elizabethadventuresblogI have done the hike to Devil’s Bridge twice now and took two different routes to reach the bridge. The first time I hiked the jeep road, which is the most common and popular trail to take. I didn’t love this route because there is constant noise and dust from the car traffic on the road. Sharing a trail is heavy road traffic and hundreds of people isn’t enjoyable. The views from this trail aren’t as beautiful as the one I’m sharing about below either.
Knowing I wanted to hike Devil’s Bridge again, I began researching other options to hike to the bridge and found two. Both of the options take the same trail, but one is shorter than the other. I will be focusing on the shorter route for this blog because there’s so much to see, hiking the longer distance isn’t necessary to enjoy the amazing views along the way.
If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Things to Know About the Hike to Devil’s Bridge
There is no water on this hike. You should plan to carry a liter of water for every hour you are hiking, more if it is hot out. Because this hike is fully exposed to the sun and has a steep elevation climb at the end, you should pack plenty of extra water for your hike no matter the time of year.
This is without a doubt the most popular trail in Sedona, drawing huge crowds all year. I have heard horror stories of people waiting an hour+ for their turn on the bridge. If you are not there first thing in the morning, expect to have a difficult time finding parking and hiking on a very crowded trail. My first time hiking this was busy, but hadn’t gained quite the popularity it has now so it wasn’t overly crowded. The second time, I started the hike in the dark and got up there just after sunrise. There were only a handful of people at Devil’s Bridge with me but a line of hikers coming in as I left.
The Mescal trailhead does not require a Red Rock Pass, but if it’s full and you park at the Devil’s Bridge/Dry Creek parking lot to hike the jeep road, you will need to purchase a $5 day pass or $15 week pass. The parking lot is very small, but you can park on the side of the road as long as your car is completely off the pavement.
As you approach the bridge, you will begin to notice a large amount of cairns, which are stacked rocks. Do not build cairns on trails. They are meant to be trail markers that are put in by forest service employees to help hikers follow the trail. Adding cairns can cause people to get lost by going the wrong way and are not natural to build in the environment.
Wear appropriate shoes for the desert. Sandals are not a good choice because they do not provide proper traction and there are poisonous snakes and bugs throughout the desert that you may walk upon. Wearing closed-toes shoes will protect your feet should you come across one. Trail runners or hiking boots will also be a better choice over sneakers because they will have better traction for climbing on all the rocks.
Location
The Mescal trailhead is located off Long Canyon Road, which is located just past the more popular route at Dry Creek Road/ Devil’s Bridge trailhead. It is roughly 15 minutes from downtown Sedona. There is a small parking lot just off the side of the road and if it is full, you can park on the opposite side of the road so long as you can get your car on the dirt and all the way off the road. If you car is even slightly on the road, you may get a ticket or towed.
Best Time of Year to Go
There is no bad time of year to visit Sedona, but in winter months there are chances of snow and in summer, extreme temperatures. If you want to have the best weather, fall and spring will have the most mild weather. If you want to see Sedona with a layer of snow, winter is definitely a must. Summer will be the busiest time and the trails will have the most amount of people on them all year. Summer is the easiest time for people to travel, therefore the more popular choice. Be aware of hiking in the summer heat when in the desert. It can be unforgiving, so going prepared in summer will be key to an enjoyable time.
Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 534 feet
Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
The trail begins with relatively gradual terrain through the exposed desert. It is a .4 mile trail before it hits the junction with the Chuck Wagon Trail. The Chuck Wagon Trail starts at the official Devil’s Bridge Parking lot off Boyton Pass Road, but the Mescal Trail is the shortcut to Devil’s Bridge. I would pick this route every time because it eliminates the dust and noise of the jeep road while only adding .1 miles in distance.
The junction at the Chuck Wagon Trail is well marked with signs and there are great trail signs all the way to Devil’s Bridge. The trail winds through the desert with views of the red rocks throughout the valley. It’s a rather easy trail with minor elevation gains and losses. At one point, the trail will hit a wash, where you can spot the signs telling you to walk up the wash, despite the trail appearing to be to the right. Keep an eye out for metal posts with arrows to guide you.
You will hit Dry Creek Road and trailhead to Devil’s Bridge after .9 miles on Chuck Wagon. Cross the road and follow the trail markers. The trail begins as a white, sandy wash before turning to the right and beginning the steep stair climb up. There are multiple sections of the trail where rocks a have been placed to create stairs. You will need to be able to go up multiple sets to reach the bridge.
This area also has a lot of cairns people have built over the years. Never build cairns! They are only to be in places where forest service rangers have placed them to mark the trail. They are unnatural and can cause hikers to get lost when they are built. There are actually volunteer groups that go out and have to remove them regularly.
When you reach the top, you can work your way to the bridge’s viewpoint. I have never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes to walk out on the bridge getting there early. I’ve heard horror stories of people waiting an hour or more just to walk out on the bridge. You do not need to walk on the bridge to enjoy it by any means, and if you’re afraid of heights, you might not want to anyways. But be prepared to wait a while for a photo on it or get there first thing in the morning to lessen your wait time.
If you go on the bridge, DON’T HOG IT. Take a few photos and then get off so others can have a turn. If you decide you need more, you can wait your turn and let others go before going again. Be respectful to others waiting too. The bridge itself is actually quite wide and safe to walk on.
What to Bring Hiking to Devil’s Bridge
Proper shoes, hiking boots or trail runners are essential in the desert. Do not wear open-toed shoes with venomous reptiles in the area, nor are they the best for hiking long distances. Trail runners and hiking boots are a much better option than basic tennis shoes. They will provide more traction for climbing on and over rocks.
More water than you think you will need! A large, 64oz stainless steel water bottle because it will hold plenty of water for hotter days or longer hikes. Stainless steel bottles are great because they will help keep water cool when it’s warm. If you can, I would recommend bringing a 3L bladder if you can to be able to carry the most amount of water you can for the desert. Always have extra water waiting in your car as well.
A backpack for every person! Carrying your own water supply, snack and gear is extremely important wherever you hike, but especially in the desert. The desert is unforgiving and each person hiking needs to be able to carry adequate water for themselves. Always have the 10 essentials in your backpack too. Learn more about these items in my “The 10 Essentials” guide.
Plenty of layers. In winter it may be cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. You would want fleece or down layers to keep you warm during winter months. A beanie and gloves would also be important in keeping you warm. In the summer, you may want to consider packing layers to protect you from the sun. Although its hot, having a long sleeve layer to keep the sun off your arms and a hat for your head is important in preventing burns.
To learn more about what I hike with go here to see my must-have gear, trail clothes and more!
Reminders
- Always practice Leave No Trace, especially in a fragile desert landscape. This area is filled with Native American historical sites and it’s important to respect it. Pack out all your trash, never carve or mark on rocks, stay on trail to minimize your footprint and properly bury or carry out all human waste.
- Water, water, water! It‘s so important to have an appropriate amount of water. You should consume a liter for every 2 hours of hiking. A small water bottle or a shared water supply will not be enough. Although this trail runs along a creek bed, there is very little water and most likely none in warmer months. Do not expect to have water to filter from. If you’re hiking in summer heat, expect to bring even more water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
- Know what wildlife you may see on trail. There are black bears in Sedona. Give them 100 ft of space, move off trail to let them pass if they are on trail and never feed or approach them. There are also bobcats and coyotes, but they are usually skittish of people. Sedona is also home to many insects and reptiles, many of which are poisonous. Always be aware of where you put your hands and feet on trail and check your surroundings before sitting. Note: most animals and reptiles will not attack unless provoked, so give them space. Here is a list of insects and reptiles to look out for:
- Rattlesnakes
- Arizona Coral Snake
- Bark Scorpion
- Africanized Bees
- Black Widow Spider
- Brown Spider
- GIla Monster
- Be respectful of your fellow hiker and take short turns on the bridge. If you go on the bridge, DON’T HOG IT. Take a few photos and then get off so others can have a turn. If you decide you need more, you can wait your turn and let others go before going again. Being courteous to those around you is a must on trail.
Devil‘s Bridge may be the most popular and overcrowded trail in Sedona, but it’s still a must see spot. Hiking the Mescal trailhead allows you to get all the Sedona red rock views while being able to enjoy the peace and quiet the jeep road doesn’t offer. It will forever be a must-hike on my list.If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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