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 Route 11 serves Dry Creek Vista and Mescal from the West SR 89A Park & Ride, Thursday–Sunday, normally 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; no reservation is needed. The official hiking guide lists round trips to the arch of 3.9 miles via FR 152 or 5.7 miles via Chuckwagon from Dry Creek Vista, and 4 miles from Mescal. FR 152 is very rugged; use the shuttle or a suitable route and check current trail/fire conditions.
- Admission
- There is no Devil’s Bridge entrance ticket. The city shuttle and park-and-ride are free, and shuttle riders do not need a Red Rock Pass at the trailhead. If driving and parking at the Mescal Trailhead, Visit Sedona lists it as a fee site; current pass prices are $5 daily, $15 weekly or $20 annually.
- Time needed
- Sedona Shuttle’s current hiking guide lists 3.9- and 5.7-mile round trips from Dry Creek Vista and a 4-mile round trip from Mescal. Its linked safety guidance estimates about 2 hours for the shorter Dry Creek route and the Mescal route, and about 3 hours for the longer loop; add time for heat, breaks and photo queues.
- Best season
- No official source names one best hiking season. The shuttle’s trailhead routes run year-round on their normal Thursday–Sunday schedule, with extra service on selected holidays. Bring water and sun protection, check heat, storm, snow and fire conditions, and verify the live shuttle calendar before setting out.
- Opening hours
- The Forest Service does not publish a general daily opening schedule for the trail. The Sedona Shuttle’s Route 11 to Dry Creek Vista and Mescal normally runs Thursday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with supplemental service dates; check its live calendar. The City reported Route 11 resumed July 31, 2026 after the Pocket Fire closure.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-15
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-17
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