Devil’s Bridge Trail
Sedona, AZ, 86336
There’s nothing fiendish about Devil’s Bridge, a sandstone arch framing heavenly views of Coconino National Forest. Hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail, a 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) out-and-back trail through the red sand wilderness near Sedona, to catch sight of the namesake bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area.
The basics
The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead is in Coconino National Forest. Reaching it requires driving unpaved roads with high-clearance vehicles or starting at more accessible trailheads and hiking via either the Chuckwagon Trail or the Mescal Trail. From the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, it’s a moderately difficult, 1.8-mile (3 kilometers) out-and-back hike with 400 feet (120 meters) of elevation gain to the arch and back. Helicopter tours of Sedona let you skip the hike and admire the landscapes from above.
Things to know before you go
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area so expect crowds.
You can walk across the top of the bridge but be careful.
Driving along the unpaved portion of Dry Creek Road is not recommended during rain, even with a high-clearance vehicle.
How to get there
You’ll have to drive. From Sedona, take US 89A to Dry Creek Road (FR152) at the west end of town. After about 2 miles (3.6 kilometers) turn right where the road forks and leave the paved road—past here you’ll need high clearance for the remaining 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) to the trailhead and parking lot.
When to get there
The trail is among the most popular in the Sedona area—overwhelming crowds can appear during weekends, holidays, and when the weather is fine during spring and fall. For a peaceful hike, try visiting early in the morning, mid-week, or during the warmer parts of late fall and winter.
How to reach Devil’s Bridge Trail without a high-clearance vehicle
If you’re trying to reach the Devil’s Bridge trailhead without a high-clearance vehicle (you’ll probably need 4WD too) you’ll have to start at the Chuckwagon Trail or the Mescal Trail. Both add about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) to the round-trip journey. Chuckwagon starts steps from Boynton Pass Road just past the main part of Dry Creek Road, while Mescal is farther north on Long Canyon Road. Both trailheads have parking lots.
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