Dry Creek Trailhead

🥾 Dry Creek Trail – Sedona Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌄 First Impressions We really enjoyed our time on Dry Creek Trail. Most people (including us) take it as the route to Devil’s Bridge, and it definitely worked well for that. Even though it’s often seen just as the approach trail, we found that Dry Creek has its own beauty and character—broad desert washes, red rock views, and that classic Sedona feel from the very start. 🛤 Trail Basics 📏 Distance: About 4.6 miles round-trip to Devil’s Bridge using Dry Creek, or ~6 miles if you extend further on the full Dry Creek Trail. 💪 Difficulty: Moderate — mostly manageable terrain, with dusty and rocky sections; the tough part is the steep rock staircase and scramble at the very end of Devil’s Bridge. ⏱ Time: Around 2–3 hours depending on pace and photo stops. 🏞 Scenic Highlights The combination of Dry Creek and Devil’s Bridge made this hike memorable: - Wide desert views and red rock formations along Dry Creek. - The big payoff: standing on Devil’s Bridge, with sweeping panoramas all around. It was every bit as impressive as expected. 🚶 Trail Conditions The trail was easy to follow and wide, though dusty in parts. We did share it with some jeep traffic, since OHVs use sections of Dry Creek Road, but once on the hiking portion it felt more peaceful. The final climb up to Devil’s Bridge is where the workout kicks in—steep rock steps and a little scrambling, but absolutely worth it. 🚗 Parking & Access We parked at Dry Creek Trailhead, and even though we came in the morning, the lot was nearly full—we got one of the last two spots. It’s a small lot and fills up very fast. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required, with a kiosk on site. Basic vault toilets are available, but no water. 👥 Crowds & Atmosphere Dry Creek itself was busy at the start because it feeds into Devil’s Bridge, and the arch had the biggest crowds. But even with the wait for photos, it felt like part of the experience—everyone taking turns and cheering each other on. If you go beyond the arch or continue further along Dry Creek, it gets much quieter. 🐾 Other Notes - Dogs are welcome on leash. - The trail is exposed—bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. - Great option if you want one hike that combines a solid trail experience with a dramatic landmark payoff. ⭐ Ratings Breakdown 🌄 Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Devil’s Bridge + red rock 🛤 Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wide, and dusty in spots 🚗 Parking ⭐⭐ Very limited ✅ Overall: We hiked Dry Creek Trail to Devil’s Bridge and had a fantastic experience. The trail itself is worth appreciating, with its desert scenery and red rock views, and the arch at the end is truly unforgettable. Parking and crowds are the main downsides, but with an early start, enough water, and patience, this hike delivers one of Sedona’s most iconic moments.