Devil's Bridge Trail In Sedona Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 11, 2026

Devil's Bridge is one of Sedona's most popular hiking destinations and the largest natural sandstone arch in the immediate Sedona area. The Devil's Bridge Trail itself is relatively short, but the total hiking distance depends on where you begin. Most visitors now approach from Dry Creek Vista or Mescal Trailhead, creating a round-trip hike of roughly 4 to 6 miles, while access from the closest trailhead requires travel on a rough unpaved forest road.

Devil's Bridge Trail Overview
Trail Distance & Difficulty
Hiking Routes
What The Hike Is Like
Parking & Shuttle
Safety & Best Time To Hike
Directions
Trail Map
FAQ

Devil's Bridge Trail Overview

Devil's Bridge is a natural sandstone arch northwest of Sedona within the Coconino National Forest. The final Devil's Bridge Trail climbs through red rock terrain to viewpoints beneath and above the arch, with the steepest section near the end of the hike.

Trail: Devil's Bridge Trail
Trail length: About 0.8 mile for the Devil's Bridge Trail itself
Elevation change: About 350 feet on the Devil's Bridge Trail
Difficulty: Moderate, with a steep rocky climb near the arch
Typical total hike: Roughly 4 to 6 miles round trip from common paved-road access points

How Long Is The Devil's Bridge Hike?

The answer depends on where you begin. The Devil's Bridge Trail itself is approximately 0.8 mile long, but most hikers must use connecting trails or forest-road segments to reach it.

From Mescal Trailhead: About 4 miles round trip using Mescal and Chuckwagon trails to connect with Devil's Bridge Trail.
From Dry Creek Vista via Forest Road 152: About 3.9 miles round trip.
From Dry Creek Vista via Chuckwagon Trail: About 5.7 miles round trip.
From the closest Devil's Bridge trail access: The hike is shorter, but reaching that starting point requires driving a rough unpaved forest road suited to appropriate high-clearance vehicles and current road conditions.

Routes To Devil's Bridge

Most hikers reach Devil's Bridge Trail by connecting from either Dry Creek Vista or Mescal Trailhead. Both approaches eventually join the Devil's Bridge Trail for the final climb to the arch.

The Mescal approach uses Mescal Trail and Chuckwagon Trail before connecting with Devil's Bridge Trail. From Dry Creek Vista, hikers can follow either the forest-road route or use Chuckwagon Trail for a longer trail-based approach.

What The Devil's Bridge Hike Is Like

The approach begins across relatively gentle red rock and juniper terrain before becoming steeper near Devil's Bridge. The final portion climbs natural rock steps and uneven sandstone to a broad viewpoint near the top of the arch.

Visitors can view Devil's Bridge from below and from the higher trail near the top of the formation. The upper area has exposed edges and substantial drop-offs, so hikers should use caution and remain well back from unprotected edges.

Devil's Bridge Parking And Sedona Shuttle

Parking and trail access can be challenging because Devil's Bridge is one of Sedona's busiest hikes. Dry Creek Vista and Mescal Trailhead are two of the most practical starting points for visitors using passenger vehicles.

The free Sedona Shuttle provides service to both Dry Creek Vista and Mescal Trailheads. Trailhead shuttle service generally operates Thursday through Sunday, with expanded service during some holidays and peak periods. Schedules can change, so check the current timetable before your hike.

Devil's Bridge Hiking Safety And Best Time To Go

Spring and fall generally provide comfortable hiking temperatures, while winter can bring cold mornings and occasional snow or ice. Summer temperatures can become dangerously hot, particularly on exposed portions of the approach, so hikers should start early and carry plenty of water.

Carry more water than you expect to need, especially during warm weather.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.
Use caution on the steep rock steps near the arch.
Stay away from exposed cliff edges and supervise children closely.
Avoid relying on a one-hour hiking estimate; allow time based on your chosen trailhead and route.
Check current weather and trail conditions before leaving.

See our Sedona weather information before planning your hike.

Devil's Bridge Video

Directions To Devil's Bridge

From central Sedona, travel west on State Route 89A and turn north onto Dry Creek Road. Continue toward the Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailhead area northwest of Sedona.

For most visitors in passenger vehicles, Dry Creek Vista or Mescal Trailhead provides the most practical access. From either trailhead, follow the signed connecting route to Devil's Bridge Trail.

The forest road beyond the paved access area is rough and road conditions can change after storms. Do not assume that a standard passenger vehicle is suitable for reaching the closest Devil's Bridge trail access. Check current Coconino National Forest road conditions before attempting unpaved forest roads.

Current Devil's Bridge Information

Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-2900

Map To Devil's Bridge In Sedona

Map showing directions and access to Devil's Bridge trail near Sedona Arizona

More Sedona Hiking Information

Devil's Bridge Trail FAQ

How long is the Devil's Bridge Trail?

The Devil's Bridge Trail itself is approximately 0.8 mile, but most hikers use connecting trails to reach it. Typical round-trip hikes from common paved-road access points are roughly 4 to 6 miles.

How difficult is the Devil's Bridge hike?

The hike is generally considered moderate. Much of the approach is gradual, but the final section becomes steeper and includes natural rock steps and uneven sandstone.

How much elevation does Devil's Bridge Trail gain?

The Devil's Bridge Trail has about 350 feet of elevation change, with much of the climbing concentrated near the final approach to the arch.

Where should I park for Devil's Bridge?

Dry Creek Vista and Mescal Trailhead are practical access points for most visitors. Both connect with routes leading to Devil's Bridge and are also served by the Sedona Shuttle.

Does the Sedona Shuttle go to Devil's Bridge?

The Sedona Shuttle serves Dry Creek Vista and Mescal Trailheads, which provide hiking access to Devil's Bridge. Check the current shuttle schedule before your visit.

Can I drive directly to the Devil's Bridge Trailhead?

The closest trail access is reached by an unpaved forest road that can be rough and unsuitable for ordinary passenger vehicles. Road conditions change, so visitors should check current Forest Service information before attempting the drive.

Can you walk across Devil's Bridge?

Visitors can reach the upper portion of Devil's Bridge, but the area has exposed edges and significant drop-offs. Use extreme caution and remain within your comfort level.

Is Devil's Bridge safe for children?

The route includes steep rock steps and exposed areas near the arch. Parents should consider each child's hiking ability and comfort around heights and keep children closely supervised.

What is the best time to hike Devil's Bridge?

Spring and fall generally offer comfortable hiking weather. During summer, hike early to avoid extreme heat. Winter can bring cold, snow or icy conditions.