Devil's Bridge
Hike to Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch for iconic views. Moderate trail with a rocky scramble, best experienced at sunrise or sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Devil's Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch for iconic views. Moderate trail with a rocky scramble, best experienced at sunrise or sunset.
"Devil's Bridge is a Sedona classic, worth the effort for its dramatic scenery and unique experience."
🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise
Be at the trailhead by 6 AM for best parking and to beat the crowds.
🚗 Shuttle is Key (Thurs-Sun)
Parking is limited; use the free shuttle on weekends and holidays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Arch
The natural sandstone arch
Walk across the largest natural sandstone arch in the area for breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona's red rocks.
Sunrise/Sunset Glow
Devil's Bridge
Experience the magic of golden hour as the red rocks glow, offering dramatic lighting and fewer crowds.
View from Below
Short side trail below the arch
A less-trafficked spot offering a dramatic upward perspective of the magnificent sandstone arch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
+1Parking & Access: Plan Ahead
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise
Be at the trailhead by 6 AM for best parking and to beat the crowds.
🚗 Shuttle is Key (Thurs-Sun)
Parking is limited; use the free shuttle on weekends and holidays.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The final climb to the bridge is rocky and steep; good shoes are essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail is exposed with little shade; stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise
Be at the trailhead by 6 AM for best parking and to beat the crowds.
🚗 Shuttle is Key (Thurs-Sun)
Parking is limited; use the free shuttle on weekends and holidays.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The final climb to the bridge is rocky and steep; good shoes are essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The trail is exposed with little shade; stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.
📸 Patience for Photos
Expect a line for photos on the bridge. Visit off-season or during off-peak hours to minimize waits.
🗺️ Mescal Trail Option
Consider starting from the Mescal Trailhead for a slightly different, often less crowded approach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Devil's Bridge is a highly rewarding hike with breathtaking views of a massive sandstone arch, making it a Sedona must-do. Visitors praise the stunning scenery and the unique experience of walking across the arch. However, be prepared for significant crowds, especially at peak times, and challenging parking situations. Arriving very early or during off-peak hours is strongly recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
"🌉 Devil’s Bridge Trail – Sedona Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌄 First Impressions
I was really looking forward to this hike, and I’m happy to say it delivered. Devil’s Bridge is one of those Sedona spots that feels iconic even before you get there, and standing on the largest natural sandstone arch in the area was everything I hoped for. It’s a hike that doesn’t disappoint—the payoff is just as dramatic and beautiful as the photos make it seem.
💪 Difficulty
Moderate — mostly easy to moderate trail with a short, steep rock staircase and light scramble near the top.
🛤 Trail Basics
- Distance:
~4.6 miles round-trip (from Dry Creek),
~4.2 miles (from Mescal), or
~2 miles if you drive Dry Creek Road.
🏞 Scenic Highlights
The trail itself is beautiful, but the arch is the crown jewel. Standing on Devil’s Bridge, you get sweeping 360° views of Sedona’s red rock country. Sunrise and sunset make the rocks glow and add extra drama to the scene.
📸 Scenic Picture Spots
- On the Arch: The iconic shot, walking across the sandstone bridge.
- Below the Arch: A short side trail gives a dramatic view looking upward.
- Approach Viewpoint: Just before the final climb, you can frame the arch against open red rock.
👥 Crowds & Timing
This is one of Sedona’s busiest trails. Mid-morning and weekends bring heavy crowds, and there’s often a line for photos at the arch. For the best experience, arrive before sunrise or hike later in the day around golden hour.
🐾 Other Notes
- Dogs allowed on leash.
- Vault toilets at Dry Creek Trailhead.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen—long exposed stretches mean lots of sun.
⭐ Ratings Breakdown
🌄 Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stunning panoramas
🛤 Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy-moderate
📸 Spots ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Views
🚗 Parking ⭐⭐ Limited, fills very fast
👥 Crowd Levels ⭐⭐ Busy with lines at arch
📝 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- ⏰ Arrive Early: Be at the lot before 7 a.m. for easier parking and fewer crowds.
- 🌅 Golden Hour Magic: Sunset or sunrise gives the best lighting and smaller groups.
- 🚌 Consider the Shuttle: Seasonal, free, and avoids the parking stress.
- 👟 Wear Good Shoes: The last climb is rocky and steep—sturdy footwear helps.
- 📸 Plan Your Photo: Line up your angle in advance if you don’t want to wait too long at the arch.
✅ Overall:
Devil’s Bridge is a Sedona classic. Yes, it’s busy and parking is tight, but the scenery and experience are worth every bit of effort. Arrive early, pack water, and time it for golden hour if you can—the payoff will be one of your most memorable Sedona moments."
Ravi Singh
"It was a nice rigorous trail, mainly long and challenging in a few spots. I would not take children to the top, as it is very steep and no railings or anything to hold you back from the cliff. Devil’s bridge is definitely risky, but that seems to be what people like."
Brenda Gossett
"Devils Bridge Trailhead is an iconic Sedona adventure with stunning red rock views and the reward of a breathtaking natural stone arch. The hike offers a mix of challenge and beauty, and the photo opportunities at the top are absolutely unforgettable. You can park at the Dry Creek Trail lot or drive a high clearance vehicle to the trailhead (highly recommended). 😎"
Nam Do
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Devil's Bridge trailhead depends on the day. From Thursday to Sunday, you must use the free shuttle from designated parking areas. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, you may be able to drive your own vehicle to the Dry Creek or Mescal trailheads if you have a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, but parking is extremely limited and fills early. +1
Parking is notoriously difficult. The Mescal and Dry Creek trailheads are popular starting points, but they fill up very early. If you're visiting Thursday-Sunday, plan to use the shuttle. Arriving before 6 AM is your best bet for securing a parking spot.
Yes, a free shuttle service operates from Thursday through Sunday to transport visitors to the Mescal and Dry Creek trailheads, which are common starting points for the Devil's Bridge hike.
You can drive to the Dry Creek Road trailhead only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, provided you have a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Even then, parking is very limited and fills up quickly. On other days, the shuttle is mandatory.
The hike from the Dry Creek Trailhead to Devil's Bridge is approximately 4.6 miles round-trip. If you can drive closer with a 4x4, the distance is significantly reduced.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Devil's Bridge itself does not require tickets or an entrance fee. However, access to the trailhead may involve parking fees or shuttle requirements depending on the day and time of your visit.
Devil's Bridge is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The trail is not officially 'open' or 'closed,' but it is recommended to hike during safe daylight hours. Sunrise and sunset offer the best light and fewer crowds.
There is no entrance fee to access Devil's Bridge. The primary costs are associated with parking or potential shuttle services if applicable.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for sunrise or sunset. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Visiting during the off-season can also help reduce wait times.
No permits are required to hike to Devil's Bridge. It is a popular public trail within the Coconino National Forest.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Devil's Bridge hike is generally considered moderate. The majority of the trail is relatively easy, but there is a short, steep section of rock stairs and some scrambling just before reaching the arch.
The hike length varies depending on your starting point. From the Dry Creek Trailhead, it's about 4.6 miles round-trip. From the Mescal Trailhead, it's around 4.2 miles round-trip. If you can drive a high-clearance 4x4 closer, the hike can be as short as 2 miles round-trip.
The most popular spot is on the arch itself. You can also get great shots from below the arch via a short side trail, or from an approach viewpoint just before the final climb.
While the hike is generally safe, the arch itself has steep drop-offs with no railings, making it risky, especially for children or those with a fear of heights. Multiple people have reportedly lost their lives here.
Yes, visitors can walk across the top of Devil's Bridge. Be cautious as there are no railings, and the surface can be uneven.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly at the Devil's Bridge trailhead. You'll need to drive back into Sedona for restaurants and cafes.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring snacks and plenty of water for the hike, as it can be strenuous and exposed to the sun.
Vault toilets are available at the Dry Creek Trailhead. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos, making the red rocks glow. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows.
During peak times, the wait for a photo on the arch can be over an hour due to crowds. Visiting early morning or late afternoon significantly reduces this wait.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national forests and popular hiking areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check current regulations for Coconino National Forest.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the arch and the surrounding landscape. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for sunrise/sunset shots.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Devil's Bridge trail as long as they are kept on a leash.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience more enjoyable for families, aim for an early morning hike to avoid the harshest sun and the biggest crowds. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider starting from the Dry Creek Trailhead for a slightly shorter, more manageable hike if your children are younger. The views are spectacular, and reaching the arch can be a great accomplishment for kids.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks is also a cost-effective strategy, as there are no concessions available at the trailhead. The hike itself is free, offering incredible natural beauty and a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Exploring different angles, such as the view from below the arch or the approach viewpoint, can lead to unique shots. If you're aiming for unobstructed photos on the bridge itself, arriving very early or visiting during the off-season are your best strategies. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the stunning vistas.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail and Parking
Parking is a significant challenge, especially during peak hours. The Dry Creek and Mescal trailheads have limited spots that fill up rapidly, often by 8 AM. From Thursday to Sunday, a free shuttle service is mandatory, which alleviates some parking stress but requires planning around shuttle times. For the best chance at parking at the trailhead, aim to arrive before sunrise, around 6 AM.
+1An alternative approach is via the Mescal Trail, which can be accessed from the same parking area as the Dry Creek Trailhead. This route offers a slightly different perspective and can sometimes be less crowded. Regardless of your starting point, always carry plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be prepared for sun exposure as much of the trail is unshaded.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
+1For a different perspective, a short side trail leads to a viewpoint directly below the arch, offering a dramatic upward angle. Just before the final scramble to the bridge, there's another vantage point where you can frame the arch against the open sky and surrounding red rocks. Many visitors also capture the breathtaking views of Sedona's red rock country from the top of the arch.
To enhance your photography experience, consider visiting during golden hour – sunrise or sunset. The warm, soft light bathes the sandstone in a beautiful glow, creating a magical atmosphere and more dramatic shadows. Arriving at these times also helps you avoid the midday crowds and potentially get more unobstructed shots.
Safety and Considerations
It's essential to wear appropriate footwear, as the final ascent is rocky and can be slippery. Bring ample water, as the trail is largely exposed to the sun with minimal shade, and dehydration can be a serious concern, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen and a hat are also highly recommended.
While dogs are permitted on a leash, it's important to consider their safety on the rocky terrain and near the drop-offs. The trail is popular, so be mindful of other hikers and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit