Devils Bridge: How to Beat the Crowds on Sedona’s Most Popular Hike
Social media made Devils Bridge famous. Photographs of people standing on the natural sandstone arch spread across Instagram and TikTok. Visitors from around the world now flock to Sedona to get their own photo on the bridge. For better or worse, this is now the most popular hike in the area.
The good news is that the hike is genuinely worth doing. The bridge is impressive. The views are classic Sedona. And with some planning, the crowds can be avoided. This guide covers multiple ways to reach Devils Bridge, along with tips for finding solitude on a busy trail.
Trail Overview
The standard route to Devils Bridge runs about four miles round trip. The trail remains relatively flat for most of the distance. Only the final section involves any significant incline. The views along the way include red rock mountains, juniper forests, and wide open desert landscapes.
A lesser-known side trail leads to a view of the bridge from underneath. This spot sees very few visitors. It offers a completely different perspective of the arch without the long lines.
Tip One: Start Early
The most popular parking area for Devils Bridge is the Dry Creek Trailhead. This lot fills extremely quickly. Footage from 7:00 a.m. on a midweek day in June shows the lot already two-thirds full. By 8:00 a.m., it is completely full.
Starting early solves multiple problems. Parking is available. The temperatures are cooler. The crowds are thinner. The line for photos on the bridge is shorter.
For those hiking in summer, an early start is not just recommended. It is essential. Temperatures in Sedona often exceed 90 degrees by late morning. The trail has limited shade. Heat exhaustion is a real risk.
Parking and Passes
Both trailheads mentioned in this guide require either an America the Beautiful annual pass or a Red Rock Pass. Kiosks at the lots sell Red Rock Passes. The pass must be displayed on the dashboard.
Parking on streets near the trailheads is not allowed. Cars parked illegally risk tickets and towing. The designated lots exist for a reason. Using them is the only legal option.
The Sedona Shuttle
For those who miss out on parking or prefer not to drive to the trailhead, the Sedona shuttle provides an excellent alternative. The shuttle runs Thursdays through Sundays from park-and-ride lots located on the outskirts of town. Riders take the shuttle directly to the Dry Creek Trailhead.
The shuttle reduces congestion at the trailhead and eliminates the stress of finding parking. It is free to use. Schedules and park-and-ride addresses are available through the city’s website.
The 4×4 Shortcut
The main trail from Dry Creek is actually a one-mile vehicle road. High-clearance 4×4 vehicles can drive this road. Cars with low clearance should not attempt it. The road is rough, with rocks and deep ruts.
Drivers who make it to the end find a small parking lot for 4×4 vehicles. From this lot, the hike to Devils Bridge is only two miles round trip. This cuts the standard four-mile hike in half.
Everyone else simply walks the vehicle road. This adds a mile each way but remains easy and flat.
The Chuck Wagon Alternative
The Chuck Wagon Trail also starts from the Dry Creek main lot. This route turns the hike into about six miles round trip. Most visitors skip this option because of the extra distance. However, those seeking solitude might prefer it. Longer trails see fewer hikers.
Tip Two: Use the Mescal Trailhead
The best way to avoid crowds is to start from a different trailhead. The Mescal Trail sits just down the road from Dry Creek. Two parking lots serve this trailhead. One is narrow and located right along the road. The other is brand new, much larger, and includes bathrooms and a shuttle stop.
On a weekday morning at 7:15 a.m., the larger lot was almost completely empty. Compare this to the Dry Creek lot, which was two-thirds full at the same time. The difference is significant.
The Mescal Trail connects to the Chuck Wagon Trail, which leads directly to Devils Bridge. Signs mark the direction to Devils Bridge throughout the route. At four miles round trip, this option is the same length as starting from Dry Creek. But the views are more scenic, and the trail is noticeably less busy.
Hiking the Mescal Route
The Mescal Trail begins relatively flat. The first quarter mile passes through thicker forest. A couple of small spur trails branch off the main route. Sticking to the main, wide trail prevents getting lost. Downloading a map to a phone provides backup navigation.
The Mescal Trail eventually becomes the Chuck Wagon Trail. Signs continue pointing toward Devils Bridge. The trail opens up, offering great views of the surrounding red rock mountains.
The route passes through a short wash where the trail flattens again. Eventually, hikers emerge onto the 4×4 vehicle road. Directly across the road sits the 4×4 parking lot. This is the official start of the Devils Bridge Trail.
The Final Mile to the Bridge
From the 4×4 lot, Devils Bridge is one mile away. The trail climbs gradually for most of this section. The path is well marked. Looking to the left, the bridge itself becomes visible in the distance.
The first set of stone stairs appears about halfway along this section. The stairs are not difficult. Past the stairs, the trail loops up and to the right.
The Side Trail to the Underside View
Before tackling the second staircase, hikers should notice a spur trail leading off to the left. This unmarked side trail is easy to miss. It is worth finding.
The spur trail is not well maintained, but it remains easy to follow. Within about five minutes of hiking, it emerges at a view of the underside of Devils Bridge. This perspective is completely different from the main viewpoint. Very few visitors make the short detour. Most of the time, this spot has no other hikers at all.
For photographers, this side trail offers unique angles not possible from above. For those tired of crowds, it provides a quiet moment away from the bustle.
The Final Climb
The second set of stone stairs is steeper than the first. This section requires a bit of scrambling. Handholds on the rock help with balance. Sturdy footwear is essential here.
Beyond the stairs, the trail enters its final stretch. The sound of voices carries through the forest. The trees clear, and Devils Bridge comes into full view.
The Bridge Itself
Devils Bridge is a natural sandstone arch spanning across a gap. The formation is large enough that multiple people can stand on top at once. The drop on either side is significant but not vertical. Most visitors carefully walk to the center of the bridge for their photograph.
The line for photos can be long. On busy days, waits of 30 minutes or more are common. Starting early in the morning reduces this wait. On a 7:00 a.m. arrival, the line might be only a few people. By 10:00 a.m., it could be dozens.
Those who do not want their photo taken can simply enjoy the view. The bridge offers one of the more scenic spots in Sedona, crowds aside. The red rock mountains stretch in every direction. The sky seems enormous overhead.
Tip Three: Visit in Off-Season
Early spring, late fall, and winter are the best times to visit Sedona. Daytime temperatures are mild. Crowds are smaller than in summer and fall. The light is softer for photography.
Winter brings the smallest crowds. Some days, the trail feels almost empty. The trade-off is colder temperatures, especially in the morning. Snow is rare but possible.
Late spring and early fall offer a balance. Temperatures are comfortable. The crowds are present but not overwhelming. Weekdays are always better than weekends.
Tip Four: Hike on Weekdays
Weekends in Sedona are busy. Local residents and tourists from Phoenix and Flagstaff fill the trails. Parking lots fill earlier. Lines at popular spots grow longer.
Hiking on a weekday, especially Monday through Wednesday, makes a significant difference. The footage in this guide was shot on a weekday in mid-June. The Dry Creek lot was two-thirds full at 7:00 a.m. On a weekend, that same lot would have been full before 6:30 a.m.
What to Bring
Water is essential. The desert air is dry. The trail has limited shade. Dehydration happens quickly. At least one liter of water per person is recommended for this four-mile hike.
Sunscreen and a hat protect against the sun. The trail is exposed for most of its length. Sunburn can occur even on cool or cloudy days.
Hiking boots with good grip are strongly recommended. The final staircase and the scramble require secure footing. The side trail to the underside of the bridge is uneven and rocky.
A camera is essential for capturing the bridge. A wide-angle lens works well for landscape shots. A telephoto lens can capture details from a distance.
Safety Considerations
Standing on Devils Bridge carries some risk. The rock surface is sandstone, which can be slippery. The drop on either side is real. Visitors should move carefully and avoid the edges.
The side trail to the underside of the bridge is not maintained. Footing can be unstable. Hikers using this trail should take extra care.
Cell phone service in the area is generally good, but not guaranteed. Telling someone the planned route and expected return time is wise.
Conclusion
Devils Bridge deserves its popularity. The natural arch is impressive. The views are classic Sedona. The hike is accessible to most visitors with reasonable fitness.
The crowds are real. But they can be managed. Starting early makes the biggest difference. Using the Mescal Trailhead instead of Dry Creek helps even more. Visiting in off-season or on weekdays reduces the number of people on the trail.
The side trail to the underside of the bridge offers a quiet alternative to the main viewpoint. The perspective is unique. The solitude is welcome.
Sedona has many beautiful hikes. Devils Bridge is the most famous for a reason. With a little planning, it can be enjoyed without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. The bridge will still be there. The views will still be stunning. And the photo on the arch will still be worth waiting for.