Devil’s Bridge Trail Guide (Sedona): Everything You Need to Know

Devil’s Bridge is the most famous photo hike in Sedona — and it’s also one of the easiest ways to accidentally spend your morning circling a parking area questioning your life choices.

This guide is the practical, local-style version: what to expect, best route options, parking strategy, crowd timing, and tips for getting the photo without being “that group.”

Night hiking at Sedona's famous Devil's Bridge may be the one time of day where there is no line.

DEVIL’S BRIDGE HIKE — QUICK FACTS Location: Sedona, Arizona Difficulty: Moderate (mostly due to crowding + a short rocky climb near the end) Trail type: Out-and-back Best time to start: Sunrise / early morning (best light + fewer people) Best season: Fall + spring (comfortable temps) Good for: First-timers, couples, iconic photo Not ideal for: People who hate crowds or steep step-ups on rock Bathroom: Yes, there is a bathroom at the overflow parking areas (Dry Creek Road and Mescal) but there is no bathroom at Devil's Bridge trailhead

Why Devil’s Bridge is worth it (and why it gets chaotic)

• The payoff is real: the bridge is iconic and the views are big.

• It’s popular because it’s doable for most fitness levels and it photographs well.

• The bottleneck is the bridge itself — most people want the same photo, from the same angle, at the same time.

Local mindset: treat Devil’s Bridge like a “sunrise mission,” not a casual noon stroll.

A sunrise mission at Devil's Bridge is much quieter than a mid-day hike.

Devil’s Bridge distances by starting point (round trip)

Start point	Route you take	Approx. distance (RT)
Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (4x4/high-clearance parking at the “upper” lot)	Direct on Devil’s Bridge Trail	~1.8–2.0 miles
Mescal Trailhead (Long Canyon Rd; common shuttle drop-off)	Mescal → Chuckwagon → Devil’s Bridge Trail	~3.9–4.0 miles
Dry Creek Vista / “lower” paved parking (end of pavement on Dry Creek Rd)	Walk the dirt road (FR 152) to Devil’s Bridge Trail → bridge	~4.2 miles
Dry Creek Vista / “lower” paved parking	Chuckwagon Trail (more scenic) → Devil’s Bridge Trail → bridge	~5.7–5.8 miles

Best time to hike Devil’s Bridge (avoid crowds)

If you want the bridge without the line:

• Best: Start at sunrise (or even just before).

• Better: Weekdays > weekends.

• Avoid: Late morning through mid-afternoon on weekends/holidays.

Insider tip: If you roll up and it’s already packed, don’t force it. Do a different hike that morning and come back another day early.

Walking across Devil's Bridge at sunset after waiting in line for around 20 minutes

What the hike is like (so you’re not surprised)

Expect a well-traveled path with desert scenery, red rock views, and a steady flow of other hikers—especially near the end.

The initial push

If you are starting from one of the parking lots (not at the 4x4 trailhead), expect:

• hiking on a dirt road (move off the road for jeeps and ORVs)

• little to no shade

• flat and easy but miserable on hot days

The final climb

Near the bridge, there’s a short rocky climb/step-up section. It’s not technical, but:

• it can feel steep for some people,

• it can get slippery after rain,

• and it’s slower when crowded.

Tip: take your time, keep space, and let faster groups pass where safe.

How to get the Devil’s Bridge photo (without being annoying)

Yes, there can be a line. Here’s how to keep it respectful:

• If there’s a line, take one quick set of photos, then step aside.

• Keep your group small on the bridge.

• Don’t do outfit changes or long tripod productions if people are waiting.

• If you’re scared of heights, you can still get great photos near the bridge without walking all the way out.

Insider tip: The best lighting is often early morning (soft shadows, less harsh contrast).

What to bring (Sedona-specific)

• Water (more than you think)

• Shoes with grip (slick rock is real)

• Layer for early starts (it’s colder than it looks)

• Snack (hangry is not a trail personality)

• Phone charger if you’re using maps and taking photos nonstop

A viewpoint near Devil's Bridge in Sedona, Arizona

Safety + etiquette (quick but important)

• Stay on trail (Sedona’s landscape is fragile)

• Don’t climb off-route to “create your own viewpoint”

• Watch weather (especially wind/monsoon season)

• Respect other hikers — everyone’s here for the same reason

• Do not stack rocks or create cairns on the side of the trail; this causes confusion for hikers and destroys the natural ecosystem

• Drones are not allowed to take off or land at Devil's Bridge; please leave your drone at home

If you want alternatives (same wow, less chaos)

If Devil’s Bridge is packed, here are “Plan B” options that still deliver views:

• An easy views-per-minute hike (quick payoff)

• A moderate trail with more breathing room

• A scenic drive + viewpoint day when hiking feels too crowded

FAQ

Is Devil’s Bridge hard? For most people, it’s moderate. The toughest parts are the final rocky climb and the crowds.

How early should I go? If you want a calm experience: sunrise. If you want the iconic photo without waiting: even earlier.

Is Devil’s Bridge worth it? Yes — if you go early or midweek. If you hate crowds, choose a different hike and you’ll still have an incredible Sedona trip.