Devil's Bridge Trailhead

Devil's Bridge is the red-rock arch you've seen on every Sedona postcard, and the hike to it has become one of the most popular trails in the region — 4.8 stars from 3,440-plus reviews on Google. The Forest Service rates the round trip at about 1.8 miles, but the number that matters more is where you start: the actual Devil's Bridge Trailhead is reachable only by high-clearance, off-road vehicles, so nearly everyone hikes in from Dry Creek Vista or Mescal Trailhead instead, which stretches most people's total mileage closer to 4-5 miles round trip.

What to expect

The first stretch is an easy, gently uphill walk through classic Sedona terrain — junipers, red dirt, and long views of the surrounding buttes. The final approach to the bridge is the part that surprises people: a rock scramble that uses both hands and feet, steep enough that reviewers flag it as more moderate than the "easy" label suggests. Once you're up top, you can walk out onto the arch itself for one of Sedona's signature photos.

Good to know

• Distance: ~1.8 miles from the trailhead itself; 4-5 miles round trip from the common starting points
• Difficulty: easy approach, moderate scramble near the arch — not ideal for young kids or beginners
• Crowds: arrive early; parking and the bridge itself get busy fast, especially weekends and holidays
• Dogs: allowed on leash, but bring water for them too
• Facilities: pit toilets at the main trailheads, no running water

Heat is the real hazard here — reviewers describe triple-digit afternoons and even a dust storm mid-hike — so plan for full sun exposure and pack more water than feels necessary. Go early, wear real hiking shoes for the scramble, and you'll come away with the shot everyone's after.