Devils Bridge Trail is a 3.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate.
On my trip out to Arizona we decided to take a few hikes and of course Devil’s Bridge was at the top of that list!
Devil’s Bridge is surrounded by the stunning red rocks that Sedona is known for. Devil’s Bridge offers a breathtaking view for hikers. After a “short” climb up you come face to face with a 54 feet tall, 45 feet long, all natural rock bridge.
Devil’s Bridge is located in the Coconino National Forest on the northwestern side of Sedona off Highway 89A and Dry Creek Road.
Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s largest sandstone arch. It is unique for its bridge-like formation, as well as for the fact that you can walk out onto the top of the arch.
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is short (about 1.8 miles roundtrip), but you will probably end up walking a longer distance because of the rough roads and the available parking options. Expect to walk anywhere from 3 to 4 miles round-trip and take about 2 to 3 hours to complete the hike.
The route to the bridge is rated as easy-to-moderate, and unexperienced hikers are able to do it. Still, there are a few things that could present challenges.
The story behind Devil's Bridge "The Urban Legend"
"According to legend, the original bridge was built after an old woman lost her cow and saw it grazing on the other side of the river. The Devil appeared and agreed to build a bridge in return for the soul of the first living thing to cross it. ... The devil was left with only the soul of the dog."
Top things to know before making the hike.
1. Arrive Early To Find Parking
There are a few things you can do to try to avoid some of the traffic. One is to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Crowds tend to be at their heaviest from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Planning your trip for the middle of the week could also help. But remember that although weekends are the most crowded, other days can be busy as well. When I went on a Sunday morning in mid-October, I was not surprised to find cars already lining the entrance road and no spaces left in the lot. (Lot holds 20 cars)
The trail’s main parking lot at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead is fairly large (20 cars), but it fills up fast. When that happens, people park along Dry Creek Road and walk to the trailhead. Parking on the road will add to your overall mileage, but it is your only option if you have your heart set on hiking Devil’s Bridge.
Note To Self if you need the restroom think ahead as there are vault-toilet restrooms at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead lot, but none at Devil’s Bridge itself.
2. Don’t Take Your Car Onto The 4X4 Dry Creek Road
Okay before is did say your only options were to park in the lot or on the road there is a dirt road that leads to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, about 0.8 miles from the bridge.
But it is an extremely rough road, and a sign at the entrance warns that it is not suitable for passenger vehicles. You should not expect to drive your rental cars or SUVs to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, plus there is a very small part you can park. (3 cars) Rather, plan to park in the paved Dry Creek Vista Trailhead parking lot or the Long Canyon Road lot and walk the adjoining recreational trails to get to the main Devil’s Bridge Trailhead.
3. It Can Be Treacherous
Even though Devil’s Bridge is a fairly short hike, that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Remember that you are in the middle of the desert, and plan accordingly.
Sedona’s average high temperatures regularly climb well into the 90s in the summer and reach the 100-degree mark in July. Hikers should always carry plenty of water and salty snacks and wear a hat sunscreen to protect form the hot Arizona sun. The best times to visit Sedona are April and May, when average high temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and October, when the average high is 80 degrees. While winter — with temperatures averaging in the 60s and somewhat smaller crowds — can also be a good time, it’s best to avoid the Devil’s Bridge Trail after a (fairly infrequent) winter storm, when the surface can become slick with packed snow.
Pro Tips: Hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction will make the climb up the Sedona slickrock easier.
4. There Will Be Stairs
Much of the Devil’s Bridge Trail consists of a gradual climb along a wide, well-maintained route that features a few rocky ledges. But when you get about three-fourths of the way to the top, you will begin to encounter steeper terrain.
On the final ascent to the bridge, you will need to climb two steep and uneven sets of rock stairs. The stairs are short but can seem a little intimidating, but people of all ages were able to get up these rugged stairs with no problem.
I recommend you taking your time and keeping your eyes on the step right in front of you helps to navigate the stairs. Also, don’t hesitate to accept other hikers hands to help steady yourself on the rocks around you — especially on the trip back down. Remember to use common sense when climbing the stairs or walking onto the bridge and follow experts’ advice not to venture off the trails.
5. Expect To Be Patient
Devil’s Bridge regardless of the season, seems to always have a lot of visitors as it is a popular hike for thrill seekers. As this hike becomes more popular and well know I recommend hiking Devil’s Bridge in the early morning or the off season as the trail is open year around. I hiked this trail in mid October and it wasn’t too bad nothing like the middle of the summer.
Although there are places in Sedona where you can have the red rocks mostly to yourself, Devil’s Bridge is not one of them. The spot has been become popular in the years, and people naturally gravitate to it. Expect to share the trail with groups of friends, couples and dogs, great way to meet new people while soaking up the beauty of this trail.
6. Expect To Wait In Line For A Photo
Once at the top, it is unlikely that you will be able to go directly onto the bridge. Because of the popularity of getting photos while standing on top of the arch, Devil’s Bridge is known to have lines, when I went there was about 20 people. While you are in line, crack open that beer or as we brought White Claws, snack on that PB& J sandwich you packed and chat with the person next to you, and chances are you will be able to find someone to take a photo of you and your group.
7. You Don’t Have To Cross The Bridge To Enjoy It
From a far the bridge might look narrow and fragile, as a stood on the bridge it was a bit wider and more stable once i got out there. I was easily able to walk, run and jump along the bridge.
Still, if you aren’t comfortable going onto the bridge, or if you’re not interested in getting a photo of yourself, Devil’s Bridge is still an amazing sight to take in from afar. There is space for viewing on both sides to the bridge, and there is also a trail that leads to an area below the bridge.
Until the next adventure
Meg
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