Sedona: Private Diamondback Gulch Jeep Tour Extreme Trails

Summary

Private jeep ride through Sedona’s wild canyons & rolling red hills

You’ll climb into a private jeep in Sedona with your guide at the wheel, roll through historic streets, then tackle Diamondback Gulch’s wildest hills and canyon views. Expect stories about cowboys and geology, stops to see ancient markings, and enough bumps to make you laugh out loud. You’ll leave dusty but oddly energized—this is not your average day trip.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t know what I was in for until we pulled up to the lot in Sedona and saw the jeep — big tires, dust everywhere, and our guide, Joe, grinning like he knew something we didn’t. We signed some waivers (felt a bit official), then piled in. The first few minutes were just us bouncing past old stone buildings in Sedona’s historic district. Joe pointed out where some movie was filmed — can’t remember which one, but he did a cowboy impression that cracked us up.

Once we hit Diamondback Gulch, things got real fast. The trail isn’t just bumpy; it’s like a rollercoaster made of red rock. There was this one hill where I swear my stomach dropped — my friend actually squealed (she’ll deny it). You get these crazy views over the western canyons, all layered with that deep rust color and weirdly quiet except for the wind and the engine. At one point, Joe stopped so we could look at some ancient petroglyphs — he knew all about the geology and plants too, even let us smell this desert sage that stuck to my hands for hours.

I kept trying to snap photos but half of them are blurry from laughing or getting jostled around. Joe told us about how cowboys used to cross these gulches on horseback (can’t imagine it), and he showed us which cactus not to touch — good advice since my brother almost leaned right into one. Dogs are allowed too; there was a golden retriever on another jeep who looked like he was having the time of his life.

The sun started dipping behind those giant rocks as we rattled back toward town. My hair was full of red dust and I still had sage on my fingers. I didn’t expect to feel so awake after just a few hours out there — maybe it’s the air or just hanging onto the seat for dear life half the time. Anyway, if you want an off-road day trip in Sedona that’s more wild than pretty, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Sedona Jeep Tour Experience

• Check-in and sign waivers
• Meet your naturalist guide
• Pass Sedona's Historic district
• Enjoy Sedona's beautiful landscape views
• Take extreme off-road Diamondback Gulch trail
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Discover geology and archaeology insights
• Hear Hollywood Westerns and Cowboy folklore

Top questions

Is this Diamondback Gulch jeep tour suitable for kids?

Children must be at least three years old to join this tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this Sedona jeep tour?

No, pregnant guests are not permitted on this tour due to its extreme off-road nature.

Are dogs allowed on the private jeep tour?

Yes, dogs are always allowed on this tour.

How many people fit in each jeep?

The jeeps hold up to six guests depending on height and weight.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the check-in location in Sedona.

What should I wear for the Diamondback Gulch trail?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty and closed-toe shoes.

Is lunch included during this Sedona day trip?

No meals are included; only a fully narrated tour is provided.

What’s included

Your day covers local sales tax and a fully narrated private jeep ride with your guide sharing stories about Sedona’s geology, plants, cowboy history, and more as you rattle through Diamondback Gulch’s wild terrain—just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a hat for all that dust).