Hike Devil's Bridge Sedona

4 miles - Easy Effort
2-3 Hours (Total)
Can Get Very Busy
550 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 4,970 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Ranked as one of the best hikes in the USA, Devil's Bridge in Sedona is a must-do. The trail can be crowded, but I'll also show you a more pleasant route that's easier to park at. Devil's Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, is doable by most folks, with only some steep stairs at the end. Here's how to do it.

In this Guide:

No Hassle Parking Location
Easy Hike Directions
Insider Tips

Quick Links:
Parking Shuttle - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My May 2024 Gear

Where is Devil's Bridge?

Hike Devils Bridge Sedona Location 2 — The hike starts about 15 minutes outside of downtown Sedona.

There are two main trailheads for Devil's Bridge: Dry Creek and Mescal. The hikes are about the same distance, but Mescal has advantages over Dry Creek. The Mescal Trailhead parking lot has about double the spaces of Dry Creek. Perhaps more importantly, for a pleasant hike, Dry Creek follows a dirt road halfway to Devil's Bridge, open to vehicles. On the other hand, the first half of the Mescal route is on a regular trail with no vehicles and offers some incredible views along the way.

Use this trailhead address:
Mescal Trailhead Car Park, Long Canyon Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336

Hike Devils Bridge Sedona Parking Map — There's a decent amount of parking spots, and the lot has bathrooms. The hike starts at the red dot across the road.

Hike Devils Bridge Sedona Shuttle — There's also a shuttle bus service to the trailhead from downtown Sedona. Check the website for the schedule.

Gear Recommendations

While many hikers complete this trail in regular street clothes, I strongly recommend wearing fitness attire or light hiking gear for optimal comfort and safety.
The most crucial item is a pair of comfortable shoes, such as trail runners, essential for happy feet.
The high desert of Sedona has extreme temperatures. It can be over 100F in the summer, and in the winter, it can be below freezing. Bring at least 0.5L of water with you and sun protection.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can also send non-emergency texts to just say that you're late, let friends and family follow along, and check the weather. You can see my review here.

Topo MTN Racer 3The wide toe box means no blisters, an aggressive tread is great on the trail, and it has lots of cushion for long days. It combines everything I love about every other shoe into one. The downside is the insole, replace it with a Superfeet Hike Support insole.

Garmin Epix ProThese watches are pricey, but I use them 24/7 for sleep tracking, workouts, heart rate, and tracking my hike. It has preloaded hiking maps that help me navigate the trails and is a backup to my smartphone navigation. The Epix Pro has a great battery life, a screen similar to an Apple Watch Ultra, and works in harsh conditions when just using the buttons. See my review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26This updated version of the Hikelite 26 offers incredible value for the money. It's got a wide trampoline back, so your back doesn't get sweaty. It's under 2lbs, has deep side pockets, and is a great balance of what you need without what you don't.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated May 2024)

Devil's Bridge Trail Maps

Hike Devils Bridge Sedona Trail Sign — There are lots of trail sings with an arrow to Devil's Bridge along the way. And you can always follow the crowds.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Hike Devils Bridge Sedona Map — The hike is an out and back, 2 miles there and 2 miles back. It's flat with little rolling hills until the last half mile, when it starts going uphill sharply.

Devil's Bridge Hike Directions

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 2 — Start down the trail at the Mescal Trailhead.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 3 — After about 0.25 miles, make the left onto the Chuck Wagon Trail.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 4 — The trail is easy to follow.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 5 — When you see these rock cairns with signs, follow the signs to Devil's Bridge. This one, after the stream in the last image, is to the left.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 6 — After about 1.1. miles, make the right.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 1 — Shortly after that you'll come to Dry Creek Road. Cross the road into the parking lot.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 7 — The Devil's Bridge Trail starts at the end of the parking lot.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 8 — At first the trail is flat.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 9 — And then starts climbing. Follow the rock cairns.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 10 — The trail gets steep gradually with some breathers.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 11 — You'll cross into the Wilderness Area. What's a Wilderness Area?

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 12 — Climb up the stairs and steep sections. Take your time, this is the steepest part.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 13 — At around 2 miles you'll reach Devil's Bridge.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 14 — There's usually a line to get out for a picture. Find some other hikers to trade camera duties.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 15 — The bridge is much wider than it looks from the side. But it still requires care.

Devils Bridge Sedona Directions 16 — Grab your picture, then return the same way you came.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.