Sedona: Diamondback Gulch 4x4 Jeep Tour & Canyon Trails

Summary

Rugged Sedona canyons, open-air jeep rides and wild desert

You’ll ride an open-air Jeep deep into Sedona’s Diamondback Gulch, crunching over rocky trails with a local guide who shares canyon stories and points out wildlife. Expect close-up views of Thunder Mountain and Doe Mesa, plenty of red dust, and moments where the desert feels endless around you. If you want to feel Sedona under your skin — bumps and all — this is it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the red dust curling up behind our Jeep as we bumped along the start of Diamondback Gulch. It’s not quiet out here — the tires crunch over rocks, and you catch these sharp whiffs of juniper and sun-baked earth. Our guide, Mike, had this easy way of pointing out stuff I’d never have spotted: “That’s Bear Mountain,” he said, just as a hawk swooped overhead. The air felt dry but clean, almost electric. I kept waiting for my hat to blow off.

We rattled through sections that honestly didn’t look like roads at all — more like someone’s wild idea of a shortcut. At one point, Mike stopped so we could take in Thunder Mountain from this angle where it looked almost purple in the late afternoon. Someone in our group tried to snap a photo but mostly caught their own elbow (I laughed — still have that picture). The gulch itself is deeper than I expected, with these layers of rock that make you feel tiny. Every so often you’d spot a lizard darting between shadows or hear nothing but wind scraping past the canyon walls.

I think what stuck with me most wasn’t just the scenery — though yeah, it’s dramatic — but how much fun it was to be out there with people who live here and know every twist in the trail. Mike told us stories about ranchers and old mining roads; he even pointed out a spot where his dog once chased a jackrabbit (didn’t catch it). My back was sore by the end but honestly? Worth it for that feeling when you crest a ridge and everything just opens up around you. I still think about that view sometimes when city noise gets too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diamondback Gulch 4x4 Jeep Tour

• Join small-group Jeep tour
• Drive through 4WD-only Diamondback Gulch
• Spot wildlife along the trail
• Pass views of Thunder Mountain
• Pass views of Doe Mesa
• Pass views of Bear Mountain

Top questions

How long is the Diamondback Gulch 4x4 Jeep tour in Sedona?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours exploring rugged trails with stops for photos and stories from your guide.

Is this Sedona Jeep tour suitable for kids?

No, children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.

What should I wear on the Diamondback Gulch tour?

Dress appropriately for all weather conditions—layers are best—and expect some dust on rugged trails.

Are dogs allowed on this Sedona 4x4 tour?

Yes, but only dogs over 25lbs (charged at child rate) with advance notice to the company.

Does the tour include water or snacks?

Bottled water is included; snacks are not mentioned so bring your own if needed.

Can people with back or neck injuries join?

No, this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or recent surgeries.

Are there wildlife sightings on this Jeep tour?

You might spot wildlife such as hawks or lizards while driving through Diamondback Gulch.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure area.

What’s included

Your day includes an open-air 4x4 Jeep ride through Diamondback Gulch led by an experienced local guide who shares stories along the way, plus bottled water to keep you cool as you bounce across those desert trails before heading back to town.