Devils Bridge Sedona- Most Popular Hike for a Reason
Sedona, Arizona is known for it’s stunning red rock trails, quaint town, “vortexes,” and warm climate. One of my favorite things about hiking in Sedona is how many COOL features there are on the trail. Whether it’s a mountain summit, a watering hole, or a cave, there’s always something to keep you interested. Devils Bridge Sedona is one of those features- a must see!
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Where Is Devils Bridge Sedona?
Fay Canyon Arch is located in West Sedona, about 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the shops and restaurants of “Uptown.” It’s in such a great area- there are many trails in the same area!
Need some caffeine before your hike? HERE are the best coffee shops in Sedona.
Time of the Year to do This Hike
Devils Bridge Sedona is a year-round hike- that’s the beauty of Arizona. The best, most moderate, times to do this hike are September-April. Sedona does actually get cold in the winter, and snows a few times a year. If you’re here during that time, count yourself lucky- it’s beautiful. For the summer season (May-August), be aware that Sedona gets hot (95+). In the summer, I would only do this hike for sunrise or sunset- sunrise is best!
Please be careful when hiking in the summer.
I’ve Created a FREE Summer hiking guide for you!
Wanting to upgrade your hiking gear/outfits? I’ve been working on creating COLORFUL, functional, and minimal weight outfits to maximize my comfort! Download my free guide with links!
Parking & Fees
There are numerous ways to get to devils bridge sedona.
Parking Option 1 (Dry Creek Trailhead)
Dry Creek Trailhead is the better known trailhead/ parking lot for Devils Bridge Sedona. You do need a Red Rock Pass to park here. It is 5$ and can be purchased at locations HERE! The parking is medium sized and almost always full. I always hang my “America the Beautiful” Pass in my windshield- which counts as a Red Rock Pass that many Sedona trailheads require.
Parking Option 2 (Mescal Trailhead)
Mescal Trailhead is an alternative parking lot for Devils Bridge Sedona. After doing this hike many times, I actually like this lot better. You do need a Red Rock Pass to park here as well- see links above. This parking lot doesn’t fill up as much. It is on both sides of the road.
Option 3 (SedoNa Shuttle)
If you don’t want to park, or you drive over and can’t find a spot, you can take The Sedona Shuttle. The shuttle operates Thursday-Sundays, Holidays, and Spring Break to help with the parking situation at popular parking lots. You can still park at these two Devil’s Bridge lots during shuttle hours. Below is the map. You can park at Posse Grounds Park & Ride or West State Road 89A Park & Ride. There is no fee for the shuttle. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle unless they have a muzzle (a rule I do not like- because trails are dog-friendly).
What To Bring to Hike to Devils Bridge Sedona
I have been trying to be minimal, but safe, with what I bring hiking. I don’t want to carry too much extra weight. I like to be fast, and feel light. Also, this hike is short and pretty easy! Let me show you what I bring! I’ll also include my “hiking essentials” locker below!
My Outfit Above
I’m loving the REI x Outdoor Afro Colorful Fleece The color of this fleece is soooooo cute. I’ve been wearing it on repeat. Pants wise, I’m wearing my favorite Paragon Fitness leggings- soft, buttery, and they don’t fall down. I’m wearing my favorite Danner Boots too- an investment but 100% worth it. Also wearing Darn Tough socks- my absolute favorites for hiking. I just wore my Topo Designs Fanny Pack with a small water bottle to hike!
If you’re bringing your adventure doggie, you NEED this Ruffwear Leash– this is the only one I use. I mainly extend the top to my waist so I can be hands-free. It is also bungee which gives your pup some slack.
Devils Bridge Sedona Hike Stats
As I mentioned under the parking section, there are two trails that both have access to Devils Bridge Sedona- via Dry Creek Trailhead and via Mescal Trailhead. We will go over both!
Devils Bridge Via Dry Creek Trailhead
The majority of this trail is on an OHV trail. The photo below is the start of it. Jeep Tours, ATV rentals, and personal cars can travel on this road to the base of Devil’s Bridge, or continue on to other sites. It is annoying to me to walk on the road while vehicles are kicking up dust, plus it’s not scenic. But this is where most people go, and it’s okay! The rock in the photo below is called the gatekeeper rock- because of its height. Many cars try to go over it and bottom out- even taller cars. It’s kept me away, and I drive a Jeep Wrangler.
You’ll hike 0.7 miles until you reach the junction to your right that will lead up to Devil’s Bridge. You may see some cars parked in the area.
Let’s go back to the second trail option, which will also lead to this same point.
Devils Bridge Via Mescal Trailhead
Mescal Trail starts off by crossing a creek, and then very mildly climbing through Sedona’s forest with sweeping views of red rock. This trail is stunning- wayyyy prettier than the Dry Creek Trail to be honest. It’s easy to follow and more quiet. Highly recommend. This trail crosses Dry Creek road and meets up with the other road at 1.2 miles.
Want to Check Out a Few Other Hikes in Area?
This area is full of beautiful hikes.
Best Sunrise Spot: Doe Mountain
Cave Hikes: 6 Caves in Sedona
Soldier’s Pass Trail: An Epic Loop Trail with Multiple Features
“Where Should I Stay When I’m In Sedona?”
I did a 30 hour trip to Sedona when I hiked to Devils Bridge. On Saturday am, we came up and hiked The Birthing Cave along with Fay Canyon. After, we checked into the MOST STUNNING INN I’ve ever seen. (not sponsored). A cute couple made it in 2003 and it is mission style, and so cozy. Only 12 rooms, and right in the Arts & Crafts Village in the middle of everything. You NEED TO STAY. Sunday morning at sunrise we hiked Devil’s Bridge.
Devil’s Bridge- The Final Climb
After the trail junction, you’ll start climbing up. For people who haven’t hiked, it can definitely raise the heartrate quite a bit! This part of the trail is beautiful- up against the mountains. They carved steps ou of the red rock that make it easier to climb at the end. Take in the views! When you climb the fully rock steps, you’re almost there!
CONTINUE READING: 2-Day Sedona Itinerary
This hike was part of a 2 day trip to Sedona from Phoenix. I created a post as well as a savable PDF for you- check it out HERE.
The reason I suggest hiking at Sunrise and Sunset are the CROWDS. The photo below is at sunrise- and there’s still a decent amount of people there. I would have liked to go even earlier. I’ve been in the afternoon and mid-day and I’ve seen lines of 50+ people to go walk out and take a photo- and you know everyone needs 10000+ pictures.
The reason it is so popular is because it is BEAUTIFUL. It is worth it to see at least once. I’ve been blessed to see it three times already. Budget about 3 hours for this hike.
NEED SOMEWHERE TO CAMP??
I’ve created a FORTY PAGE GUIDE outlining all the best free and paid campsites in Northern Arizona, including Sedona.
It can be hard to spend hours researching campsites, trying to figure out were they’re located, what they look like, the price, and the amenities. With my guide, those days are over! I give you everything you need to know, with links to my Google Maps AND it’s in a PDF so you can access it any time!
Devil’s Bridge- A Secret Side Trail
I bet you didn’t know you can see the UNDERSIDE of Devil’s Bridge as well. Everyone goes on top of it, but you can go under it, too! Right before you go up the rock steps in the photo below, there will be a small trail to our left. It’s only a hundred steps or so until you’re looking up a the bridge. It’s a 5 minute detour. Definitely take a look!
Devil’s Bridge Sedona- A Summary
Devil’s Bridge is beautiful. My suggestion as someone who has been to Sedona 25+ times is to GO AT SUNRISE (like be at the bridge at sunrise), avoid hot summer days, and do the Mescal trail instead of Dry Creek Trail. I hope you enjoy!!
