Photo: Jason Shelton
Photo: Timothy Reese
Photo: Fernando Zuan Esteves
Devil's Bridge Trail
★4.8(262 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 3-4 hours including hiking time and photo stops at the bridge👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The trail involves some rocky terrain and moderate elevation gain that's manageable for school-age children with hiking experience. Teens and tweens especially love the adventure of crossing the natural bridge and the Instagram-worthy views.🧡 Saved by 11 families
About
Devil's Bridge Trail offers families an unforgettable Sedona adventure hiking to Arizona's largest natural sandstone arch. This 4-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with stunning red rock vistas and the thrilling experience of walking across a massive natural bridge formation that kids will remember forever. The well-marked trail combines moderate hiking with incredible photo opportunities in one of Arizona's most iconic landscapes.
Highlights
- ✓Walking across Arizona's largest natural sandstone arch,a thrilling experience for adventurous kids
- ✓360-degree views of Sedona's famous red rock formations from the bridge
- ✓Spotting lizards, jackrabbits, and desert birds along the trail
- ✓The sense of accomplishment when younger hikers complete their first real desert trail
- ✓Incredible photo opportunities that capture the scale and beauty of the natural arch
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 8am or after 3pm to avoid crowds and secure parking at the trailhead,this is one of Sedona's most popular hikes
- 2.Take the easier 'long way' on the Chuckwagon Trail rather than starting with the steep Mescal Trail if hiking with younger children
- 3.Bring plenty of water (at least 1 liter per person), sunscreen, and salty snacks as there's no shade on most of the trail
- 4.The actual bridge crossing is optional,some kids love walking on it while others prefer to admire it from the viewing area
- 5.Download offline maps before you go as cell service can be spotty in the area
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for the most comfortable temperatures, ideally arriving at sunrise to beat crowds and avoid intense midday heat. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
What to Know
No entrance fee required, but parking is extremely limited at the trailhead (arrive early or consider the paid shuttle service from town). Bring all your own water and snacks as there are no facilities on the trail, and wear sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes as the terrain is rocky.
Seasonal Notes
Summer months (June-August) bring extreme heat with temperatures over 100°F,not recommended for families with young children. Winter can bring ice and snow to shaded portions of the trail, requiring extra caution. Spring wildflowers add extra beauty in March and April.
Nearby Eats
Head to ChocolaTree Organic Eatery in Sedona for healthy, kid-friendly organic meals and amazing desserts, or grab burgers and shakes at Red Rock Cafe, a casual local favorite with a kids menu.
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