Every summer, hundreds of hikers must be rescued on Sedona’s trails because they weren’t prepared for the heat. The City of Sedona and its partners at USFS and Friends of the Forest Sedona urge you to follow these important guidelines to keep you, your fellow hikers, and your four-legged friends safe.
Going Hiking? Stay Safe this Summer
- Hike early in the morning or evening (before 10 AM or after 4 PM)
- Bring a minimum of 1 liter of water per person, per hour.
- Be prepared to turn back if you have consumed half of your water.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Take regular breaks in the shade to cool down. (Please note that there is very little shade on some trails.)
- Watch out for signs of heat stress, especially in young children and your furry friends.
And don’t forget…
- Consider distance, elevation, weather condition and hours of daylight when choosing your route.
- Download a digital map or bring a trail map and compass. There is not always cell service.
- Pre-hydrate with water and electrolyte drinks the day before.
- Don’t just drink water, electrolytes are needed too. Hyponatremia is a real risk.
- Bring salty snacks and eat twice as much as usual.
- Wear good hiking-specific footwear to avoid slips and trips. Sedona Fire runs hundreds of fall injuries each year on the trails.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen and a First Aid Kit.
- Wear a hat and protective clothing – the sun is intense.
- Always tell someone your hiking plan and when you will return.
If you’re hiking to Devil’s Bridge…
Devil’s Bridge generates among the most emergency calls of Sedona hiking trails. If you aren’t familiar with this iconic hike, please use caution:
- Plan for a few hours on the trail and possible mishaps.
- The hike from the Mescal Parking lot is approximately 4 miles and two hours.The hike from the Dry Creek Vista parking lot is approximately 6 miles via Chuckwagon/Devils Bridge Trail and three hours.
- The hike from the Dry Creek Vista parking lot is approximately 4 miles via Forest Road 152C/Devils Bridge Trail and two hours with little shade.
- Hike early in the day while temperatures are more enjoyable. There is little shade on the trail.
- Bring lots of water & electrolytes.
- Carry a map and download a offline map. (or take a photo of the map at the trailhead) because cell service/GPS is not reliable due to terrain.
- During periods of heavy rain or snow in the mountains, consider starting your hike to Devil’s Bridge from Dry Creek Vista Trailhead instead of Mescal. Flowing water in Dry Creek may make crossing the creek difficult or impossible.
Keep Your Canine Friends Safe
- It is NOT RECOMMENDED to take your dog hiking when the temperature reaches 90 degrees or more.
- Per the American Kennel Club, dogs should only be in 90+ degrees for very limited times 10 – 30 minutes depending on breed and size.
- Ground temperatures can reach 140 degrees or more.
- Use booties to protect dog’s paws.
- Light colored dogs are susceptible to sunburn.
- Take water, snack and shade breaks every 30 minutes.
- Red silt roads radiate heat up which increases the impact on dogs.
- PLEASE NOTE: You can bring your dog on the Sedona Shuttle, but they must in in a carrier or wearing a muzzle and on a leash. Service animals, of course, are exempt.