Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Devil's Bridge in Sedona. As the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, this destination is a photographer's paradise. This natural wonder is suspended amidst stunning red rock formations and a desert skyline, creating an awe-inspiring sight. What sets Devil's Bridge apart is its unique accessibility; allowing hikers to traverse across the arch, offering a thrilling experience and great photo opportunities. This is our guide to accessing the beauty of the Devil’s Bridge hike in Sedona.
Distance: 4.6 miles (2 miles with 4WD vehicle)
Time: 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Location: West Sedona
Devil's Bridge hike is a moderately easy hike that spans around 4.6 miles round trip from the parking lot, or around 2 miles with an 4WD vehicle if you drive via Dry Creek Road. You also begin the hike at the Mescal Trailhead (4.2 miles). There are a few challenging sections, particularly the final approach to Devil's Bridge. The final leg involves a steep incline and a narrow rock ledge but the reward is extraordinary!
There are FOUR options for getting to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
With an 4WD vehicle, you can park directly at the Devil's Bridge trailhead. This makes the hike 2 miles round trip. Drive past the paved parking lot and continue down Dry Creek Road for 1.3 miles until you get to the parking lot for Devils Bridge. You must have a high clearance to drive this road!
You can start your hike from the Dry Creek trailhead but for a more scenic option, and a slightly shorter walk we recommend starting at the Mescal Trailhead. If you are starting from the Dry Creek Parking area you will drive a short way down Dry Creek Road until you see the lot, or take the Sedona Shuttle (see website for schedule). As you walk down Dry Creek Road, you will get passed by 4WD vehicles and Pink Jeep tours. Be prepared for a dusty hike with very little shade. This method will be 4.6 miles round trip.
IMPORTANT: You must get there before 7 am to get a parking space at the Dry Creek parking lot. Your next option will be to park on Boynton Pass Road. The later you get here, the farther away you will have to park. If you don’t plan on getting there by 7 am or waiting until the late afternoon we highly recommend taking the Sedona Shuttle.
From the Mescal Trailhead, you walk one mile on a mostly flat, single-track trail through beautiful desert scenery. It is also a mountain bike trail so stay alert for bikers. The Mescal Trail will end quickly. Then you will follow the Chuckwagon Trail which winds its way through short sections of forest and up and down small hills. The scenery here is beautiful with cacti and yucca plants lining your path as you take in the red rock scenery. You will eventually reach Dry Creek Road/ Devil’s Bridge Trailhead junction. This way makes your hike 4.2 miles round trip.
From the Devil's Bridge trailhead, it is just one mile to the bridge (2 miles round trip). At first, the trail is the very wide remains of an old access road then the trail narrows and you will hike up several sets of steep, rocky steps and may even need to do some rock scrambling in some spots. This section does not last long and ends right before Devil's Bridge. At this point, there is a wide, flat viewing area next to the bridge. This is the perfect spot to rest, enjoy the view, and wait to have your photo taken.
Timing: Aim to visit during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times will beautifully illuminate the red rock formations, enhancing the colors and textures in your photos.
Aperture: Start with a mid-range aperture setting (around f/8 to f/11). This range typically ensures good depth of field, keeping both the bridge and surrounding landscape in focus.
ISO: Begin with a lower ISO setting (around 100 to 400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise. Increase the ISO if needed in low-light conditions, but try to keep it as low as possible for cleaner shots.
Using Filters: Consider using polarizing filters to enhance the colors and reduce glare. Graduated neutral density filters can also balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker landscape.
Patience: Given its popularity, Devil's Bridge can get crowded. Be patient and wait for moments when the bridge clears out, allowing for unobstructed shots. Arriving early or staying late can also help avoid crowds.
Safety First: If you plan to walk on the bridge for photos, do so carefully. Always prioritize safety over getting the perfect shot. The natural sandstone can be uneven, so proceed cautiously.
Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Guided Meditation | Sacred Ceremonies | Beginner Friendly
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument … More
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.
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Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and … More
Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and hike highlights with pictures from the trails.
Here's how it works: After you decide on the trails you'd like to experience, download the trails onto your device (with a network connection) and 'select' them as you do the hike. Click 'Take a Hike' to see the map. Everything you need is in each hike package, including driving directions This really is hiking for everyone. Easy, moderate, and hard day hikes to enjoy the grandeur of Sedona!
Check out our new Discovering Sedona Landmarks app!
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At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.
Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a … More
At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.
Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a party, the Sedona UFO Tour Guide comes to you with the gear and the information that has made Michael THE guide to hire for a UFO Tour.
Conversations with a Contactee: Michael will buy lunch and spend an hour sharing his ET contact story, and answering the attendees' questions.
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Our tour to four wineries will be either in a luxury tour coach or in a luxury SUV depending on the size of the group going out that day. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the winer … More
Our tour to four wineries will be either in a luxury tour coach or in a luxury SUV depending on the size of the group going out that day. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the wineries. Also, we are the only tour company that allows you to bring your own alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) beverages with you on the bus. At one of the wineries, we will have a picnic, outside next to the grapevines or inside depending on the weather. The picnic is served on linens, includes a personal charcuterie board. This includes French bread, gourmet cheeses, hard salami, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, grapes, nuts, and chocolates, for each individual person on the tour. At one of the award-winning wineries, we will be touring the production facility and barrel room. There we will discuss the wine-making process and what it takes to make a cluster of grapes into an award-winning bottle of wine.
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Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. This tour also brings you to two interesting natural sites: Devils Kitchen sinkhole and Apache's Seven Pools. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy t … More
Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. This tour also brings you to two interesting natural sites: Devils Kitchen sinkhole and Apache's Seven Pools. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Guided Adventure
We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! With extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUV’s for smaller groups. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. We spend an average of a little ove … More
We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! With extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUV’s for smaller groups. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. We spend an average of a little over an hour at each vineyard. Here’s one of many tips we will give you, after booking: You are able to imbibe on alcoholic beverages while traveling to and from the wineries and Sedona, with Bliss! This is a true day of pampering! This includes Excellent wine, Amazing food, Luxurious vehicles, Guides that want nothing more, than to make your heart Blissfully happy - Cheers!
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Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel
Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests — a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, the rock formations, and … More
Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests — a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, the rock formations, and the local traditions. Choose from one of several departure times throughout the day. Get off the beaten track in a 4x4 Jeep vehicle Choose from several departure times throughout the day Get inside tips and information from a local guide Ideal choice for the entire family.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Village of Oak Creek