Devil’s Bridge – Sunrise in Sedona

If you’ve followed my videos, you know this about me already: when I head into nature, I want solitude. Maybe one or two close people with me, sure—but not endless lines of strangers, not chatter echoing through the canyon. A few passing hikers? Fine. A steady stream of noise and crowds? Hard pass.

I figured this out years ago in Puerto Vallarta. Back then, freshly back in the dating world, I booked a series of tours with a woman I was seeing. On paper, it sounded perfect—waterfalls, fishing villages, boat rides. In reality? Forty people marching in a line, stopping when told, rushing past the moments that caught my attention, waiting for a staged photo under the waterfall. It felt less like adventure and more like a school field trip. That’s when I realized: tours aren’t for me. I want the experience—not the performance.

Fast forward to Sedona. After a crowded hike through Boynton Canyon and the Subway Cave, I wanted to outsmart the masses. My plan? Beat them to Devil’s Bridge. So, I set the alarm for 4 a.m., stumbled into my rented Jeep Renegade, and aimed for the trailhead at Dry Creek Road.

Spoiler: the Renegade wasn’t making it all the way in. I parked where I could and started the hike in the dark. By the time the first glow hit the horizon, I was already near the base of the bridge. And yes—despite my early push, a handful of people had beat me to the top.

Still, it was worth it. Sitting on the edge, eating a protein bar breakfast as the sun lit up the red rock around me—pure magic. Only 6–8 other hikers were around, which felt like a miracle compared to the fifty-deep lineups I passed on my way back down. Getting there early made all the difference.

Was it better than the Subway Cave? Absolutely. Better than Jerome? For me, yes. But if I’m being honest, my favorite hike near Sedona was the off-trail climb past Boynton Canyon’s main artery. And my favorite adventure of the trip overall? Driving out farther to Tonto Natural Bridge. Just a note: they clear the canyon at 4:30 p.m., so get there early if you go.

Here’s the video from Devil’s Bridge in the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness, Sedona, AZ: