Devils Bridge Trail: Quick Answer
Last updated: July 8, 2026.
Devils Bridge Trail is a moderate Sedona hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. The official Devil’s Bridge Trail No. 120 is 1.6 miles round trip from the high-clearance trailhead, with about 371 feet of elevation gain. Most visitors, however, start from a low-clearance trailhead, which makes the hike longer: about 4.0 miles round trip from Mescal Trailhead or about 5.8 miles round trip from Dry Creek Vista via Chuckwagon Trail.
The best plan is simple: start early, choose your parking route before you drive, carry more water than you think you need, and expect a line for photos on the arch during busy hours. Check the Coconino National Forest Devil’s Bridge Trail page before you go for current trail and access details.
Key Takeaways
- Best low-clearance route: Mescal Trailhead is usually the cleanest choice for most cars, with about a 4.0-mile round trip.
- Shortest route: The official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead keeps the hike to 1.6 miles round trip, but the unpaved FR 152 access road requires a high-clearance vehicle and is not recommended when wet.
- Parking pass: Dry Creek and Mescal trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or accepted federal pass.
- Best time: Go at sunrise or early morning for easier parking, cooler conditions, and shorter photo lines.
- Main challenge: The final climb has steep sandstone steps, uneven footing, and exposed edges near the arch.
Which Devils Bridge Route Should You Take?
Your route depends on your vehicle, parking timing, and crowd tolerance. The trail itself is short, but access from standard parking lots adds distance. Use this table before you choose a trailhead.
| Starting point | Best for | Approx. round trip | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devil’s Bridge Trailhead | High-clearance vehicles | 1.6 miles | Shortest hike, but the unpaved FR 152 approach is rough and not recommended in wet weather. |
| Mescal Trailhead | Most low-clearance cars | About 4.0 miles | Signed route using Mescal and Chuckwagon connections. Good balance of distance and scenery. |
| Dry Creek Vista Trailhead via Chuckwagon Trail | Shuttle users and scenic access | About 5.8 miles | Avoid walking the dusty jeep road when possible; use the signed Chuckwagon route. |
Best Times to Visit and Seasonal Considerations
The best time to hike Devils Bridge is early morning from fall through spring. You get cooler weather, better light, and a better chance at parking. Summer hikes can still work, but you should start near sunrise, carry extra water, and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable hiking weather, but they also bring heavy crowds. Winter can be quiet and beautiful, though ice or snow can make the sandstone steps slick. Summer brings heat, strong sun, and possible afternoon storms. Always check current weather, fire restrictions, and trail alerts before you leave town.
Peak Season Timing
Devils Bridge is one of Sedona’s most popular hikes, so parking fills early during spring, fall, weekends, and holidays. Start before sunrise or use the shuttle when it is operating. Midday is the hardest time to enjoy the trail because parking is limited, the arch line grows, and exposed sandstone feels hotter than the air temperature.
For photos, sunrise gives you the best chance of a shorter wait and softer light. Late afternoon can be pretty, but you need enough time to hike out before dark. Bring a headlamp if your timing is close.
Seasonal Trail Conditions
Spring usually brings mild temperatures and desert blooms. Fall brings crisp air and clear views. Winter can bring cold mornings, icy steps, or light snow on the red rocks. Summer is the riskiest season because Sedona temperatures can exceed 100°F, and exposed sections offer limited shade.
After rain, avoid the rough unpaved FR 152 access road unless you have the right vehicle and current road information. Wet sandstone can also reduce traction on the final climb. If conditions feel unsafe, turn around early and choose a lower-risk Sedona viewpoint instead.
Trail Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation
Devils Bridge is usually rated moderate. The early trail sections are easy to follow, but the final approach is steeper and rockier. You will climb uneven sandstone steps, pass through narrow areas, and stand near exposed ledges if you walk onto the arch.
The official Forest Service listing gives Devil’s Bridge Trail No. 120 a trailhead elevation of 4,605 feet, 371 feet of elevation gain, and a 1.6-mile round trip distance from the official trailhead. If you start from Mescal or Dry Creek Vista, your total distance is longer because you are hiking connector trails to reach the official trail.
Difficulty and Terrain
The first part of the hike is mostly packed dirt, sandy trail, and open red-rock terrain. The final section feels different. Expect stone steps, uneven footing, and short spots where you may use your hands for balance. Hiking shoes with real grip are better than casual sneakers.
The arch itself is wider than it looks in many photos, but the drop is real. Walk only where you feel comfortable, give other hikers space, and never step backward for a photo near an edge.
Distance and Elevation
Use the distance that matches your starting point. From the official high-clearance trailhead, plan for about 1.6 miles round trip. From Mescal Trailhead, plan for about 4.0 miles round trip. From Dry Creek Vista via Chuckwagon Trail, plan for about 5.8 miles round trip.
The elevation gain is not extreme, but the effort comes late. Save energy for the final sandstone staircase, especially if you are hiking with kids, dogs, or anyone nervous around exposure.
How to Get There and Parking Details
From Sedona, head toward Dry Creek Road / FR 152 on the west side of town. The paved road reaches the Dry Creek Vista area. Beyond the paved section, FR 152 becomes rough. The Forest Service states that the unpaved portion requires a high-clearance vehicle and is not recommended during wet weather.
If you drive a standard car, use Mescal Trailhead or Dry Creek Vista Trailhead instead of trying to reach the official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. Follow posted trail signs from those access points. Do not block roads, private driveways, or shuttle stops.
Dry Creek Trailhead and Mescal Trailhead are listed as Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass sites by the Coconino National Forest. Buy a pass at a kiosk where available, online, or through an official visitor center before leaving your vehicle.
The Sedona Shuttle is often the easiest option when parking is full or when shuttle service is required for popular trailheads. Check the current route map and schedule before relying on it.
What to Pack and Recommended Gear
Pack for sun, heat, slick rock, and a longer-than-expected photo stop. There is no dependable water on the trail, and shade is limited. Keep your gear light, but do not skip safety basics.
Bring enough water, grippy shoes, sun protection, and offline navigation. Devils Bridge is short only if your route and conditions match your plan.
- Footwear: Wear trail shoes or hiking shoes with good traction for sandstone steps and loose dirt.
- Water and snacks: Carry at least 2 liters per adult in warm conditions, and more in summer. Add electrolytes if you sweat heavily.
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat. Long sleeves can help in summer.
- Navigation: Download an offline map and keep your phone charged. Cell service can be unreliable.
- Safety items: Pack a small first-aid kit, headlamp, and an extra layer in cooler months.
Safety Tips and Trail Etiquette
Devils Bridge is popular, narrow in places, and exposed near the arch. A safe visit depends on patience as much as fitness. Stay on signed routes, yield where the trail narrows, and keep photo stops short when people are waiting.
Stay on Marked Paths
Stay on marked trails and durable rock surfaces. Cutting switchbacks damages fragile desert soil and widens social paths. Trail signs and worn routes make the hike easy to follow, so there is no reason to create a shortcut.
- Read posted signs before you start, especially at Mescal and Dry Creek Vista.
- Use the official connector trails instead of walking the dusty jeep road when a safer signed trail is available.
- Do not carve, stack rocks, or move natural features for photos.
Yield and Share Trail
When the trail narrows, slow down and communicate. Step aside on stable ground, not on vegetation or loose edges. Uphill hikers usually have the right of way, but common sense matters more on crowded sandstone steps.
At the arch, wait your turn and keep your group ready. Take a few photos, move off the bridge, and let the next person go. Drones, loud music, and long staged shoots can quickly ruin the experience for others.
Carry Water, Sun Protection
Sedona’s dry air can hide how much water you are losing. Sip steadily from the start, not only when you feel thirsty. In summer, start early enough to be off exposed rock before the strongest heat.
- Carry extra water for children and dogs.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after heavy sweating.
- Turn around if someone develops dizziness, confusion, chills, nausea, or a pounding headache.
Photography Locations and Poses on the Arch
The classic Devils Bridge photo is taken from the viewing area facing the arch, with the person standing on top of the span. For a wider frame, step back and include the red-rock walls around the arch. For scale, keep the hiker small in the frame instead of zooming tightly.
Sunrise is best for shorter lines and softer light. Midday light is harsher, but it can still work if you expose for the rocks and avoid blown-out sky. Keep poses simple: stand, walk, sit carefully, or face the view. Do not jump, run, or step backward near the edge.
If people are waiting, choose your pose before you step onto the bridge. One quick photo set is better trail etiquette than a long shoot with multiple outfit changes or props.
Nearby Trails and Places to Combine With Your Hike
You can turn Devils Bridge into a longer red-rock outing by using nearby connector trails or visiting another west Sedona hike after a break. Choose add-ons based on heat, daylight, and your group’s energy.
- Chuckwagon Trail: A useful scenic connector from Dry Creek Vista with rolling terrain and red-rock views.
- Mescal Trail: A good low-clearance access route with open views and a more pleasant approach than walking the jeep road.
- Fay Canyon: A gentler nearby hike that works well after Devils Bridge if your group still has energy.
- Boynton Canyon area: A popular west Sedona option, but parking can also be competitive.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Options
Devils Bridge is not wheelchair-accessible to the arch, and the final sandstone climb is not stroller-friendly. Families can still enjoy the hike by starting early, choosing the shortest realistic route, and turning around at a viewpoint before the final steps if the climb feels too exposed.
For toddlers, use a child carrier instead of a stroller. For older kids, set clear rules before the final climb: no running, no pushing ahead, and no stepping near edges without an adult. Bring snacks, water, and sun protection for every child.
Dogs are typically allowed in most areas of Coconino National Forest, but they must be leashed and controlled. Bring dog water, pack out waste immediately, and reconsider the final arch line if the rock is hot or the trail is crowded.
Leave No Trace Practices and Conservation Notes
Devils Bridge sits in a fragile desert landscape. High visitation can damage soil, plants, and the visitor experience if people leave the trail or treat the arch like a photo prop instead of a natural feature.
- Plan ahead: Choose your route, check alerts, and carry enough water before you start.
- Travel on durable surfaces: Stay on marked trail, slickrock, or established paths.
- Pack out waste: Carry all trash, food scraps, and pet waste back to the trailhead.
- Respect wildlife and other hikers: Keep noise low, leash pets, and avoid blocking the trail.
- Follow current rules: Review Coconino National Forest safety and outdoor ethics guidance before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Devils Bridge Trail?
Devil’s Bridge Trail No. 120 is 1.6 miles round trip from the official high-clearance trailhead. Most hikers start from Mescal Trailhead or Dry Creek Vista, making the hike about 4.0 to 5.8 miles round trip depending on the route.
Is Devils Bridge Trail hard?
Devils Bridge is moderate for most hikers. The distance can be manageable, but the final climb has steep sandstone steps, uneven footing, and exposed edges near the arch.
Where do you park for Devils Bridge?
High-clearance vehicles can use the official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead when the rough road is suitable. Standard cars should use Mescal Trailhead or Dry Creek Vista Trailhead, then follow the signed connector trails.
Do you need a permit or pass for Devils Bridge?
You do not need a hiking permit for a normal day hike, but you usually need a Red Rock Pass or accepted federal pass if you park at signed Coconino National Forest fee trailheads such as Dry Creek or Mescal. Commercial shoots, events, and drone use may have separate rules.
Are Dogs Allowed on Devils Bridge Trail?
Dogs are typically allowed on Coconino National Forest trails, but they must be leashed and controlled. Bring water for your dog, protect paws from hot rock, and pack out all pet waste immediately.
Are Restrooms Available at the Trailhead?
Facilities are limited, and you should not expect water or full-service restrooms on the trail. Use a restroom before you arrive and check current trailhead information for your chosen access point.
Can You Mountain Bike or Use E-Bikes on This Trail?
Do not ride onto the final Devil’s Bridge foot trail or arch approach. Some nearby connector trails are shared-use, but e-bikes follow motorized-use rules, so check posted signs and the current Coconino National Forest trail guidance before riding.
Is There Cell Phone Reception on the Trail?
Cell reception can be spotty around Devils Bridge. Download an offline map, carry a charged phone, and tell someone your route and expected return time before you start.
Conclusion
Devils Bridge is worth the early alarm because the payoff is immediate: red-rock views, a dramatic sandstone arch, and one of Sedona’s most memorable photo spots. Plan the hike around the route you will actually take, not just the short official trail distance.
For most visitors, Mescal Trailhead or the Sedona Shuttle plus Dry Creek Vista access is the most practical choice. Start early, carry water, respect the arch line, and leave the trail in better shape than you found it.
