hotel pickup is not included.

Is this Sedona 4x4 tour suitable for young children?

This tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old; ages 4-5 require a car seat provided by you.

What will I see during this day trip from Sedona?

You’ll see Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock, Elephant Rock, Thunder Mountain, Doe Mesa, Loy Butte and more.

Are pets allowed on this private jeep tour?

Dogs under 25 lbs are allowed for free; larger dogs need advance notification and pay child rate.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all guests during the tour.

Does this Sedona canyon tour operate year-round?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—dress appropriately for desert weather changes.

What’s included

Your adventure includes a professional local guide driving your 4x4 jeep through western Sedona canyons with stops for photos at landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Snoopy Rock. Bottled water is provided throughout your journey before returning to Uptown Sedona at the end of your three-hour ride.