Devil’s Bridge stands as Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch and one of Arizona’s most photographed geological formations. The short but moderately challenging hike rewards you with sweeping red rock views and the chance to walk across a freestanding bridge carved by wind and water over millions of years.
This guide explains how to reach Devil’s Bridge, what to expect on the trail, safety considerations for walking on the arch itself, and practical details that help you plan a successful visit to this iconic Sedona landmark.
What Is Devil’s Bridge and Why Do People Visit?
Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone arch measuring approximately 45 feet long and five feet wide at its thinnest point, suspended about 50 feet above the ground. Visitors hike a trail through juniper and manzanita terrain to reach the arch, where many choose to walk across the bridge for photographs with Sedona’s red rock landscape stretching behind them.
Trailhead Location and Access
The Devil’s Bridge Trail begins from a trailhead on Dry Creek Road in northwest Sedona. You can reach the official trailhead by driving approximately 1.3 miles on a rough, unpaved Forest Road 152, which requires high clearance and ideally four-wheel drive, especially after rain.
If you drive a standard vehicle, park at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead off Dry Creek Road and add approximately two miles round-trip to your hike on a relatively flat dirt road. Many visitors choose this option to avoid damaging their vehicles on the rocky approach road.
Parking and Permits
A Red Rock Pass is required for parking at either trailhead. Daily passes and annual options are available at ranger stations, visitor centers, and many retail locations in Sedona, but verify current fees and purchase locations with the Coconino National Forest or Red Rock Ranger District before your visit.
Parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and during spring and fall peak seasons. Arrive before 8:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. for better chances of finding a spot, though these times vary by season and should be confirmed with current visitor reports.
The Hike to Devil’s Bridge
From the official trailhead on Forest Road 152, the hike measures approximately 1.8 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of roughly 400 feet. If you park at Dry Creek Vista, expect about 4.2 miles round-trip total.
The trail climbs moderately through typical Sedona terrain, crossing slickrock sections and winding through desert vegetation. Most hikers complete the round-trip from the upper trailhead in 60 to 90 minutes, though you should allow more time for photographs and resting at the arch.
Trail Conditions and Difficulty
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is rated as moderate due to uneven terrain, some steep sections, and exposure to sun. The path is well-traveled and clearly marked, but rocky surfaces require sturdy footwear and attention to footing.
The final approach to the arch involves a short, steeper climb over slickrock and boulders. Visitors with mobility challenges, young children, or those uncomfortable with uneven surfaces should carefully consider whether this trail suits their abilities.
What to Bring
Plan for a desert hike with limited shade and no water sources along the trail. Essential items include:
- At least one liter of water per person, more in summer
- Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread
- Snacks or light food for energy
- Fully charged phone for emergencies and photos
- Layers for cooler mornings or changing weather
Walking on the Arch
Once you reach Devil’s Bridge, you can walk across the top of the arch itself. The surface is natural sandstone, generally textured enough for traction when dry, but extremely slippery when wet or icy.
There are no railings, ropes, or barriers. The bridge narrows to about five feet wide in the center, with steep drop-offs on both sides that can be unsettling for those uncomfortable with heights.
Safety Considerations
Multiple accidents and fatalities have occurred at Devil’s Bridge, typically involving visitors who ventured too close to edges, attempted risky poses for photographs, or misjudged conditions. Take these precautions seriously:
- Do not walk on the arch if surfaces are wet, icy, or windy
- Stay well back from all edges and avoid running or jumping
- Keep children and pets under close control at all times
- Never back up for photos without watching your footing
- Avoid risky poses that require balancing near drop-offs
- Wear shoes with good grip and avoid sandals or smooth soles
You can enjoy excellent views and photographs from the base of the arch without walking across it. There is no requirement to step onto the bridge to have a rewarding experience.
Best Time to Visit
Devil’s Bridge is accessible year-round, but seasonal conditions significantly affect the experience. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer moderate temperatures generally ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15 to 29 Celsius), though you should verify current weather before visiting.
Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), making early morning starts essential if you hike between June and August. Winter brings cooler weather and occasional snow or ice, which can make the arch dangerous to walk on even if the approach trail remains passable.
Time of Day
Early morning light offers softer conditions for photography and fewer crowds, though sunrise times vary throughout the year. Late afternoon provides dramatic lighting as the sun illuminates the red rocks, but you’ll share the arch with more visitors.
Midday light can be harsh for photographs, and summer midday heat poses genuine health risks. Plan your visit based on both lighting preferences and temperature considerations for your travel season.
Crowds and Wait Times
Devil’s Bridge ranks among Sedona’s most popular hikes, attracting hundreds of visitors daily during peak seasons. You may encounter waits of 20 to 40 minutes or longer to walk on the arch while others take photographs, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Patience and courtesy help everyone enjoy the experience. Allow others reasonable time for their photos, but be mindful that long lines form behind you.
Alternative Routes and Nearby Trails
The Chuckwagon Trail offers an alternative approach to Devil’s Bridge from a different trailhead. This route adds distance but provides variety if you’ve hiked the standard path before or want a longer outing.
Nearby trails including the Boynton Canyon Trail, Fay Canyon Trail, and Doe Mountain Trail offer different perspectives on Sedona’s red rock landscape with varying difficulty levels and crowd patterns. The Red Rock Ranger District can provide current trail information and maps.
Photography Guidelines
Devil’s Bridge creates striking photographs, especially when you frame hikers on the arch against the red rock backdrop. A wide-angle lens helps capture the full scene, while standard smartphone cameras work well for most compositions.
Be considerate of others waiting their turn and avoid monopolizing the arch for extended photo sessions. Drones are prohibited in this area under U.S. Forest Service regulations, and violations can result in significant fines.
Facilities and Services
No restrooms, water, or other facilities exist at the trailheads or along the Devil’s Bridge Trail. Plan accordingly by using facilities in Sedona before driving to the trailhead.
Cell phone coverage is generally available but can be spotty in some areas. Do not rely on your phone as your only safety resource.
Getting to Sedona and the Trailhead
Sedona sits about two hours north of Phoenix and 30 minutes south of Flagstaff via Interstate 17 and State Route 179 or 89A. The Dry Creek Road trailhead area lies in northwest Sedona, accessible by driving west on Highway 89A, turning onto Dry Creek Road, and following signs toward the Devil’s Bridge area.
No public transportation serves the trailheads. Most visitors drive personal or rental vehicles, while some use tour companies that provide transportation and guided hikes to Devil’s Bridge.
Guided Tours and Shuttle Services
Several Sedona-based tour operators offer guided hikes to Devil’s Bridge, including transportation from Sedona hotels. These services can be worthwhile if you lack a suitable vehicle for the rough access road or prefer guided interpretation of the geology and natural history.
Tour availability, prices, and schedules change frequently, so research current options through Sedona visitor resources or local tour company websites well before your visit.
Where to Stay for Easy Access
Staying anywhere in Sedona puts you within a short drive of the Devil’s Bridge trailhead. The West Sedona area along Highway 89A offers the closest accommodations and typically provides easier access than Uptown Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek to the south.
Sedona offers lodging ranging from budget motels to luxury resorts, but availability tightens and prices rise significantly during peak spring and fall seasons. Book accommodations well in advance if you plan to visit during March, April, October, or November.
Combining Devil’s Bridge with Other Sedona Experiences
A Devil’s Bridge hike typically takes a half day including driving and parking time. You can combine this outing with other Sedona activities such as visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross, exploring Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, driving through Red Rock State Park, or hiking additional trails based on your energy and interests.
The nearby town of Jerome, about 30 minutes from Sedona, offers historic mining town exploration, while Oak Creek Canyon provides scenic drives and swimming holes when water levels permit. Plan your combination of activities based on realistic driving times, opening hours, and your own stamina rather than trying to see everything in a single day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many visitors underestimate the parking challenges and arrive midmorning on weekends to find all spaces full, requiring them to leave without hiking. Others wear inappropriate footwear, bring insufficient water, or attempt the hike during midday summer heat.
Some visitors focus so intensely on getting dramatic photographs that they ignore safety warnings or take unnecessary risks near edges. Remember that no photograph is worth an injury, and that rescue operations in this terrain are difficult, expensive, and potentially dangerous for responders.
Accessibility Considerations
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is not wheelchair accessible due to rocky, uneven terrain and moderate elevation gain. The trail surface, narrow sections, and final climb to the arch present challenges for visitors with mobility limitations.
Sedona offers alternative experiences including accessible viewpoints along scenic drives and some trails with improved surfaces. Contact the Red Rock Ranger District for current information on accessible recreation options in the area.
Environmental Responsibility
Devil’s Bridge sits within Coconino National Forest on public lands managed for conservation and recreation. Help protect this natural landmark by staying on designated trails, packing out all trash, avoiding damage to vegetation, and respecting closure signs if posted for resource protection.
The fragile desert ecosystem recovers slowly from damage. Shortcutting switchbacks, creating social trails, or disturbing plants and soil contribute to erosion and habitat degradation that affects the area for years.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
For emergencies, call 911. Provide your location as accurately as possible, describing landmarks and trail names to help responders find you. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office handles search and rescue operations in this area.
Minor injuries, dehydration, and heat-related illness represent the most common problems on this trail. Turn back if you or anyone in your group shows signs of exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, or cramping, and seek shade and water immediately.
Planning Your Devil’s Bridge Visit
Devil’s Bridge delivers a memorable Sedona experience when you prepare appropriately for the hike, understand the safety considerations, and time your visit to avoid the worst crowds and weather. The combination of moderate hiking and an iconic natural landmark makes this destination suitable for most reasonably fit visitors who take sensible precautions.
Start by verifying current trail conditions, parking requirements, Red Rock Pass purchase locations, and weather forecasts through the Coconino National Forest or Red Rock Ranger District. Book Sedona accommodations early if visiting during peak seasons, and plan to arrive at the trailhead early in the morning for the best experience.