Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona, Arizona! It is a breathtaking destination that truly lives up to its reputation. 😍
Some might say it’s “overrated”, but they only say that because of the huge crowds. I understand sharing a beautiful spot with a ton of people can be annoying, but it’s so easy to avoid that situation.
My husband and I have hiked to Devil’s Bridge many times, and each time we started around sunrise. And guess what?
We were able to enjoy the spot entirely to ourselves (for a little while until people slowly started trickling in), and we didn’t have to wait in a line for a photo!
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and have patience and kindness.
By doing our part, we can help protect and preserve this stunning destination and all of Sedona’s natural wonders for future generations. 🙌
This guide has everything you need to prepare yourself for the Devil’s Bridge hike in Sedona, Arizona!
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Why You Should Visit Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
The term “devil’s bridge” first emerged in the early 1800s, inspired by innovative architectural designs of the time.
The arch, famously known as Devil’s Bridge, in Sedona is the only one of its kind in the U.S., showcasing the beauty of nature rather than human craftsmanship.
Beyond its visual appeal, Devil’s Bridge carries a rich cultural significance, steeped in local legends and Native American history.
The area is believed to be a sacred site, with stories of ancient peoples who traversed the land long before it became a tourist destination.
Devil’s Bridge was formed by wind and weather erosion. Standing for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, its exact origins remain a mystery.
It stands at an impressive height of 54 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding red rock landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and hiking enthusiasts.
Devil’s Bridge Sedona is a must-see spot when visiting this area!
🌲 Take the Sedona Cares Pledge and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Best Time to Hike Devil’s Bridge
The best times to hike Devil’s Bridge are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
This is also peak season for Sedona so expect Devil’s Bridge to be swarmed with lots of people – hiking early or later in the day will help avoid crowds.
✨ READ THIS: Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
🍂 Fall (September – November): This is a popular time to visit Sedona due to ideal weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
❄️ Winter (December – February): This season is probably my favorite time to explore Sedona because the crowd-level is at its lowest.
As I mentioned above, my husband and I have hiked to Devil’s Bridge many times, with most times being in the winter months.
If you really want to kick the crowds to the curb, visit this spot during the winter months, on a weekday, and start the hiking before sunrise.
⚠️ If there’s snow or ice on the Devil’s Bridge Trail, exercise caution and use good judgment – slippery conditions can make this hike dangerous!
🌷 Spring (March – May): This season offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful desert blooms, but trails will be busy as it’s a popular time to visit Sedona.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Visiting Sedona in the summer is not recommended due to extreme heat. Most of the Devil’s Bridge Trail is exposed and challenging with a short yet steep climb. This combination can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.
🥵 Follow these tips to stay safe in the summer:
- Start early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak heat
- Bring plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need
- Wear sun-protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing and apply sunscreen
Devil’s Bridge Hiking Routes and Trail Maps
The official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead starts along the unpaved portion of Dry Creek Road (FR 152) and requires a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle to access.
If you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, you can park at either the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead or the Mescal Trailhead. Or you can take the free Sedona Shuttle to either of those two trailheads.
There is overflow parking along Boynton Pass Road near the Mescal Trailhead if both trailhead parking areas are full.
There are three different routes you can take to reach Devil’s Bridge. Below I have described the routes in more detail.
I highly recommend taking either the Mescal Trail or the Chuckwagon Trail rather than hiking along Dry Creek Road which is meant for high clearance, 4×4 vehicles.
⚠️ Before visiting, check for any trail condition updates or alerts HERE!
Mescal Trail
The Mescal Trailhead is located off Long Canyon Road in Sedona.
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 530 feet
Hiking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Chuckwagon Trail
The Dry Creek Vista Trailhead is located at the end of Dry Creek Road off Boynton Pass Road.
Length: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 730 feet.
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Dry Creek Road
With a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle, this hike starts at the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead.
Without a high clearance 4×4 vehicle, this hike starts at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead.
Length: 4 miles (or 2 miles with a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle)
Elevation Gain: 530 feet
Hiking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours (or 1 hour with a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle)
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
🎟️ Unlike other popular trails in the Sedona area, the trailheads for Devil’s Bridge, including Dry Creek Vista Trailhead and Mescal Trailhead, do NOT require a Red Rock Pass.
Devil’s Bridge Shuttle
Parking spots at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead and Mescal Trailhead are limited, making it a challenge during peak times.
To make your visit smoother, Sedona provides a convenient free shuttle service that takes you from a designated park-and-ride location in central Sedona directly to either one of the trailheads.
This service operates year-round from Thursday to Sunday, running from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
Best of all, parking at the park-and-ride location is free, and no reservations are required for the shuttles, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery without the hassle of parking worries.
Find more information on shuttle schedules for Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailheads HERE.
Devil’s Bridge Hike: Step-by-Step Directions
Start From Mescal Trailhead
Start your hike from the Mescal Trailhead parking lot on Long Canyon Road and follow the Mescal Trail as it leads you into the woods.
Before you know it, you’ll hit the end of the Mescal Trail and find yourself on the Chuckwagon Trail.
Keep following the Chuckwagon Trail until you reach a junction.
Go straight as you cross Dry Creek Road to reach the official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (and parking area for high clearance, 4×4 vehicles).
Trail directions continue below…
Start From Dry Creek Vista Trailhead
The National Forest Service does not recommend hiking along the Dry Creek Road as it is supposed to be for high clearance, 4×4 vehicles.
A lot of people take this route because if you Google “Devil’s Bridge hike” or “Devil’s Bridge Sedona”, AllTrails is one of the first links to pop up and their most popular route is Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road.
If you do decide to hike along Dry Creek Road, simply follow the road until you reach an intersection where you will find the official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead to the right.
Please be on the lookout for vehicles as you hike along the road!
For a more scenic and safer route, I recommend taking the Chuckwagon Trail from the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead.
Follow the trail until you reach a junction.
⚠️ The Chuckwagon Trail is also open to mountain bikers. Keep an eye out for them and share the trail!
Keep right to stay on the Chuckwagon Trail. The trail to the left leads to the Mescal Trailhead.
You will soon reach another junction in the trail. Go straight as you cross Dry Creek Road to reach the official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (and parking area for high clearance, 4×4 vehicles).
Official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
From the parking area of Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, you only have one more mile!
The Devil’s Bridge Trail follows an old dirt road built for jeeps through washes filled with juniper and prickly pear cacti.
As you get closer to Devil’s Bridge, the trail becomes steeper and steeper. Thankfully the views along the way are incredible and worth the effort!
Final Ascent (steep!)
As you continue, Devil’s Bridge Trail narrows and you will navigate up sets of steep, rocky steps.
It’s a rewarding challenge that brings you closer to the stunning views ahead!
Keep going, you’re almost there!
Devil’s Bridge
Finally! The infamous natural sandstone arch known as Devil’s Bridge. Time to take some pictures and relax for a bit.
If you are not extremely afraid of heights, take a walk across the bridge. It’s not as narrow as it looks!
However, don’t act silly and get too close to the edge. Accidents can happen, so stay safe!
To return to the parking area, simply retrace your steps. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
✨ READ THIS: Best Sunrise Hikes in Sedona with Epic Views
✨ Discover more great hikes in Sedona, Arizona!
- Devil’s Bridge – Tackle this short yet exciting hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona! The panoramic views from the top will leave you speechless. And don’t forget to walk across the bridge – if you dare!
- Cathedral Rock – This is a short but steep hike to one of the most magical spots in Sedona. Also, it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset!
- Subway Cave – Take a short detour off the Boynton Canyon Trail to explore one of Sedona’s most popular caves. This adventure offers stunning red rock views, a fun scramble, and a touch of history with ancient Sinagua ruins.
- Birthing Cave – Hike a short distance to a uniquely shaped cave. This spot has a blend of natural beauty and profound cultural significance!
- Soldier Pass Trail – This trail is perfect for families and beginners plus it’s pet-friendly! You’ll encounter remarkable features like Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the intriguing Soldier Pass Cave.
- Fay Canyon Arch – The Fay Canyon Trail is a true gem in Sedona, perfect for those seeking a short, scenic hike. The true highlight is the Fay Canyon Arch, a natural arch-shaped rock formation hidden along a side trail.
- Doe Mountain – This is a short, scenic hike to stunning views that are even more spectacular at sunrise – plus there’s a chance to see hot air balloons!
- Bear Mountain – This is Sedona’s toughest hike, with nearly 2,000 feet of steep elevation gain in just 2.3 miles. The trail offers breathtaking views throughout, showcasing Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and the distant San Francisco Peaks.
- Keyhole Cave – Tackle this off-the-beaten-path hike to one of Sedona’s largest caves, offering an adventurous challenge for experienced hikers.
- Wilson Mountain – If you’re up for a challenging climb with unmatched scenery and fewer crowds, tackle this hike to the tallest peak in Sedona!
Tips for Hiking Devil’s Bridge
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
2. Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during the hike.
3. Footwear and Gear: Some sections of this trail can be rocky, so wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (or boots). And wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.
4. Be Physically Prepared: For the most part, this hike isn’t too tough, until you reach the final 0.5 miles – this section is steep with lots of tall, uneven steps.
5. Keep Sedona Pristine for Future Generations: Take the Sedona Cares Pledge and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Hiking in Sedona Packing List
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Conclusion
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most amazing geological landmarks in Sedona!
Each route leads to the same breathtaking reward – a chance to stand atop Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch.
Always remember to follow Leave no Trace principles and help protect this beautiful spot!
If this guide inspires you to hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
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