This Narrow but Magnificent Natural Bridge in Sedona Is a Picture Perfect Spot You Need to Visit

Reconnect with nature and be in awe of the true beauty of the world by visiting a special place in Arizona. It is a fact that the state holds some of the most beautiful trails any hiker has ever seen. Come to think of it. You will enjoy a hike that leads to lush greenery and dreamy gardens. There is also a hike that lets you see one of the most photographed sights not just in Sedona, but for the whole of Arizona. However, there can never be too many awesome destinations, and you can continue to explore many more as long as you’re open to it. Have you ever heard of Vultee Arch, or the famous narrow but magnificent natural bridge in Sedona? It is a picture-perfect spot you need to visit right now!

Dust Off Your Hiking Boots and Go On an Unforgettable Hike to See Vultee Arch

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Venture on a good but easy hike that will take you to a breathtaking natural bridge!

The Vultee Arch Trail, as many would say it, is “a delightful walk in the woods” with a slow but steady climb on a gradual incline. You’ll find yourself in an open area at the start of the trail, but the landscape will change and become more serene as time goes by. The environment will soon into a nature lover’s wonderland as you pass by cypress, oaks, ponderosas, and eventually fir trees. If you are a keen observer, you will definitely notice that the farther you go into the forest, the richer the soil and denser the vegetation.

It won’t be such a problem hiking the Vultee Arch Trail. For one, the scenery is peaceful and serene. The trail also enjoys a lot of shade thanks to the trees in the area.

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If you are coming here during the summer season, you won’t have to worry about being drained because of the unbearable Arizona heat.

You may have to cross a creek bed several times, but typically, hikers don’t see this as a problem, nor a challenge, because the place is almost always dry. Still, it’s a different story during late summer or late afternoon, because the monsoon flash floods might just endanger your hike.

Continue on with your hike and toward the end of the trail, you’ll find a climb onto a red rock ledge. Go up and finally you’ll see the famed natural arch off to your left. It looks completely amazing, and it is an ideal resting or photo spot as it presents such gorgeous views over the canyon behind you.

Don’t you just think all the effort and scramble going here is worth it? It’s super amazing!

Have a Bit of Fun on This Awesome Bridge!

From this photo, you might think it’s too narrow or thin and you can’t get on top of it. Actually, you can.

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It’s not exactly as wide as Devils Bridge, but you can still strut your way across the bridge, or just do a couple of poses. If you get scared because you think you’re so high above the ground, try to take deep breaths and relax. You can take your time.

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Do a yoga pose and let your partner or adventure buddy take a photo of you. It’s a rare picture-perfect moment you definitely need to keep for a long time.

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Even kids would love to walk onto the spine of a rock arch. It’s such an incredible experience! Just be careful with your steps, and don’t get too crazy. Remember, safety first!

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Show off the beauty of nature by taking a step back as you capture the moment. We bet the ladies here loved every second looking at the gorgeous views.

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It looks equally amazing from another angle. Take this shot if you want to have the beautiful mountains as your backdrop.

What You Should Know if You Plan to See Vultee Arch

• Since the hike begins at the end of an access road, it’s best to use high-clearance vehicles.
• Dogs are allowed on the trail, but keep them on leash. Also, be careful and keep your eyes on them to avoid having them wander too far and end up getting lost.
• The hike to Vultee Arch is an easy hike along the bottom of Sterling Canyon. You will find shade in the trail, but it’s still wise for you to bring water to avoid being dehydrated.
• Equip yourself with good hiking shoes or sneakers. This will help you climb more easily. You should also wear long pants and hike carefully to avoid getting scratched by the bushes near the top. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Many hikers take their time in Vultee Arch. If you also want to stay awhile, make sure you bring items to keep you entertained. A good book will be handy, and a delicious snack will also help if you suddenly get an urge to eat.
• Typically, you need a Red Rock Pass for parking in most locations. To be sure, you may check the US Forest Service for pass and fee information before coming here.
• If you hike the Vultee Arch Trail, you should know that the trail distance is 3.6 miles, with a 580 feet elevation gain.

How to Get Here

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From Phoenix:

• Take the I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Then, turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) “Y”.
  Turn left when you reach “Y,” onto West 89A. Continue on until you finally see Dry Creek Road. You can have the Giant Gas Station to the right as your landmark.
• Drive down Dry Creek Road until you see FR 152, which is a well-marked dirt road, on your right.
• Take FR 152 for about 4.3 miles until the road dead-ends into a dirt parking lot.
• You will see a trailhead with a sign marked “Vultee Arch #22” at the end of the lot.

Note: You can only drive FR 152 with a high clearance vehicle because it is a rutted, bumpy, and bumpy road. Avoid using a car if you don’t want to risk damaging it, or to end up getting stuck. If you can only bring a car, then you’ll have to walk to the trailhead.

Fact: The Vultee Arch is named after Gerard “Jerry” Vultee, a pioneer in the aviation history and an entrepreneur. He was flying a small plane with his wife Sylvia when from Winslow to their home in California when they crashed in the area.

What do you think of Vultee Arch? It’s one of nature’s best, huh? Feel free to add this to your “must-hikes in Arizona” list!