Diamondback Gulch OHV Trail
4-Hour Route
Diamondback Gulch OHV Trail Overview
Diamondback Gulch OHV Trail (FR-152A and FR-9513) is one of the most popular and technical OHV trails in Sedona, Arizona. Hidden within a secret side of west Sedona, most people like this trail because of the steep transitioning canyons, rocky hills, and technical riding along the pipeline. Depending on the direction you off-road this trail, Diamondback Gulch transitions with views of Bear Mountain and the Red Rock-Secret Wilderness to the connecting Verde Valley leading into Cottonwood.
We would not recommend this to someone that has never been off-roading before as it does take proper judgment to make it through the trail safely, but for the experienced this OHV trail is worth it. Over the years this 4×4 trail has become one of the most crowded trails in Sedona as the jeep touring companies, atv rentals, and private users all have convenient access to the trailheads. This is worth the crowds if you want to experience extreme red-rock terrain that Sedona and the Verde Valley has to offer.
Difficulty Rating
Diamondback Gulch OHV Trail is rated as challenging/difficult and is known as one of the most difficult trails within the Verde Valley and Sedona region. In our opinion, the gulch has transitioned from an intermediate/moderate to more challenging trail due to the amount of exposed rocks, drop offs, steep hill climbs, and constant traffic. Though the entire trail is not this way, there are a couple sections where you will be required to maneuver through and around obstacles requiring a high clearance 4×4 vehicle.
Vehicle Access
Most high clearance 4×4 vehicles are recommended for this trail. That includes but is not limited to side-by-sides, jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles. We do not recommend this trail to any vehicles that do not have 4×4 or have a low-clearance. If you decide to do this trail, be careful as there are some dangerous spots that can damage your vehicle depending on how well you can maneuver through obstacles.
Getting to Diamondback Gulch OHV Trail
There are two ways to access Diamondback Gulch. One way is directly from Dry Creek Road (FR-152C) out of west Sedona until it hits a dirt road and make sure to take the first left onto Diamondback Gulch (FR-152A). The other way to access this is to turn off 89A (Highway connecting Sedona and Cottonwood) onto FR-525 all the way to Diamondback Gulch (FR-9513). The trail is well marked with a variety of trail markings, and should be easy to follow no matter which direction you decide to 4×4 this 6 mile OHV trail.
