Outlaw OHV Trail
4-Hour Route
Outlaw OHV Trail Overview
Outlaw trail (FR-9551 and FR-9549B) is a great 4×4 option if you are looking to get into a secret side of west Sedona, and experience a moderately challenging OHV trail through the red rocks. Most people enjoy this trail because of the variety of terrain, ranging from smooth and scenic views of the Red Rock-Secret Wilderness to the connecting Verde Valley leading into Cottonwood, along with more technical terrain that requires high clearance vehicles and proper maneuvering to get through safely. As a bonus along this OHV trail, there is an option to stop at Honanki Heritage Site. These ruins are well worth the $5 per vehicle parking fee, and give you a glance back in history on learning about the indigenous Seinagua tribe, which lived in these cliff dwellings from AD 1150 – 1350. The heritage site has ruins directly in the Sedona red rock hillside, along with petroglyphs to which your party can look for with Vortex ATV Rental.
Though it does take proper judgment to make it through certain bumpy sections of the trail safely, anyone ranging from novice to very experienced 4x4ers should enjoy the Outlaw OHV trail. Over the years this 4×4 trail has become a more popular 4×4 trail in Sedona as the jeep touring companies, atv rentals, and private users all have convenient access to the trailheads. Overall, this is worth the crowds if you want moderately challenging red-rock terrain that Sedona and the Verde Valley has to offer.
Difficulty Rating
Outlaw OHV Trail can be driven by most levels of drivers, ranging from novice to experienced. We would consider this a moderately challenging OHV trail in the Sedona/Verde Valley area. Though the entire trail is not this way, there are a couple sections considered challenging due to the amount of exposed rocks, drop offs, and constant traffic. You will be required to maneuver through and around these obstacles requiring a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. Regardless of experience level this is a great option if you can put up with a few bumpy sections to enjoy the gorgeous red rocks and Honanki heritage site.
Off-Road 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. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended on the Outlaw OHV trail. 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 maneuver through the obstacles on hand.
Getting To Outlaw OHV Trail
There are two ways to access the Outlaw OHV Trail. 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 right on FR-525. The other way to access this OHV trail is to turn off 89A (Highway connecting Sedona and Cottonwood) onto FR-525. Follow the brown signs leading to Honanki Heritage Site. Along FR-525 the first Outlaw sign (9549B) is on the left side of the road, and second access point (9551) out of the parking lot for Honanki Heritage Site. You can travel on this OHV trail either way and 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 7 mile OHV trail.
