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Published on June 20, 2024. Last Updated on March 14, 2026.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking hiking experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty, then Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona, AZ is the perfect destination for you. This popular trail offers stunning views, unique rock formations, and a sense of accomplishment when you reach the iconic natural sandstone arch known as Devil’s Bridge. Get ready for your outdoor adventure with our 3 Simple Tips for hiking the beautiful Devil’s Bridge in Sedona.
We love hiking. Before our quick trip to Sedona, Buddy and I sat down to choose which of the many hikes in Sedona we would explore on our short trip. And we both agreed that Devil’s Bridge Trail was the first on our list. Later that day, we did a sunset hike on the Birthing Cave Trail.
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Our #1 hiking must have! A comfortable and practical hiking backpack.
The details: Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of many hikes in and around the iconic Sedona, Arizona. And it is a popular hike. The official trail is a 1.8 mile hike round trip out and back rated as moderate by the US Forest Service. And while the trail seems like an easy hike, the devil is in the details. To get to Devil’s Bridge trail, hikers either have to hike on Chuckwagon Trail or Mescal Trail, so it is a longer hike. Unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle high clearance vehicle, in which case you can drive right up to the trail head on that dirt road. We share more about that in the tips on where to park below.
If you access the Devil’s Bridge Trail using the Mescal trailhead, the hike is 4 miles round trip out and back rated as moderate. And if you access Devil’s Bridge Trail using the Chuckwagon Trail, the hike is 5.8 miles round trip out and back rated as moderate.
The trail is located approximately 12 miles west of Sedona.
Fun Fact! Devil’s Bridge the largest natural sandstone arch near Sedona and one of many in Arizona!
Our hike to Devil’s Bridge
Buddy and I hiked Devil’s Bridge during a mother and son summer trip to Sedona. We visited Sedona in late June in an effort to beat the intense summer heat of Southern Arizona where we live. However, it is also hot in Northern Arizona and Sedona in the summer months. As lifelong desert dwellers, we are aware of the summer heat and the precautions that need to be taken for hiking in the deserts during the summer months.
A sunrise hike
For safety reasons, Devil’s Bridge Trail was our sunrise hike on our 24 hour our visit to Sedona. We began the hike at 4:53 am, arrived at Devil’s Bridge at 6am, and finished the hike at 7am. It took us almost exactly two hours to complete the hike. And we hiked at a very leisurely pace, stopping to take a lot of photos and watch the sunrise.
We highly recommend hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail as a sunrise hike. For most of the hike, the sun stayed below the mountains to the east casting a beautiful morning light on all of the red hued sandstone. We could really see all of the different colors.
When we arrived at Devil’s Bridge, there was only one other person there (which was great because we got a picture together on Devil’s Bridge!). It was nice to experience a quiet moment out in nature.
Right as we were finishing the hike, the sun peeked over the mountains and we began to feel the summer heat. This means we left at the perfect time. We did see a few other hikers beginning their hikes around 6:30-7am when we were leaving. Including a few jeeps pulling into the trailhead parking lot on Dry Creek Road.
3 Simple Tips for Hiking Beautiful Devil’s Bridge
1. Where to park
There are three parking lots that you can use to access Devil’s Bridge Trail. And once again, the devil is in the details.
If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can take the unpaved portion of Dry Creek Road all the way to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. However, if you do not have a 4×4, you will either park at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead and take the Chuckwagon Trail to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. Or you can park at the Mescal Trailhead and take that trail to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. So depending on what type of vehicle you have and how long you want to hike will determine where you want to park.
When we hiked Devil’s Bridge, I parked at the Mescal Trailhead. We were the first car in the parking lot. Needless to day, there were lots of parking spots! No one else was there and it was still a bit dark. The Mescal Trailhead parking area is a newer lot that has facilities and picnic tables.
However, there is a side overflow parking lot on the other side of Long Canyon Road that eliminates the need to cross the street. It also cuts down on some walking time. I did not see that parking space when we arrived. If I were to do this hike again, I would park in the overflow space on the east side of the road, if space was available.
Pro Tip: Before parking, check to see if the lot you are using requires a Red Rock Pass. Passes can be purchased online or at various locations in and around the Sedona area.
Mescal Trailhead did charge for parking, but our America the Beautiful annual pass had us covered!
2. When to hike to Devil’s Bridge
It is best to hike Devil’s Bridge Trail is in the Spring or Fall when temperatures are more moderate. Summer months can be scorching hot, making the hike challenging and potentially dangerous. And winter in the Southwest is unpredictable. Sometimes there can be a lot of snow and other times winters are moderate. So make sure you check the weather if you are doing a winter hike.
Regarding time of day, it is best to start early. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying cooler weather while taking in the stunning scenery along the way. And early morning hikes are best if you are visiting Sedona during the summer months.
Admittedly, visiting in late June, Buddy and I did not hike Devil’s Bridge Trail at the best time of year. To make up for that, we opted for the best time of day to hike in the summer with a sunrise hike. The high the day we hiked was 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is way too hot for daytime desert hiking! But summer hikes are doable if you hit the trail really early. Case in point, it was 68 degrees Fahrenheit when we set our on our sunrise hike!
3. What to bring
When hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail, make sure that you come prepared for desert hiking. Below are some suggestions for what to bring for a desert hike. Feel free to add to the list as you see fit.
A light sweater. Even if you are doing a sunrise hike in the summer months. Overnight, temperatures in the desert can drop by approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it may be chilly on a sunrise hike. I wore this light jacket with UPF that kept me warm and protected me from the sun on my hike. Buddy wore a light jacket. Make sure to check weather conditions beforehand and dress appropriately for the hike.
Lots of water and a refillable water bottle. Especially if you are hiking in the warmer months.
Sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and moisture wicking clothing (most of my stuff is from Stitch Fix).
Sturdy hiking shoes, preferably shoes with good ankle support. These are my hiking shoes, and these are the shoes that Buddy wore on the hike.
A hiking back pack filled with electrolytes and snacks. We did pack snacks, but we did not eat them. Instead we went to breakfast after the hike.
A simple first aid kit, a whistle that also has a compass and thermometer, a pocketknife, some tissue because you never know!
Pro Tip: Remember to leave no trace by packing out all trash and respecting nature during your outdoor adventure.
A teenager’s perspective
Buddy here. For all teenagers that like hiking, climbing up on rocks, and are not afraid of heights – I recommend this hike.
But, if you are afraid of heights or if you are hiking with smaller kids, this hike is probably not for you.
There is some rock scrambling near Devil’s Bridge, so be prepared to climb. The scramble is a little slippery, but compared to other hikes that we have done in the past, like Mosaic Canyon in Death Valley, it is not too bad.
And yes, you can walk on Devil’s Bridge. But don’t get too close to the edge.
Devil’s Bridge Fast FAQs
1. How long does it take to hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona?
That depends on where you begin your hike. We hiked at a leisurely pace from the Mescal Trailhead parking lot and it took us exactly two hours.
2. Is Devil’s Bridge hike worth it?
Yes! It is an iconic Sedona site and a relatively easy hike.
3. Can kids do Devil’s Bridge hike?
We defer to parents to decide if and when a kiddo is ready to hike to Devil’s Bridge as there is a risk of falling. It is up to parents to assess the risk.
As a teen, I took Buddy and he was fine, even with his slight fear of heights. Buddy is an experienced hiker and I would have been comfortable taking him on this trail as a pre-teen. However, I would not have hiked this trail with him when he was elementary school aged or younger. There is a risk of falling and the rocks can be slippery, so out of caution, I would have opted out of this hike when he was younger.
That said, I would have had no problem hiking with him in a carrier as a toddler.
4. How long is Devil’s Bridge hike?
This also depends on where you begin your hike. But the average between the different trailheads is 4 miles.
Final Thoughts on Devil’s Bridge Hike
Overall, we enjoyed our sunrise hike to the iconic Devil’s Bridge near Sedona and definitely recommend it for hikers and adventurous families with older kiddos. Hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Whether you’re hiking solo or with family and friends, this iconic trail provides a sense of accomplishment when you reach Devil’s Bridge. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure!
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Are you planning a trip to Sedona? Have you hiked Devil’s Bridge? If so, let us know in the comments below!
Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!
- Birthing Cave in Sedona: 5 Simple Tips for Hiking
- One Day in Sedona: The Ultimate Guide
- 15 Best Hikes Near Tucson: The Ultimate Guide
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