Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area in Arizona, reached by Devil’s Bridge Trail No. 120 in the Coconino National Forest. This guide covers opening hours, parking and pass costs, transport, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
It was checked against the Coconino National Forest’s official pages and the City of Sedona’s shuttle service in August 2026; the trail is unaffected by the Pocket Fire, a wildfire that closed other parts of the forest north of Sedona between June and July 2026, and the free shuttle serving this trail now stops running earlier in the day than it used to, a 2025 change made specifically to reduce heat-related rescues here.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | No posted gate hours; a day-use trail, accessible whenever the surrounding forest roads are open |
| Ticket prices | Requirements vary by trailhead: some parking areas need a $5 Red Rock Pass, others are free; the free shuttle avoids the question entirely |
| Address | Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, off Dry Creek Road (FR 152), Sedona, AZ; GPS 34°54’11.6″N 111°48’50.3″W |
| Nearest transport/parking | Free Sedona Shuttle (Thursday–Sunday) to the Dry Creek area; otherwise trailhead parking, which varies by access point |
| Typical time needed | 2 hours roundtrip from the closest trailhead; 3–4 hours from the more accessible paved lots |
Opening hours at Devil’s Bridge
The trail has no posted opening or closing time; like most Coconino National Forest day-use trails, it’s accessible whenever the surrounding roads are open, with no seasonal gate schedule.
What does change seasonally is practical safety: summer heat has led to a rising number of rescues on this trail, prompting the City of Sedona to shorten its shuttle’s operating hours here specifically, to encourage earlier starts. Since it’s currently summer, an early morning visit is worth planning for regardless of how you’re getting there.
5 great Sedona experiences to book
- 🚙 Get to red rock views others cannot reach on an off-road Jeep tour.
- 🚆 Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, passing cliff dwellings, desert scenery and wildlife.
- 🌀 Discover the science and spirituality of Sedona’s vortexes on a specialist tour.
- 🚲 See Sedona’s highlights the easy way on an e-bike tour.
- 🌌 Take a Sedona night sky tour and hear the stories of the constellations.
Ticket prices for Devil’s Bridge
There’s no admission fee for Devil’s Bridge itself, but parking pass requirements differ by trailhead and are described inconsistently even across current sources. The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (reached via the unpaved FR152 spur) and the Mescal Trailhead are most often described as not requiring a pass, while the paved Dry Creek Vista/Chuckwagon lot is most often described as requiring a $5 Red Rock Pass.
Given this inconsistency, displaying a Red Rock Pass ($5 a day, $15 a week, $20 a year) regardless of trailhead is a sensible precaution, or checking current signage on arrival. Riding the free Sedona Shuttle avoids the question entirely, since no pass is needed for shuttle passengers. Opening hours and pass information were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026; visitors can check the official site before travelling.
How to get to Devil’s Bridge
From Sedona, head west on State Route 89A to Dry Creek Road (FR152), then follow it about two miles to where the road forks. The right-hand fork is unpaved and requires a high-clearance vehicle; it’s not recommended in wet weather. About 1.3 miles further leads to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead itself.
Without a high-clearance vehicle, two paved alternatives exist: the Dry Creek Vista trailhead at the end of the paved road, or the Mescal Trailhead via Long Canyon Road. Both add extra walking distance compared with driving all the way to the main trailhead. A free Sedona Shuttle also runs Thursday through Sunday from the Posse Grounds or West SR-89A Park & Ride lots to the Dry Creek Vista area, avoiding the parking and pass questions altogether; check the website for current schedules, since hours can expand during peak seasons and holidays.
Parking at Devil’s Bridge
The main Devil’s Bridge Trailhead lot holds roughly 20 vehicles and fills quickly, often by 7am on weekends in busy months. The paved Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailhead lots are larger, though still prone to filling during peak hours.
Given the parking pressure, arriving very early, visiting later in the afternoon, or using the free shuttle are all more reliable options than counting on a spot at the main lot.
How long to spend at Devil’s Bridge
From the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead itself, the Forest Service lists the round trip at 1.6 miles, taking about 2 hours. Starting from the Mescal Trailhead extends this to around 4 miles round trip, and from the Dry Creek Vista lot via the Chuckwagon Trail, to about 5.8 miles round trip, each adding roughly an hour or more.
Most visitors also spend time waiting for photographs at the bridge itself, since it’s one of Sedona’s most popular hikes.
Accessibility at Devil’s Bridge
This trail isn’t wheelchair accessible. The final approach to the bridge involves a steep, natural rock staircase and uneven terrain, and reaching the very top of the arch requires additional scrambling that the Forest Service describes as requiring caution.
Visitors with mobility considerations may prefer one of Sedona’s more accessible viewpoints, such as the paved plaza at the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Airport Mesa.
What to see at Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is a wind-eroded sandstone arch formed in the Schnebly Hill Formation, commonly cited at around 54 feet high and 45 feet long, making it the largest natural arch in the Sedona area.
The trail leads to a fork about three-quarters of a mile in: the left path reaches the base of the arch, where visitors can stand beneath it and look up, while the right path climbs a rock staircase to the top, where those comfortable with heights can walk out onto the arch itself. Views from the top take in the surrounding Seven Canyons area and the red rock formations to the north.
Practical visitor tips for Devil’s Bridge
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timing | Start before 8am, especially in summer, to beat both the crowds and the worst of the heat. |
| Crowds | Expect a wait for photos at the top of the bridge; it’s one of Sedona’s busiest trails. |
| Layout | The route and distance depend entirely on which trailhead you start from, so decide in advance. |
| Entry process | No permit or reservation is needed to hike; only a parking pass at some trailheads. |
| On-site logistics | Carry at least two litres of water per person; there’s no shade for most of the route. |
Frequently asked questions about Devil’s Bridge
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Devil’s Bridge free to visit? | Hiking is free, though parking at some trailheads requires a $5 Red Rock Pass. |
| Do you need a 4×4 to reach Devil’s Bridge? | Only for the closest trailhead; two paved alternatives exist for standard vehicles, or the free shuttle. |
| Can you walk across Devil’s Bridge? | Yes, though it involves a steep rock staircase and exposed edges, so caution is needed. |
| Are dogs allowed at Devil’s Bridge? | Yes, on a leash. |
| Is Devil’s Bridge suitable for children? | It’s rated moderate; older children generally manage it, though the final scramble isn’t ideal for very young children. |
Things to do near Devil’s Bridge
- Soldier Pass Trail and Seven Sacred Pools — a nearby trail with its own rock formations and sinkholes, reachable by the same shuttle system.
- Boynton Canyon — a scenic canyon trail a short drive further along Dry Creek and Boynton Pass Roads.
- Palatki Heritage Site — Sinagua cliff dwellings and pictographs nearby, though visits require a reservation and the access road needs careful driving.
- Uptown Sedona — the town’s main shopping and dining district, a short drive away.
- Airport Mesa and the Airport Scenic Overlook — a viewpoint over West Sedona, about a 15-minute drive away.
What to visit tomorrow
- Fay Canyon Arch — a smaller, less crowded natural arch on an easy trail nearby.
- Vultee Arch — a natural arch reached via a longer trail off Dry Creek Road.
- Soldier Pass “Devil’s Kitchen” — a double arch and sinkhole feature on the Soldier Pass Trail.
- Cathedral Rock — one of Sedona’s most photographed formations, a short drive south.
- Mather Point, Grand Canyon South Rim — around a two-hour drive north, for a much larger-scale natural landmark.
More Arizona travel
Other Arizona travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Sedona attraction guides: Red Rock Crossing, Cathedral Rock, Airport Scenic Overlook, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
- Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?
- Why visit Montezuma Castle National Monument?
- What to expect at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde.
- Visitor guides to the national monuments around Flagstaff: Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument.
