Somewhere in the red rock country outside Sedona sits a slab of sandstone that looks like it was placed there on purpose, a natural span wide enough to walk across with nothing but air and juniper trees below. That’s Devil’s Bridge, and it happens to be the largest natural sandstone arch in the entire Sedona area, carved out over millions of years by wind, water, and the slow patience of geology working on the Schnebly Hill Formation.
The trail leading to it has become one of the most talked-about hikes in Arizona, and for good reason. You get a legitimate red rock adventure, a scramble at the end that makes the payoff feel earned, and a photo opportunity that genuinely lives up to the hype once you’re standing on top of the arch looking out over the valley.
What Makes This Hike Worth The Effort
The full round trip clocks in around 4.2 miles depending on which trailhead you start from, with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain spread across mostly moderate terrain. The first stretch is relatively flat and shaded by pine and juniper, which lulls a lot of people into thinking the whole thing will be easy before the trail starts climbing toward the base of the arch.
The last push to the top involves a short rock scramble with some rebar-assisted steps built into the stone. It’s not technical climbing by any stretch, but it’s steep enough to get your heart rate up and dramatic enough to make you feel like you earned the view. Once you’re up there, the arch itself spans roughly 54 feet across and rises about 25 feet, wide enough to comfortably walk across while red rock formations and distant mesas stretch out in every direction.
Sunrise and early morning are consistently the best times to attempt this one, both for the lighting on the rock and for beating the crowds that build up fast once the day gets going. Because this is one of the most photographed spots in Sedona, expect a line to form for that classic shot of someone standing at the edge of the bridge, especially midday and on weekends.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Parking is genuinely the trickiest part of this whole experience. The closest option, the Dry Creek Trailhead, sits at the end of a rough dirt road (Forest Road 152) that’s often bumpy enough to warrant a truck or SUV with decent clearance, and the lot there is small with strictly enforced rules against parking outside the marked stalls.
Most visitors instead park at the paved Dry Creek Vista lot or the Mescal Trailhead, both of which have more space, and then walk the extra distance in through the pine forest to reach the main trail. Sedona also runs a free shuttle from downtown out to both the Mescal and Dry Creek Vista trailheads, which sidesteps the parking headache entirely and is worth considering if you’re visiting during a busy stretch.
Atmosphere & Scenery
This is an entirely outdoor, high-desert experience, so expect exposed sun for long stretches once you clear the tree cover. The terrain shifts from shaded forest floor to open slickrock as you climb, with the deep red and orange tones of the Coconino sandstone getting more vivid the higher you go.
The final overlook area opens up into a wide, airy space with sweeping views across the Dry Creek basin toward the surrounding red rock buttes. There’s no built infrastructure up top, no railings, no gift shop, just raw rock and open sky, which is exactly the draw for most people making the trip.
Other Considerations
Do I need a permit or pass to park? Yes, the trailheads sit within Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District, and a Red Rock Pass is required for parking at the designated lots, so plan to pick one up in advance or at a self-pay station.
Is this hike okay for kids or beginners? The trail itself is manageable for most reasonably fit hikers, but the scramble and exposed edges near the top mean younger kids or anyone uneasy with heights should approach that final section carefully.
What should I bring? Plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear are essential since there’s little shade on the upper portion and the rock scramble requires good traction.
When’s the best time to go? Early morning is the clear favorite, both for cooler temperatures and for having a shot at the arch without a crowd waiting behind you for photos.
Devil’s Bridge Trail
📍 Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/devils-bridge-trail-no-120
