Hiking Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona, Arizona
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Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the area. This natural sandstone arch offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding red rock landscape. This hike is very popular, and it is suggested you arrive early to find a parking space. Kids can do this hike as well. Our then 6-year-old did this hike and had no problems.
Parking: limited parking and it fills up fast. We arrived around 7:00am and found one of the last parking spaces. If the parking lot is full, you can park down the road which will add miles to your hiking distance.
Address: 9908 Vultee Arch, Sedona, Arizona (parking lot address)
Cost: FREE
Hiking time: This hike will take an average of 2 - 3 hours.
Restrooms: There are restrooms in the parking lot for convenience.
Hiking distance: There are three different paths to take. From the parking lot you can hike the 3.6-mile (easy) or 4.0-mile hike (difficult). The third trail starts at a different location, Mescal Trailhead which is a 4-minute drive from this location. See the hike to Devil’s Bridge map below. (2022 map)
For reference we took route 1, the 3.6-mile round trip hike.
To take the shorter route you will either start on the Vultee Arch Trail or Chuckwagon Trail. I would start on the Chuckwagon Trail as the Vultee Arch Trail is a road.
If you start on the Chuckwagon Trail, you will cross over to the Vultee Arch Trail on the right about 900 feet from the start of the trail.
Follow the Vultee Arch Trail (Which is a road) until it crosses the Devil’s Bridge trail. (Look for the sign) IF YOU HAVE A 4X4 VEHICLE OR ATV, NEEDED DUE TO SANDY AND VERY ROCKY ROAD CONDITIONS, YOU CAN DRIVE TO THE START OF DEVIL’S BRIDGE TRAIL AND CONTINUE YOUR HIKE FROM THAT POINT. THERE IS A VERY SMALL PARKING AREA AT THE START OF THIS TRAIL. From here it is a 2-mile hike.
Turn right onto the Devil’s Bridge Trail
Continue on this trail for a while, once you begin to climb the rocks to continue on the trial, you are getting closer to the bridge.
Devil’s Bridge hiking path
Route 1 is described as easy, and I would agree. There are not very many inclines until you get to the end. The closer you get to Devil’s Bridge, the steeper and rockier it gets. The last part of the hike will require you to climb a steep set of carved rocks to reach the bridge. You will gain about 400 feet elevation mostly toward the end of the hike.
I wore my Teva sandals the entire hike and didn’t have any problem except my feet were completely dirty from the red rock sediment which was to be expected.
As you are walking the path, you will come across a road that you will travel on for a bit, beware of UTV and Jeeps traveling along this path also.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water especially if you come in the summer when it is hot. We used a backpack to carry our water and snacks in. If you take a water bladder, the water will get warm if it is hot out, so I also carried a backpack with my Hydrapeak water bottle (which I absolutely love, and it always keeps my drinks cold). We did this hike in June and by the time we got back to our van it was 113 degrees so come prepared with water!
Always stay on the path to avoid damaging the desert environment.
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is a large natural arch that forms a bridge like structure. This is such a popular spot that it is likely you will have to wait 30 minutes or more to walk on the bridge due to the line of people also waiting to walk the bridge. If you go really early in the morning you might not have to wait as long. I think we waited for almost an hour to walk on the bridge. Others waiting in line will most likely be willing to take your picture while they wait.
The bridge is wide enough to walk on without concern but there is a significant drop on each side, so be very careful especially with younger kids!!
Travel by a guided jeep through Sedona to Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and Apache’s Seven Pools. Prices start at $299 for two people.
Devil’s Bridge is such an amazing experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Be prepared for a climb toward the end prior to reaching the bridge but the reward of this spectacular view will be worth the climb!
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. (pic: Louisville, Kentucky)
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