Which Sedona hike should you choose?
Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge are Sedona's two most popular hikes. Everyone wants to know: which one should I do? Can I do both in one day? Which is harder? Which has better views?
I've hiked both trails dozens of times and guided plenty of first-time visitors. The truth is, they're completely different experiences. One isn't objectively better than the other—it depends on what you want out of your hike. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right trail for you.
| Factor | Cathedral Rock | Devil's Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 1.2 miles round trip | 4.2 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | 744 feet | 400 feet |
| Time | 1.5-2.5 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Moderate |
| Technical Skill | Rock scrambling required | Hiking only, no scrambling |
| Crowds | Heavy | Very Heavy |
| Instagram Factor | High | Extremely High |
| Kid-Friendly | Teens+ only | Yes, 8+ |
| Dog-Friendly | Not recommended | Yes (leashed) |
Cathedral Rock is short but intense. You gain over 700 feet in just 0.6 miles, and the last section involves legitimate rock scrambling. You'll use your hands, pull yourself up boulders, and navigate exposed sections where a fall would be serious.
The payoff is reaching the saddle between Cathedral Rock's iconic spires. The views are spectacular—360 degrees of red rock country. Most people stop at the saddle, though you can continue scrambling to higher points if you're experienced and comfortable with exposure.
Cathedral Rock is for people who want a physical challenge and aren't afraid of heights or scrambling. You need decent fitness, good balance, and comfort with using your hands to climb. This isn't a casual nature walk—it's a mini mountaineering experience.
Short distance means you're not committing to hours of hiking. The scrambling is fun if you enjoy that sort of thing—it feels adventurous and rewarding. The views from the saddle are incredible and feel earned. Parking is closer (when you can get a spot). Less crowded than Devil's Bridge, though still busy.
The scrambling intimidates some people. Going down is harder than going up, and plenty of folks get nervous on the descent. Not suitable for young kids, dogs, or anyone uncomfortable with heights. The parking lot is small and fills up fast.
Devil's Bridge is Sedona's most photographed feature. It's the largest natural sandstone arch in the area, and walking out onto it gives you that iconic shot with the arch framing you and the red rock landscape spread out below. It's genuinely impressive and worth the hype.
The trail itself is longer (over 4 miles round trip) but much easier technically. It's a well-maintained hiking trail with steady but manageable elevation gain. No scrambling required—you can hike in regular athletic shoes.
Devil's Bridge works for a wider range of people. Families with older kids, people who aren't super fit but can handle a few miles, anyone who wants the famous Sedona photo without technical difficulty. You don't need special skills, just the ability to walk uphill for a couple miles.
The arch itself is stunning and truly unique. Getting that photo on the arch is a bucket-list moment for many visitors. The trail is accessible to more people—no scrambling or exposure until you choose to walk onto the arch itself. Dogs are allowed (leashed). Kids can do it if they're used to hiking a few miles.
This is Sedona's most crowded trail, hands down. On weekends and holidays, you might wait 30+ minutes just to get your turn on the arch for a photo. The longer distance means more time commitment. Parking is a nightmare—the main lot fills by 7 AM and you'll likely add significant road walking to your hike. The trail itself isn't particularly scenic until you reach the arch.
Winner: Devil's Bridge (easier)
Devil's Bridge is objectively easier. It's longer, but the trail is well-maintained and never technical. Cathedral Rock is shorter but much steeper and requires scrambling skills. If you're not in great shape or are new to hiking, Devil's Bridge is the better choice.
Winner: Tie (different but both great)
Cathedral Rock gives you panoramic views of the entire Sedona area from an elevated vantage point. Devil's Bridge gives you the unique arch experience with red rock landscapes below. Both are spectacular, just different. Cathedral Rock feels more expansive; Devil's Bridge feels more intimate and Instagram-worthy.
Winner: Cathedral Rock (less crowded)
Both trails are busy, but Devil's Bridge is absolutely mobbed. You'll be in a conga line for much of the trail on busy days, and waiting for your turn on the arch can take forever. Cathedral Rock is crowded too, but the scrambling naturally filters out some people and spreads others out.
Winner: Cathedral Rock (faster)
Cathedral Rock can be done in 1.5 hours if you're efficient. Devil's Bridge typically takes 2.5-3 hours including the wait for photos on the arch. If you're short on time, Cathedral Rock is the better choice.
Winner: Cathedral Rock (more challenging)
If you want a workout and a sense of accomplishment, Cathedral Rock delivers. The scrambling tests your strength, balance, and nerve. Devil's Bridge is more of a cardio walk—you'll feel it in your legs, but it's not technically challenging.
Winner: Devil's Bridge (more iconic)
Devil's Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Arizona for good reason—the arch is dramatic and instantly recognizable. Cathedral Rock photos are beautiful but not as instantly iconic. If you want that "I was in Sedona" proof for social media, Devil's Bridge wins.
Winner: Cathedral Rock (slightly better)
Both have terrible parking, but Cathedral Rock's lot is smaller and closer to town, making it slightly more manageable. Devil's Bridge requires either a long drive to the main trailhead (which fills by 7 AM) or parking far away and adding significant distance to your hike.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is a popular strategy and I recommend it if you have the time and energy.
Cathedral Rock at sunrise (6:30-7:00 AM start), then Devil's Bridge mid-morning (10:00 AM-ish).
Here's why this works: You catch Cathedral Rock early before the heat and crowds, finish by 9:00 AM, then drive to Devil's Bridge. By the time you get there and start hiking, it's mid-morning. Devil's Bridge is crowded anyway, so you're not making it worse. The longer, easier trail is better suited to midday hiking than Cathedral Rock's exposed scrambling.
The drive between trailheads is about 20-25 minutes. You can grab breakfast or a snack in between.
Cathedral Rock: 2 hours including parking
Drive + break: 45 minutes
Devil's Bridge: 3 hours including parking and photo wait
Total: 5-6 hours
It's a big day, but totally doable. You'll be tired but you'll have hiked Sedona's two most famous trails.
• Want a shorter, more intense hike
• Enjoy scrambling and don't mind heights
• Are an experienced hiker looking for a challenge
• Prefer fewer crowds (relatively speaking)
• Want better parking access
• Are hiking solo or with other adults
• Like the idea of reaching a summit viewpoint
• Want the famous Instagram photo
• Are hiking with kids (8+) or dogs
• Prefer longer, easier trails to short, steep ones
• Aren't comfortable with scrambling or heights
• Don't mind crowds and waiting for photos
• Want a more accessible experience
• Are prioritizing the iconic Sedona bucket-list moment
• Have a full day in Sedona
• Are fit enough to handle 5+ miles of hiking
• Want the complete Sedona hiking experience
• Can get up early for the Cathedral Rock sunrise start
But if you're not confident on exposed terrain or you really want that specific photo for the 'gram, Devil's Bridge is the obvious choice. Both are great—you can't go wrong either way.
Planning your Cathedral Rock hike? Check out these guides:
• Complete Cathedral Rock Trail Guide - Everything you need to know
• Best Time to Hike - Sunrise vs sunset guide
• Parking Guide - Where to park and when
• What to Bring - Gear checklist
• Other Sedona Hikes - More trails to explore