Devil’s Bridge is the most famous landmark in Sedona, Arizona, for good reason. The hike is short, easy, and fun, and of course, you can’t miss getting your picture on that iconic bridge.
However, it can be difficult getting the logistics worked out. What is the best time to go, how can you beat the crowds, and is this hike even that safe?
You’ll find this out, as well as so much more, in this ultimate hiking guide to Devil’s Bridge.
What is Devil’s Bridge?
Devil’s Bridge is a rock arch located in the town of Sedona in central Arizona. It is by far one of the most popular attractions in Sedona, drawing up to hundreds of hikers a day.
Most people visit the bridge for the purpose of getting that iconic photo, but the only way to get to the bridge is by hiking.
Which trailhead to start at
There are actually many trailheads you can start at in order to hike to Devil’s Bridge. However, some of the trailheads will make your hike 9 miles or even more!
For the best experience, I suggest starting at one of these trailheads to make your hike quick and easy.
Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
- Difficulty: moderate
- Length: 2 miles out-and-back
- Time: 1-2 hours of hiking
This is the “official” trailhead for Devil’s Bridge, located on Dry Creek Road, but you can only access it with a high-clearance 4WD car or ATV. The parking lot is small, but not many people actually use this lot.
This is also the shortest route to the bridge, so if you have the proper vehicle, this is a great place to start your hike.
From the trailhead, you simply take the Devil’s Bridge Trail to the bridge.
Dry Creek Trailhead
- Difficulty: moderate
- Length: 4.4 miles out-and-back (according to Google Maps)
- Time: 2-3 hours of hiking
The Dry Creek Trailhead is the most popular place to start the hike. Because of this, expect to have difficulty finding a parking spot as well as sharing the trail with many other hikers.
Overflow parking for the Dry Creek Trailhead can be found on Boynton Pass Road, but this can lengthen your hike by a mile or even more.
From the Dry Creek Trailhead, you walk along Dry Creek Road until you reach the “official” trailhead. From here, you will take Devil’s Bridge Trail to Devil’s Bridge.
Mescal Trailhead
- Difficulty: moderate
- Length: 4.2 miles out-and-back (according to Google Maps)
- Time: 2-3 hours of hiking
In my opinion, the Mescal Trailhead is the best place to start your hike. It is scenic and less crowded than the Dry Creek route. However, you do need a Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass at this trailhead.
The Mescal Trailhead is located on Long Canyon Road and has a fairly large lot. Mid-afternoon in January, I still saw plenty of spots at this parking lot.
From this trailhead, you take the Mescal and Chuckwagon trails before joining up with the Devil’s Bridge trail.
Long Canyon Trailhead
- Difficulty: moderate
- Length: 5 miles out-and-back (according to Google Maps)
- Time: 2.5-4 hours of hiking
If you aren’t able to find a spot anywhere else, try the Long Canyon Trailhead, which is located on Long Canyon Road.
This lot is very small, so you may not even be able to find a space in the first place.
From here, you can walk along the Mescal Connector until you reach the Mescal Trailhead, and then take the Mescal, Chuckwagon, and Devil’s Bridge trails.
Map of the trailheads
Devil’s Bridge hiking instructions
These hiking instructions are for hiking to the bridge from the Mescal Trailhead, though they can be helpful even if you are starting from a different trailhead.
Mescal + Chuckwagon trails
Ideally, arrive at the trailhead early. In Sedona, a good rule of thumb is to get to the trailhead half an hour before sunrise in order to get a parking spot and beat the worst of the crowds.
Start out on the Mescal Trail. Whenever you reach a trail sign, follow the sign to Devil’s Bridge.
After a few hundred feet, you will continue toward Devil’s Bridge and cross over Long Canyon Road.
The first half of the hike is flat, which means you can hike at a pretty good clip.
As you hike along, you have to cross a few creek beds, which might be filled with water, depending on the season.
Although the trail is wooded at first, it soon opens up, and you are treated with gorgeous views of green vegetation paired with Sedona’s red rock.
Since most people hike to Devil’s Bridge via Dry Creek Road, the Mescal/Chuckwagon Trail should hopefully not be too crowded.
After a mile, you will come to the junction with Dry Creek Road. To continue to Devil’s Bridge, go straight.
Devil’s Bridge Trail Part 1
After just a bit, you will pass the “official” Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, where you can park if you have a 4×4.
Right after the trailhead, you will pass this sign and begin on the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
For the first part of the Devil’s Bridge Trail, the trail is very wide and flat.
Pretty soon, the trail becomes more rocky and steep, but it still isn’t too difficult yet.
As you are hiking along, keep an eye out for huge clusters of rock cairns. While you can admire them, be sure not to build any cairns yourself, because this will destroy the natural landscape and confuse other hikers.
Also, please do not litter. We saw a lot of litter on this hike. Not only does it harm the landscape, but it is also ruins the aspect of nature for the other hikers. Pack it in, pack it out.
The uphill sections may be a bit challenging for you if you are not an experienced hiker, but if you’re finding it hard, just remember to take it slow.
The trail is usually easy to follow, but there is one spot where it can be confusing.
Once you reach this spot (pictured below), take a left. Even though there are cairns to the right, that does not lead to the trail.
Devil’s Bridge Trail Part 2
Now, the trail gets much harder and be challenging for even an experienced hiker.
At first, there are a series of stone steps, which are a good warm-up for what is to come.
At this next trail junction, be sure to take the trail to the right, which will take you to the bridge. However, remember this trail junction, because there is another cool spot you can go to after the bridge.
Now, the stone stairs become pretty steep, so you may have to scramble up if you need to.
At the top of this climb, there is a beautiful overlook over the surrounding area. If you need to, don’t be afraid to stop and catch your breath. However, don’t stop too long, because you’re almost there!
Before you reach Devil’s Bridge, you have just one more climb. Even though you are almost to the top, it may not feel like it, just because this is the roughest climb yet!
However, this climb is doable for most people.
After that big climb, you’ll walk along the flat trail for just a little bit longer. And then, you’ll come upon the ever iconic Devil’s Bridge!
At first, you won’t even know it’s there until you see the bridge on the left and the line of people waiting for photos.
At Devil’s Bridge
Now that you’re here, you probably want your photo taken, right? 🙂
In the peak season, expect to wait at least an hour for your photo. We arrived at 8am on a Thursday in January, however, and there were only two people at the bridge.
The best place for a photo to the right of the viewpoint.
When it’s your turn to walk out onto the bridge, approach the bridge from the right.
As you first walk out onto the bridge, it is very wide, probably around 10 feet. In the winter, be careful, because it can be icy and slippery.
Once you reach the narrowest part, this is a good place to stop, since it’s pretty much right in the middle of the bridge. Smile big and put your arms up high if you want to!
If you’re wondering how wide the narrowest part of Devil’s Bridge is, it is probably 4-5 feet wide. Even though it looks very narrow at a distance, it feels much safer in person.
After you’ve had your picture taken, be a good citizen and ask the people behind you if they’d like you to take a picture of them.
From a different perspective
Once you’re finished at Devil’s Bridge, return the way you came back down the trail. If you need to, you can scoot down the stone steps on your bum.
When you meet up with the trail junction I mentioned previously, however, instead of going straight, follow the trail to the right.
After just a little bit of walking on a slightly overgrown trail, you will see Devil’s Bridge from the ground. Not many people do this part of the trail, but it is totally worth it.
Just be sure you do it after standing on top of Devil’s Bridge, because that way, you won’t realize how big of a drop it is until after you’re already done. 🙂
After this, return to your car the way you came. If you started early in the day, you will now be seeing people in throngs hiking to Devil’s Bridge.
Is Devil’s Bridge safe?
While so many people hike to Devil’s Bridge each year, there has always been the concern, “Is it actually safe?”
Out of the likely millions of people who have hiked to the bridge over the years, only one person has ever died on Devil’s Bridge.
On April 2, 2014, Carol Hyde was watching her husband take a photo of their daughter on Devil’s Bridge when she slipped and fell, tragically passing away a few hours later.
Even though there has only been one causality at Devil’s Bridge, always exercise caution and don’t do anything foolish. Also, do not leave kids or dogs unattended on or near the birdge.
What to bring to Devil’s Bridge
- Hiking boots/shoes with good traction
- Lots of water (especially in summer)
- Snack
- Camera/smartphone
- Sunscreen
Devil’s Bridge FAQs
How long is the Devil’s Bridge hike?
The Devil’s Bridge hike ranges from 2-5+ miles round-trip, although the average distance is around 4 miles.
Is Devil’s Bridge crowded?
Devil’s Bridge is nearly always crowded, especially in the peak spring and fall seasons. During these times, expect to wait 1-2 hours to have your photo taken.
How wide is Devil’s Bridge?
Devil’s Bridge is about 4-5 feet wide at its narrowest point.
Can I bring my dog to Devil’s Bridge?
Dogs are permitted on the Devil’s Bridge Trail, but they must be on a leash.
What is the best time to visit Devil’s Bridge?
The best time to visit Devil’s Bridge is in spring, winter, and fall, when the weather is not too hot. The best time of day to visit the bridge is before sunrise or right before sunset, for great lighting and fewer crowds.
How long does it take to hike Devil’s Bridge?
Prepare to spend between 3-5 hours for your hike, including hiking time, time to rest, and time to wait for photos.
Do you need a Red Rock Pass to hike Devil’s Bridge?
While a Red Rock Pass is required at the Mescal Trailhead, it is not required at the Devil’s Bridge, Dry Creek, or Long Canyon Trailheads.
Devil’s Bridge hike 2024: conclusion
Devil’s Bridge is the most iconic photo spots in Sedona, the American Southwest, and perhaps the entire world. Even though this trail is incredibly busy, it is still 100% worth it to catch those iconic snapshots.
For current conditions about the hiker, I would recommend checking AllTrails, which was super duper helpful for all of our Sedona hikes.
For more epic hikes in Sedona, including Birthing Cave and Brins Mesa-Soldier Pass Loop, check out my Sedona travel guide.
If you have any questions about the hike or want to share your experience, be sure to comment down below!
Well, what are you waiting for?! Happy hiking!
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Looks like a great challenge with a satisfying reward at the end. It never gets old, does it PG? Where to next?
Front Royal, Virginia, for a few days in February. I’ll also be having some fun locally, though, like going ice skating and being on the stage crew of a play.