Hiking Devil’s Bridge - Sedona AZ
The Devil’s Bridge
Here’s how to hike to Devil’s bridge the right way. I say that because we went the wrong way. We figured it out on the way back, resulting in a much better hike.
Devils bridge is located in Coconino National forest and is considered the most popular trail in all of Sedona. And, lets be real, all of Sedona is stunning! But the draw is that the bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. It doesn’t hurt that the views from the bridge are overlooking Sedona’s vivid red rocks and beautiful forest.
The trail itself is 2 miles with 4WD, and without 4WD it’s 4.2 miles. The climb goes up 400 feet (elevation gain is 696 ft overall) and is considered moderate on all trails.
How did we hike there wrong, you ask? We started the hike at the actual Devil’s Bridge parking lot. This takes you up the road where the 4x4 and ATVs can go. This means there is little shade, and you’re being left in the dust (literally) by trucks and pink jeep tours. There is nothing scenic about this road.
The best way to hike up to Devil’s Bridge is to start at the Mescal Trailhead, which leads to the Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail.
Above, you can see the road where ATVs and 4x4 can drive. Next is the Mescal parking lot. Try to park there for easier access to the trail. Thankfully, we found our way back via Chuck Wagon Trail, and we could experience the immense beauty of the sunset and the diverse nature throughout. Plants you may come across are banana yuccas, cactus flowers, tall desert agaves, ocotillo, daturas, and so much more!
Hiking up to Devil’s Bridge involves a lot of steep staircases made of rocks. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It is recommended to carry at least one gallon of water per person for the hike.
We visited at the end of August, a few hours before sunset. That’s probably why we were able to get a parking spot! I was aiming for cooler weather. It was still quite hot at that time of day but bearable. You’ll want good shoes or hiking boots to help with stability when climbing the rock stairs. And let me tell you. It doesn’t look daunting when you’re looking at the bridge. But when you start walking out onto it, your stomach drops, and the bridge gets much smaller.
A thrill for sure! I wouldn’t recommend going on the bridge if you have an intense fear of heights. To get the best picture, ensure you're taking it towards the cliffside edge. That will be a little to the left of the main trail.
If you take the picture straight on, you won’t capture the intensity of the Devil’s Bridge's structure.
If you do end up parking at the Dry Creek Road/Chuckwagon trail parking lot. There is a $5 one-time-use Red Rock Pass you will need to purchase. If you plan on staying longer, you can purchase you may purchase one for $15 that will last you the week. Or annual is $20. HOWEVER, if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you’ll be good to go! America the Beautiful pass is $80 for the year and will get you into all the National Parks and then some. If you’re someone who likes to visit a lot of parks, it is absolutely worth every penny.
If you can only choose one hike when visiting Sedona, this is it! Of course there is literally no bad hike in Sedona, but you can’t go wrong with hiking Devil’s Bridge.
