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Ultimate Day Trip from Tempe to Sedona: Hiking Devil's Bridge and Hidden Gems

Sedona ranks among my top favorite destinations worldwide, boasting a vibrant downtown filled with excellent restaurants, world-class hiking trails, and postcard-perfect scenery. Just a scenic two-hour drive from Tempe, it's an ideal day trip. Recently, I joined friends Jen and Diana for an unforgettable hike to Devil's Bridge.

We kicked off our adventure at Harlow's Café, a Tempe hidden gem on University Drive. This cozy spot features wood-paneled walls adorned with vintage photos. The friendly staff serves outstanding dishes—we enjoyed fluffy pancakes and my favorite, the corned beef breakfast scramble. Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared.

The drive north on I-17 to Sedona is straightforward and breathtakingly beautiful. I adore scenic road trips like this; pull over at the overlooks if time allows for stunning views.

Devil's Bridge is one of Sedona's most popular hikes: a moderate 4.5-mile round trip starting at about 4,600 feet elevation. The first 90% is relatively flat and easy, offering iconic Sedona vistas—keep your camera handy. The final ascent is steep but manageable. The payoff is the largest natural sandstone arch in the area, where you can cautiously walk across (no railings, so heights may not be for everyone). Our group completed it in 2.5 hours. Pro tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring ample water.

No Sedona visit is complete without downtown exploration. Post-hike, we indulged at Black Cow Café, famed for homemade ice cream, pies, cookies, and locally sourced sandwiches. The ice cream was exceptional—don't miss it.

We stumbled upon a wildlife educator sharing insights on desert creatures like tarantulas and snakes (my friends loved it!). We browsed local shops before heading back. Check our route on Google Maps for timing and details.

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