Devil's Bridge Trail
Sedona, Arizona
Details
Distance
3.94 miles
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Will Cebron
Devil's Bridge is an easy out-and-back trail with sweeping views of Sedona and an incredible payoff, the Devil's Bridge.
The Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Coconino National Forest and an iconic landmark. If you're visiting the Sedona area, hiking this trail is a must do.
The hike:
From the trailhead, the hike gradually slopes upward as it winds its way through the trees. The trail is easy to follow and after about 3/4 of a mile, you'll reach a rock staircase. The ascent from here is steep but you've almost made it. Near the top, there's a wide open lookout that provides incredible views back the way you came. Continue up one more level and walk a short distance along the rock wall until you reach the Devil's Bridge. The bridge is breathtaking and worth the effort. Feel free to venture out onto the bridge, but exercise caution as it's a long way down and the area can be icy in winter.
Getting to the trailhead:
There are a couple different starting options for this trail. Once you turn onto FR 152 (Vultee Arch Rd), after a short way you'll see a parking lot on your left. This is where the paved road ends and anyone without a high clearance 4WD vehicle will want to park. From here, the hike is roughly 4 miles round trip. You'll start the hike by continuing up FR 152 on the dirt section.
If you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle, you can drive up this section and shave 2 miles roundtrip off your hike. Either way after a mile on the dirt portion of FR 152, you'll see a dirt parking lot to your right. This is where the Devil's Bridge trailhead begins.
Tips:
- A couple words of advice on tackling this hike. Unless you are driving a Wrangler or similar SUV, park in the paved area. FR 152's dirt section is washed out and filled with potholes. Park approximately 1-mile away from the official trailhead at the Dry Creek Vista Parking lot (as shown with the GPX track).
- Also consider starting this hike very early as it's one of Sedona's most popular. The parking lot fills up quickly and the pink Jeep tours start kicking up dust along FR 152 late morning.
- If you're worried about parking, the city of Sedona offers free shuttle service to the Dry Creek Vista trailhead Thursday - Sunday. Visit their website SedonaShuttle.com for the shuttle schedule. There is no fee for parking at the shuttle pickup location.
- Although dogs on-leash are permitted on this trail, the steps and footing especially at the end can be difficult, so this may not be suitable for all dogs.
Additional routes:
Devil's Bridge via Mescal Trail (~4 miles)
Devil's Bridge Via Chuck Wagon Trail (~5.75 miles)
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Devil's Bridge Trail Reviews
This hike was a great hike! You can decide your difficulty by determining what distance you would like to go. If you do go in the summer months go early to avoid the heat and the crowd.
4.0
The other reviews here are accurate and informative! The only thing I'd add is that this arch/bridge, while cool, is nothing compared to the arches near Moab, Utah. That's totally ok, just don't expect to be overwhelmed by the arch if you're familiar with Arches NP. The hike from the Jeep parking lot to the bridge is nice, though!
3.0
Awesome hike! Decently challenging! Makes for awesome photo ops! Do this early in the morning to avoid the crowd and the sun!
5.0
The arch is amazing, it's a great feature to photograph. The hike there is mostly fire road but the last half mile or so is up very technical steep single track. The fire road may bore you buy the end of the trail is fun. Unfortunately this trail is over run with tourists. Expect to have to wait long periods of time to get a photo of just yourself on the arch. It's a great adventure but if you're looking for solitude this def isn't for you.
3.0
It was a good length hike with different scenery. The end of the trail was the best bit as you got to hike up the rocks, on arrival at the top, the bridge was fantastic and you could walk across it. As not many other people (we were there at around 9) were there we got some really good photos. We also hiked underneath it which was spectacular and we caught some cracking shots. Overall an excellent hike.
5.0
The first part of the trail (the road for off-road vehicles) wasn't that exciting, but was fairly flat and made for a quick walk. After reaching the "real" trailhead parking lot and continuing on the trail, things get exciting! This hike isn't too intensely uphill until you almost reach the bridge. My husband (who is a little scared of heights) was definitely pushed out of his comfort zone as we climbed the "staircase". The view at the top was amazing and walking out onto the bridge made for a super cool photo! There were quite a few other folks out on the trail but it wasn't too crowded. Worth the hike even with the not-so-exciting road walk at the start!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Devil's Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail
Mescal Mountain Loop
Devil's Bridge via Mescal Trail
Hike the Chimney Rock Loop, Sedona
Hike to the Birthing Cave
Brins Mesa - Soldier Pass Loop
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy