Sedona is a true oasis for nature lovers with magnificent red rocks and evergreen vegetation. Sedona boasts over 200 hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, so you will surely find a trail that best suits your needs!
Devil’s Bridge has become one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. It is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona and will certainly leave you speechless (from both awe and fear depending on your view on heights)!
One thing that we cannot stress enough is to start this hike as early as you can. The parking lots are all small and tend to fill up by 6:30 – 7:00 A.M. Not only is the parking situation challenging, but the later you go, the longer the line to get onto the bridge.
Hiking Tips
- Aim to get on the trail by 5:00 A.M. You will likely be the first or one of the first people to reach the bridge!
- Bring headlamps if starting before the sunrise
- Purchase a Red Rock or Interagency Pass. You can purchase your Red Rock 7-Day pass ahead of time for only $15.00. Another great option is to purchase the interagency pass, otherwise known as the “America the Beautiful” pass for $80.00/year. It is worth it, especially if you plan to visit a few other parks outside of Sedona!
- Check out our “What You Need to Park for Your Hiking Trip” article
- Don’t be afraid to walk over the bridge. It is much wider than it looks!
- Bring plenty of water, especially if you choose to hike during the day.
Hike Stats
Distance: Dependent on where you park– check out the options below.
Elevation Gain: 400-700 feet
Length of Time: 1 to 3 hours, out and back
Difficulty: Easy, but the last 0.5 miles requiring steep steps and some rock scrambling
*Each trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Where to Begin
There are a few options for where to park to begin your hike, depending on the type of vehicle you have or how long you want to hike for.
Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
The best, and closest option, is to park directly at the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. This is a tiny little unpaved lot that requires you have a high clearance or 4×4 vehicle to reach. To arrive, you must drive on Dry Creek Road, continue past the paved parking lot, and go all the way down the rocky dirt road.
If you begin your hike here, it will be 2 miles out and back.
Mescal Trailhead
The best option for anyone without a high clearance or 4×4 vehicle is to park at the Mescal Trailhead along Long Canyon Road. This is a small parking lot that fits about 10 or so cars. Get here early! The trail is mostly flat with beautiful scenery and interesting desert vegetation along the way. If you arrive early enough, you may even see some hot air balloons.
If you begin your hike here, it will be 4 miles out and back.
Dry Creek Trailhead
A popular option is to park at the Dry Creek Road lot. From here, you will walk down the unpaved dirt road until you arrive at the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead.
This path provides little to no shade, not much in terms of scenery, and you will likely have high clearance vehicles and other Jeep tours passing you by and covering you in their dust.
Although this route is popular and well-known, it is not recommended for pedestrian use by the USDA Forest Service.
If you begin your hike here, it will be 4.6 miles out and back.
Chuckwagon Trailhead
A beautiful, but longer option is to park at the Dry Creek Trailhead parking lot and take the Chuckwagon Trail. Taking this trail makes your hike a bit longer, but you won’t have to walk down the dusty and boring Dry Creek Road.
If you begin your hike here, it will be 5.7 miles out and back.
All in all, my recommendation is to park at the Mescal Trailhead and begin your hike around 5:00 A.M.! Another great option if you are looking for a bit of a longer hike is the Chuckwagon Trail.
We hope that you have an amazing hike!
