Dry Creek Road

This trail is definitely harder than listed, though the ‘gate’ is the most difficult obstacle on the trail, at least for our Defender. Worth stopping at the cabin, as the trail is most interesting there. Lots of hikers on the trail up until the Devils Bridge TH, after that mostly Pink Jeeps.

It was totally worth taking this trail just to avoid the parking lot madness for the Devils Bridge hike. Lots of hikers and pink jeeps along the trail so needed to drive slowly. Boulders at the beginning of the trail is passable with a stock 4runner with careful tire placement.

Very fun trail. I didn’t expect much given the 2-4 rating, but turned out to be a great drive with some good challenges. The Van Deren cabin is worth the side trip as not only do you get some neat history, but a few more fun obstacles. I do agree with others that there’s no way this is a 2 or 3. The gatekeeper and several other obstacles make it a minimum 4.

First trip in our new to us Jeep. Intimidating at first. Great hiking and jumping off points. A lot of people traffic early but easy to coexist. Some fun “get your feet wet” type obstacles nothing scary nothing over the top. Saw a family in a Lexus SUV doing it. Albeit, he banged the rear bumper hard of some things.

The feature at the start of the trail looks intimidating, but we saw a Jeep Compass (looked stock) and a small Range Rover on the trail. We made it up and over with no problem in a JKU with a 2.5 lift and 35s. Rest of the trail is relatively tame, a few rocky climbs with various lines, and sand. Great jumping off spot for hikes or biking in the area. Also nice to avoid the parking woes at the main trailhead to Devil’s Bridge.

The taller obstacle at the entrance has been noted in other reviews. Only will add that I agree that it looks man-made (like Broken Arrow) but in this case primarily as a discouragement to anything but lifted 4x4's. That said, I made it easily with my (new) stock JLU Rubicon. Just after that, however is a deep wash - which had a by-pass which is now blocked off. The wash has a very steep rock ledge followed by a quick climb out & I was sure I would bottom out on the exit and possibly as I took the first step down. I really didn't want to bend my jeep -so I will come back when I have 35's and a lift. Hard to rate without going over that wash obstacle - but I'd say it's at least a 4 now. Wish I had video to show - sorry! Can't say how much of this is deliberate - but the pink jeeps (35's & 5+ in lift) make it back & forth without any problem Too bad - looked like a very scenic trail that would have been accessible to many.

Did this today in my 2021 Jeep Compass with 10” clearance. Agree with recent reviews that the first entrance is a bit “intimidating” but it does prepare you for the rest of the trail. There are quite a few large rock passes just like the beginning one that made me pretty nervous even with my clearance. She did fine though! It just took some good navigating skills and we romped over the large sheets of rock/rock drop offs. Probably the worst one is 9” tall. I didn’t measure it but it definitely seemed pretty high to me. Overall a great experience and I’d do it again. I’m not sure if this should be rated easy though since I’m sure it has changed in the last couple years. Maybe more moderate?

To echo a previous review, the entrance has changed. I’m not sure if it was an addition of boulders, or simply erosion, but there is a wall or line of higher boulders (kinda like broken arrow), and on the left side in front of the wall there is a small depression. When approaching it, you can cut a line to the drivers side and going over the obstacle shouldn’t be that hard, but due to the depression I think lower clearance and/or longer wheel base vehicles may run the risk of high centering on the obstacle. When we arrived, I pulled over to inspect the obstacle, and watched a half ton pickup exiting the trail approach in the center, and when the vehicle went down one side into the depression the side steps hit and dented. They had larger tires but the long wheelbase worked against them. I was driving a new full size SUV that had the clearance otherwise, but didn’t have rock sliders, so I did not go down the trail (and it wasn’t mine). Outside of the entrance, this is a great trail and relatively easy. Upon reflection, it feels like the entrance obstacle is biased towards shorter wheel base vehicles, such as Jeeps driven by the many tour companies. Given some of the attitude I’ve gotten from the drivers when I’m in my own rig on “their” trails, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the case.

Folks, just tried it yesterday, they added major boulders at the beginning of the trail, almost non vehicle can pass it, I didn't dare with my Armada,.maybe a wrangler could, but even that I seriously doubt it, probably only motorcycle or some ATV, I would consider this as no GO, be aware

Part of a long day trail hopping in Sedona. First took the trail up to Van Deren cabin. Keep your eyes open if your exploring the cabin as there was a herd of javelinas up there that were semi aggressive. We then drove up to the vulture arch turn around. Easy, fun and scenic drive.

Did this trail all the way to Vultee Arch Trailhead. Very easy with limited use of 4WD and my stock JL Rubi with 33" made it just fine. Beware of hikers on first mile or so on their way to Devils Bridge. A popular spot. Also, plenty of jeep tours that go to the end for Van Deren Cabin. Once you get to the Vultee Arch trail take the hike to to the arch. Well worth the trip. Be careful of thunderstorms in the summer as the creek on the hike can flash flood easily. A great way to experience one of AZ's most beautiful and revered places. Enjoy!!

This is a very popular trail for hikers and tour Jeeps and, we ran it on a Saturday so, the trail was really populated until after the Devil's Bridge trailhead.9 Most of the hikers turn off on the Devil's Bridge trail and the tour Jeeps are headed to Van Deren Cabin so after the Cabin turn off your will usually have the rest of the trail to yourself. We went all the way out to the end and the Vultee Arch trailhead for a hike to the arch. The area's bloom is coming into full swing. Absolutely beautiful! After our hike we had lunch in the shade then headed back out. We hit the Van Deren Cabin for a bit and returned to the trail. The trail is in its usual condition, rocky with many shelves but no problem for stock high clearance 2 or 4wd trucks or SUVs.

We did this trail in an FJ cruiser to hike Devils Bridge and visit Van Deren Cabin. The trail is shared by hikers which gets you funny looks but there’s plenty of pink Jeeps roaming around as well. Majority of the trail is easy enough for a stock vehicle with clearance and the trail to the cabin is a bit more fun.

The day started off with some rain but the sun peaked out quickly. A great easy trail with more awesome views from every direction. Also a fun creek crossing. I highly recommend traveling the pavement through the neighborhood and come in from the far end.