Dry Creek Road

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3.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sedona, Arizona (Coconino County)
Last Updated: 05/18/2019

Trail Information

Highlights

Desert Category Icon Desert
Rock Category Icon Rock
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Wash Category Icon Wash

Dry Creek Road is an excellent trail for those looking for a nice hike ending in an amazing view. With easy access to landmarks such as Devil's Bridge, and Vultee Arch, you will surely not be disappointed! Another great perk of this trail is the historic Van Deren Cabin, which was originally homesteaded by Bill Fredericks, a local known for his "Good whiskey". In 1924 he sold the land to Earl Van Deren. Earl moved the north cabin from Sterling Canyon sometime between 1924 and 1929. Then in 1930 Van Deren decided to get married and constructed the South cabin and connected them with a common roof, creating a breezeway. The North cabin served as a kitchen, and the South cabin became known as the "Honeymoon cabin". During the 1940's, the cabins were used for two movies, "Riders of the Purple Sage", and "Blood on the Moon"

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Dry Creek Road is an easy and relaxed trail with multiple hiking outlets to great scenic points, and the historical Van Deren Cabin. It can be easily traveled by most unmodified 4x4's, with a minimal chance of undercarriage damage, any lifted vehicle should have no problems here. This trail is wide enough in most areas to easily get around oncoming traffic.

Trail Reviews

3.8/5 (20)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Not really “hard” but more difficult than the description. The rains this year have exposed a lot more rocks. There for it’s slow going. Still a very beautiful drive and definitely worth the drive!
Temporary Closure
Rated 3/5
Visited: 01/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Closed.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 01/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Super nice trail, but it is way harder than the 2 Rating in general…. Long wheelbase trucks will get some scraping? Had it with my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon… awesome views though!! so it already starts at the beginning of the trail.... the rocks you see in the posted picture are actually a lot worse and I scrapped by bottom.... rest of the trail same thing, so not sure if the trails got more and more technical over the years due to the rain, but i believe the rating should be upgraded...
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is more of an access dirt road to the hiking trail head than a Jeep trail, but if you’re in Sedona you don’t want to miss it. The trail ends at the lot that ( usually ) has enough parking space for 10 to 15 rigs. Once there you leave your rig and start walking. I’m an off reader, not a hiker but this hike is well worth the effort. It took us a while to hike to the famous “ Devil Bridge “ ( or Devil’s Arch ) and it’s totally worth the effort of the long hike. When you first look at the stone bridge and how high it hangs it’s a bit scary and somewhat intimidating but once you’re actually on it you realize it’s very wide and feels very easy and defiantly safe. Have someone stay on the side trail while you go on the bridge so they can take your picture on it, it’ll be the coolest picture of your life, period. Expect a line of people waiting to have their picture taken during weekends and holidays but the line moves rather quickly and beside, you wouldn’t mind the down time to rest from your hike while soaking in the amazing surrounding scenery.
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200
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 12/25/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Once you get past Devils Bridge there are a lot less people. Make sure you have some clearance because there are some tough areas.
Trail Review: Dry Creek Road - Mike
Trail Review: Dry Creek Road - Mike
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