Devil’s Bridge: Arizona’s Wickedly Beautiful Arch
Sedona is home to some of the most breathtaking red rock formations on the planet. Devil’s Bridge—which appears to the untrained eye as a delicate arch which could easily crumble—is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Western United States. In April and May, visitors will sometimes wait for over an hour to have their pictures taken standing atop the narrow natural rock bridge which is thankfully much sturdier than it appears.
Devil’s Bridge offers a spectacular view of Sedona’s red rock mountains, hearty desert plants, and rusty colors. Visitors standing in the center of Devil’s Bridge can get a sense of the true majesty of the Western United States. Even visitors who are wary of standing on a slim red rock arch far above the ground can admire the beauty of Devil’s Bridge from a safe distance.
There are a few different ways to reach Devil’s Bridge. Since Devil’s Bridge is so popular, parking can be a slight challenge. There is a roomy parking lot near the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead, and numerous overflow parking spots along nearby roads. Hikers can follow the Mescal or Chuck Wagon Trail to the Devil’s Bridge Trail. Virtually all of the trails are accessible to hikers of all ability levels. It is vitally important to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Dusty desert trails can easily camouflage slick rocks that can result in injury if you’re wearing shoes without proper traction.
If you have never visited the desert, Devil’s Bridge is the ideal spot to bask in the beauty of an arid landscape. The sound of the wind gently blowing, the smell of rock and pine, and the bright blue Western sky overhead are things one must experience in order to fully appreciate. Devil’s Bridge offers one of the most celebrated vantage points in the West.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Devils Bridge natural arch, Coconino National Forest, near Sedona, Arizona, USA
- Coordinates
- 34.89766, -111.80771
- Access
- The City of Sedona’s free Route 11 shuttle serves Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailheads from the West SR 89A Park & Ride Thursday–Sunday, normally 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; no shuttle reservation is needed. The official route guide lists 3.9 miles round-trip via rough FR 152 or 5.7 miles via Chuckwagon from Dry Creek Vista, and 4 miles from Mescal. The arch is reached by hiking, not by driving to the marker. Check current fire, heat and trail closures; parts of the route have little shade and no cell service.
- Admission
- There is no ticket to hike to the arch. The Sedona Shuttle is free. If driving and parking at a designated Red Rock fee site such as Mescal or Dry Creek, the current pass is US$5 daily, US$15 weekly or US$20 annual; check posted site rules and pass eligibility before parking.
- Time needed
- The Sedona Shuttle safety guide estimates about two hours for the shorter Mescal or FR 152 route and about three hours for the longer Chuckwagon route from Dry Creek Vista. These are hiking estimates; add time for heat, breaks, queues and photos.
- Best season
- No public authority names a single best season. Sedona Shuttle warns the route is exposed, with little shade and heat-related rescue risk; cooler conditions are safer for hiking. Check the forecast, fire restrictions and current trail status before setting out.
- Opening hours
- The Forest Service does not publish separate daily gate hours for this trail. Trail access is subject to temporary closures. The Sedona Shuttle Route 11 normally runs Thursday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; check the live route calendar and current Forest Service alerts.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-23
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-02
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Suggest an edit
No account needed. Your update goes to the editor for review.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
