SEDONA, Ariz. — Sedona’s iconic Devil’s Bridge has become a victim of its own popularity.
Want to take that Instagram-worthy photo while keeping your balance to avoid a drop you probably won’t recover from? Get in line.
The area’s largest natural sandstone arch is the main attraction along a moderately challenging 1.8-mile round-trip trek. It’s not the hike that draws people – it’s the lure of doing it for the ‘Gram.
In a world of carefully curated photos that span the range from mundane to model-worthy, hikers have reported waiting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour just to stand on the arch for a few minutes — and get their picture taken.
Tourists often show up to the visitor center asking for directions, said Alex Schlueter, acting district ranger for the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District. But they don’t know what it’s called. So, they pull up photos of the arch on their phones.
Schlueter said the trail has seen an increase in visitors, especially during and since the pandemic.
“It would be hard to make a case that [social media] hasn’t played a role,” Schlueter said. “People see it and they want to come.”
Instagrammers are griping about the long photo lines. User ‘Kristen Hikes Colorado’ said Devil’s Bridge may be a social media darling, but her experience felt more like going to Walmart on Black Friday, according to her post.
“I have seen photos where there’s a line of dozens of people waiting to take a photograph,” Schlueter said. “Luckily, people are usually in a good mood and very respectful.”
Colleen Jordan and her husband visited Sedona from Rhode Island. They hiked the Devil’s Bridge trail in less than 4 hours.
Jordan, who is afraid of heights, overcame her fear and walked out on the arch. The couple had to wait 30 minutes, but said it was worth it.
“The highlight of Sedona, really for us at this point,” they said.
Geraldine Nelson and her daughter visited from Flagstaff and encountered crowds as well. They waited 15 minutes to take their photos — which were posted to Instagram before they got to their car. And it’s a good thing they started early.
“It was crowded coming back,” Nelson said.
Despite the increased foot traffic, Schlueter said most visitors are respectful and adopt the ‘Leave No Trace’ mindset. A crew of volunteers with Friends of the Forest provide trail maintenance and prevent erosion.
It’s important to remember that, despite its considerable social media presence, #devilsbridgesedona isn’t just a walk in the park.
Signs at the trailhead encourage hikers to pack plenty of water, and discourage people from starting after 10 a.m., especially during the hot summer months. Schlueter calls it preventative search and rescue.
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