Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge lies in the Coconino National Forest on the north-western edge of Sedona, Arizona, in the red rock country off Dry Creek Road. It is a natural arch of red sandstone, and it is often described as the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. The Forest Service maintains the approach as Devil's Bridge Trail No. 120.

The arch was shaped by erosion of the layered sandstone that forms Sedona's cliffs and buttes. Its flat top is wide enough for people to walk out onto the span, which has made it one of the most photographed spots in northern Arizona and one of the busiest hikes in the Sedona area.

The final section of trail climbs from the Devil's Bridge parking area through juniper and pinyon woodland, then up a short, steep stretch of rock steps to a broad viewpoint beside the arch. From there a path leads onto the bridge itself, with a long drop on both sides and views across the valley toward the red buttes. Walkers can also follow a path below the arch to see it from underneath.

Most hikers start from the Dry Creek Road lot or the Mescal Trailhead on Long Canyon Road, which gives a round trip of about 4 to 4.6 miles with 400 to 500 feet of climbing. Only high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles can use the rough road to the upper parking area, which shortens the walk to about 2 miles return. The free Sedona Shuttle serves both lower trailheads in season.

There is no entry ticket for the arch itself, though parking at Forest Service lots in the Sedona area needs a recreation pass. Start early in spring and autumn, carry plenty of water, and expect to queue for photos on the bridge at busy times. Summer afternoons are hot and can bring monsoon storms.

What kind of arch is Devil's Bridge?

Devil's Bridge is an alcove natural arch with a span of about 45 feet, carved from Supai sandstone, the deep red layer that also forms the lower slopes of many Sedona buttes. The North American Natural Arches registry places it about 4 miles north-west of Sedona in the Yavapai County part of the Coconino National Forest.

The span sits high on a cliff wall, so the drop under it is the reason the walk out feels exposed. The top of the arch is roughly as wide as a footpath and has no rail. Wind can be strong on the ledge, and the sandstone turns slick after rain or snow, so many hikers take their photo from the viewpoint at the arch's end and only step onto the span in dry, calm weather. Wear shoes with good grip for the rock steps, and keep backpacks tight to your body when you edge out for a photo.