Devil's Bridge is a 50-foot-long natural sandstone arch on the west side of Sedona. The photo — a single hiker silhouetted on top of the bridge — is so widely Instagrammed that it has its own line at the photo spot, with strangers politely taking turns. The reward is real; the logistics are confusing because there are three different ways to get to the bridge and each has trade-offs.
The three trail options
Option 1: From Dry Creek Vista Trailhead (4 mi round trip, 400 ft gain). This is the official route and the one most hikers do. Mostly flat road walking for the first 1.3 miles, then a 0.7-mile trail with a steep final scramble. Option 2: From Mescal Trailhead (6 mi round trip, 600 ft gain). Longer, prettier, less crowded. Joins the official trail in the middle. Option 3: From the 4WD trailhead at the end of Dry Creek Road (2 mi round trip). Only doable in a high-clearance vehicle, then a short hike to the bridge.
Which option to pick
Average visitor in a rental sedan: take Option 1 from Dry Creek Vista. The shuttle now serves this trailhead too. Strong hiker who wants the scenery: take Option 2 from Mescal. Anyone in a Jeep, Bronco, or full-size SUV with clearance: take Option 3 and skip 3 miles of road walking. Do NOT attempt the 4WD road in a regular sedan — you will see plenty of stranded ones at the bottom.
The bridge photo (and the line)
On a peak weekend morning, the line for the photo spot is 20–40 minutes. Hikers self-organize: one person walks out, poses, comes back; next person up. Be polite, be quick, and have your shot framed before it's your turn. You do not walk across the entire bridge for the photo — you stand on the wide near end and the photographer crouches low to capture the arc.
Timing to beat the crowd
Start hiking from Dry Creek Vista by 7 AM and you'll have the bridge nearly to yourself for 30 minutes. By 9 AM there's a steady line. By 11 AM it's full daylight, the light is harsh, and the line is at its longest. Late afternoon (4–5 PM in winter, 5–6 PM in summer) is the second-best window — light is softer and the morning rush is gone.
- 7 AM start = nearly empty
- 9 AM = steady line forming
- 11 AM–2 PM = peak crowds, harsh light
- 4–5 PM = soft light, smaller crowds
Safety notes (please read)
The drop on either side of the bridge is fatal. There are no railings. The rock is grippy when dry but slick when wet — don't go in or right after rain. Don't pose with your back to the edge, don't sit on the edge for a 'cool' photo, and don't take a selfie facing away from the drop. Sedona Fire pulls people off Devil's Bridge regularly and the rescues that don't succeed make the local news. The photo is not worth dying for.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Devil's Bridge hike?
4 miles round trip from Dry Creek Vista, 6 miles from Mescal, or 2 miles from the 4WD trailhead. Plan 2–3 hours total.
Is Devil's Bridge safe to walk on?
The bridge is solid sandstone, but there are no railings and the drops are fatal. Stay back from the edges and don't go in wet conditions.
Do you need a permit for Devil's Bridge?
A Red Rock Pass ($5/day) is required at the trailhead parking. No special permit needed for the bridge itself.
