Devils Bridge & Seven Scared Pools

Hiking was on the agenda today😁 On my previously mentioned must-do list for this road trip, the Devils Bridge and the Seven Scared Pools in Sedona were highlighted in BIG and BOLD. So, after breakfast, we hit the road. At the Mescal Mountain Trail parking lot, we quickly glanced at the route sign (I conveniently overlooked the note that said it gets hot after 11 am, and it was 11:30 am😇), and then we started walking. It was actually a really nice, pleasant trail, but with 28°C, scorching sun, and no breeze...🥵😅 We had 3.15 km ahead of us to reach the destination. Eventually, Komoot only showed 300m left to reach our destination. But there was nothing in sight. Then we cautiously looked at the rock wall in front of us and slowly upwards🙄 150 meters of climb in just under 300 meters😆😝 Giving up was not an option so close to the goal. And what can I say, the effort was worth it. The bridge 🥰, the view 🥰, simply wow. It's a must-visit🙂 According to legend, the devil built the bridge himself because no living creature on Earth was capable of doing so. The only condition was that he would take the soul of the first living being to cross the bridge. Well, there were already quite a few before us🤷🏼‍♀️ Getting onto the bridge was no problem. But then looking down... My legs started shaking. Jörg was cool and relaxed, I could have lynched him at any movement😅 I quickly made my way back while he posed a bit longer. I want to thank Marius from Konstanz at this point. His girlfriend stood behind us to take a picture on the bridge, so we got talking and found ourselves a photographer. The way back was pretty quick because I still wanted to go to the Seven Scared Pools on the Soldier Pass Trail😇 My poor husband. But he came along without complaining. The parking lot at the Soldier Pass Trail was closed, but that's not a problem in Sedona. There are several free hiking parking lots from which you can take a free shuttle to the individual trails. We drove to the next parking lot, and there was even a private shuttle waiting. Two ladies had booked the extra service, and since there were still spots available, we were allowed to join. The driver of our shuttle was really cool, and once she found out we had already completed the Devils Bridge Trail, she showed us the fastest way to the pools. So we saved almost 1.5 miles😅 When we arrived at the pools, it was wonderfully quiet😄 Unfortunately, there wasn't much water left, but it was still worth it. I can check off 2 more items on my list💪🏼 We spent a few minutes in a shady spot, enjoying the view before making our way back down. We took the shuttle back to the parking lot and continued to the hotel. I was looking forward to a shower😄 Jörg made himself comfortable with a cold beer and cigarettes in front of the room. We won't take another step today😅😄