How warm to dress for Devil’s Bridge early morning

Question

We are flying to AZ tomorrow and we are so excited for our family roadtrip! We plan to wake up early and head to devils Bridge around 530/6 am one morning and I’m just trying to figure out if it will be cold then? Looking at my weather app, it says mid 50s so my kids are insisting they don’t need to dress warm. I’m leaning toward layers plus gloves and hats in our backpacks just in case?

Answer

Early mornings in Sedona, especially around 5:30–6:00 am, can feel significantly cooler than the daytime highs. If your weather app is showing mid-50s°F, it will likely feel closer to the low 50s or even upper 40s once you factor in any breeze or shade on the trail. The temperature will rise fairly quickly after sunrise, but the first part of your hike can feel quite chilly, particularly at higher elevations along the trail.

Layering is definitely the best approach for a morning hike with kids:

Start with a lightweight moisture-wicking base layer for comfort and warmth.
Add a fleece or light insulating layer that can be easily removed once you warm up.
Bring a windbreaker or lightweight jacket for the early portion of the hike.
Keep gloves and hats handy in backpacks; even lightweight gloves and beanies can make a difference in the first 30–45 minutes.

Other tips for an early Devil’s Bridge hike:

Wear good hiking shoes with traction, as morning dew or frost can make rocks slippery.
Bring water and snacks, since the early start means you may not have eaten a full breakfast yet.
If your kids are resistant to wearing layers, pack them in backpacks and encourage them to put them on if they start feeling cold—sometimes it’s easier to convince them once they experience the chilly air.
Once the sun rises, temperatures can increase quickly, so layers allow flexibility to shed items as needed.

Overall, plan for mid-50s in the early morning by dressing in layers and bringing hats and gloves. This ensures everyone stays comfortable during the hike to the bridge and can enjoy the sunrise without getting chilled.

How warm to dress for Devil’s Bridge early morning

More Sedona Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions