There are plenty of great hiking trails in Arizona, but there are few in the Grand Canyon State that are better than Devil's Bridge. This famously terrifying rock bridge is one of the most challenging, breathtaking, and rewarding hikes that Sedona has to offer its visitors. But despite its charm and popularity, we can safely say that there are some hikes in Arizona that are even better and more scenic than this trail. We're here to prove it, with a few for avid hikers to check out.
Devil's Bridge is one of the most challenging hikes for any trekker in Arizona, but these hikes vary in difficulty. Just because a hike is easy doesn't mean it's a bad hike. All of the hikes we've listed offer great views and amazing scenery. Let's take a look at some of the best Arizona hikes than Devil's Bridge.
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7 Cathedral Rock Trail
A shorter but equally rewarding red rock adventure
Sunset at Cathedral Rock near Oak Creek Village, Sedona, Arizona
On the Cathedral Rock Trail A more compact and thrilling adventure Compared to Devil's Bridge, this trail is said to be the most beautiful and is also known as a therapeutic walk, where some trekkers enjoy the walk for its meditative benefits. This out-and-back trail in Sedona challenges hikers to make a steep ascent up slippery rock slopes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks.
Unlike Devil's Bridge, the top of Cathedral Rock offers 360-degree views, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of Sedona. The unique rock formations and fewer crowds make Cathedral Rock Trail a charming alternative to the popular Devil's Bridge.
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 1.2 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | no |
6 Bright Angel Trail
The classic Grand Canyon route surpasses Devil's Bridge in size and wonder
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon National Park's Bright Angel Trail offers an unparalleled hiking experience, surpassing Devil's Bridge in both scale and grandeur. This iconic trail descends into the heart of the Grand Canyon, offering hikers ever-changing views of the massive geological wonder.
Unlike the relatively short Devil's Bridge hike, Bright Angel allows for customizable adventures that range from short day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. The trail's rich historyThis route, which traces its roots back to Native American routes, adds depth to the journey.
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 15.3 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | no |
5 Flatiron Via Siphon Draw Trail
A challenging climb that rivals Devil's Bridge in views and adventure
The Flatirons as seen from the Siphon Draw Trail
The hike to the Flatirons via the Siphon Draw Trail in the Superstition Wilderness is arguably one of the most beautiful state park hikes in the United States. Ascending more than 2,700 feet round trip, hikers pass through dramatic canyons and then make a steep ascent to the iconic Flatirons summit. Requires physical strength and scrambling skillsIt's appealing to those with an adventurous streak.
The panoramic views from the summit encompass the entire Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert landscape, outshone by the more limited views from Devil's Bridge. With its diverse terrain, from saguaro-dotted slopes to slick rock faces, the Flatirons offer a more well-rounded Arizona hiking experience.
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 5.5 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | Yes, it comes with a lead |
4 Humphreys Peak Trail
The highest point in Arizona with views beyond Devil's Bridge
Humphreys Peak, Arizona
The Humphreys Peak Trail offers a more ambitious and challenging hiking experience than Devil's Bridge. Arizona's highest peakThis trek takes you up through four different bioregions, from ponderosa pine forest to alpine tundra, offering a journey through a diverse ecosystem not found on the Devil's Bridge Trail.
This hike challenges adventurers with its steep climbs and altitude, but culminates in 100-mile panoramic views on a clear day. This hike is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, scenic, and highly rated hikes in Arizona. Unlike the limited views at Devil's Bridge, Humphreys Peak offers 360-degree views of Arizona's diverse landscapes, from the desert plains to the volcanic landscapes.
If you choose to hike this trail, it's best to get an early start to avoid the typical summer afternoon thunderstorms (and don't forget to sign the summit logbook at the summit).
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 16.7 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | Yes, it comes with a lead |
3 Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail
A Phoenix icon that surpasses Devil's Bridge in accessibility and challenge to the city.
Camelback Mountain, Arizona
Camelback Mountain, accessed via the Echo Canyon Trail, offers a more challenging and easier urban hiking experience than Devil's Bridge. Located in central Phoenix, this climb challenges hikers with steep inclines and rock climbing, making it a more strenuous workout than the relatively easy Devil's Bridge Trail.
Summit Offers climbers panoramic views It's one of the Phoenix metropolitan area's most beautiful mountains, offering a stark contrast to the red rock scenery of Sedona. Unlike Devil's Bridge, Camelback Mountain is closer to the city, making it an ideal option for travelers looking to enjoy nature in a short amount of time without making a long drive.
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 2.6 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | no |
2 Fossil Creek Falls Trail
A hidden oasis that surpasses Devil's Bridge in water wonders
Fossil Creek Falls Trail
Offering a more diverse and exhilarating hiking experience than Devil's Bridge, the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail leads to a hidden oasis in the Arizona wilderness. The trail leads hikers through lush vegetation to a stunning 25-foot waterfall that tumbles into a crystal-clear pool.
Unlike the arid landscape of Devil's Bridge, Fossil Creek Offers swimming and cliff diving opportunitiesAn ideal destination on a hot Arizona day, the area's unique travertine formations and vibrant turquoise waters create a tropical paradise atmosphere that contrasts vividly with Sedona's red rocks. Permits are required to manage crowds, but this system ensures a quieter experience than the often-busy Devil's Bridge.
A permit is required for this hike.
$6 per unit
Passed.
Difficult | Moderate |
|---|---|
distance | 2.2 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | Yes, it comes with a lead |
1 Houghton Creek Trail
Trek along lush riverside trails over Devil's Bridge amidst forest beauty
Houghton Creek Trail offers a lush, forested hiking experience that contrasts beautifully with the arid landscape of Devil's Bridge. The journey follows Houghton Creek through Mogorrion Rim Country and offers a cool respite from the Arizona desert heat. Unlike the exposed Devil's Bridge Trail, Houghton Creek Trail is Shaded by towering pines and surrounded by fernsThis allows for a more diverse ecosystem to be explored.
Along the trail, there are a number of small waterfalls and ponds, culminating in Holton Spring, where hikers can see water gushing directly out of the rock face. The constant flow of water creates a vibrant, lush environment that's home to wildlife and offers nature watching opportunities not found at Devil's Bridge.
Difficult | difficult |
|---|---|
distance | 8.8 miles |
Are dogs welcome? | Yes, it comes with a lead |
