Devil's Bridge Trail - Sedona, Arizona

Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. It's also the perfect trail for people who aren't seasoned hikers.

My husband, 8 year old daughter, and myself all agree this was our favorite part of our family trip around Arizona. We were in Sedona in May 2010 and had time for one day-hike. We saw a few photos and read a few reviews and Devil's Bridge Trail was the one we decided on.

The hike is nice and easy most of the way up, it only got a bit difficult near the top, and I later read that there was an easier path had we gone right instead of left. But we really loved the challenge. I'm not a hiker. At All. If I can do it you can too. You do need to be in decent shape, and if you want to make it all the way up you should not be afraid of heights.

Devi's Bridge trail is 1.8 miles roundtrip with a 400 foot change in altitude and amazing views all around.

From Downtown Sedona, head southwest on US 89A S.

Turn right at Dry Creek Road.

Drive for 2 miles.

At the fork bear to the right on Vultee Arch FR152 leaving the paved road.

• Note: You will see a self serve machine for you to purchase a Day Pass for $5. If you don't have cash on you you'll be happy to know that credit cards are accepted. This pass must be displayed in the windshield of your vehicle when you park.

About 1.3 miles up turn right to the Devil's Bridge Trailhead and parking lot. If this small lot is full you can find a spot to park tucked in along the road somewhere.

• Note: This road is very dusty & rocky. If you are not in a 4-wheel drive vehicle you will be able to make it, but use caution and drive slowly. We made it all the way to the Devi's bridge trailhead in a minivan. If you stop and park before the trailhead you might end up with a very long walk before your planned hike even begins.
  
  

According to our printed day pass we left the paved road at 12:44 pm. Looking at the time stamp of my photos it looks like it took about 20 minutes to drive to Devil's Bridge trailhead.

After having my husband and daughter stop for a picture at the Trail 120 sign we were on our way.

Make sure you stop to sign the trail use log. You'll find it in a wooden stand as you move up the trail a little way. Just lift the top and you'll see the book and plenty of pens. It asks for the date, your name, State, zip code, group size, and destination. It also aks if this is a day hike or overnight trip.

The trail is easy to follow, and spots where it's not so obvious are marked with stacked stones.

The path gets steeper as you get closer to Devil's Bridge.

After maybe 3/4ths of a mile from where you first started the trail will divide. We took the path to the left and ended up just under the arch of the bridge. It is an amazing view! You can appreciate just how high up it is.

From that point on it was a little nerve wracking with slanted rock paths and a short vertical climb up. Again, I'll remind you that my 8 year old daughter made it up, so it's not terribly difficult, just a bit intimidating if it's not something you're used to.

In all it took us about an hour to reach the top. We took our time, enjoyed the scenery, took photos, and rested in shady spots. It was a good pace for us.

We were all so happy to have reached our goal and walked out to the center of the sandstone bridge.

The great thing about hiking in Sedona... The way back is downhill!

• Sun screen
• Good sneakers or hiking boots
• Hat
• Camera
• Backpack
• Plenty of water