Natural Bridges National Monument
Overview
Natural Bridges protects some of the finest examples of ancient stone architecture in the southwest. Located on a tree-covered mesa cut by deep sandstone canyons, three natural bridges formed where meandering streams eroded the canyon walls. The bridges are named Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu. At 6,500 feet above sea level, Natural Bridges is home to a variety of plants and animals. Plants range from the fragile cryptobiotic soil crusts to remnant stands of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. Natural Bridges was established in 1908, making it the oldest National Park Service site in Utah. History & Culture Repeatedly occupied and abandoned during prehistoric times, Natural Bridges was first used during the Archaic period, from 7000 B.C. to A.D. 500. Only the rock art and stone tools left by hunter-gatherer groups reveal that humans lived here then. Around A.D. 700, ancestors of modern Puebloan people moved into the area to farm but later left as the environment changed.
Activities
Auto/Motorcycle
The scenic drive is open year-round. This paved, nine-mile loop provides access to all the bridges. Each may be viewed by walking a short distance to an overlook. An archeological site may also be viewed from an overlook along the scenic drive.
Camping
The 13-site campground is open year-round on a first come, first-served basis. Sites will accommodate up to eight people and one vehicle. There is a 26-foot length limit. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table and tent pad. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Overflow camping is available outside Natural Bridges.
Hiking
While many park features are visible from overlooks along the scenic drive, the true beauty of Natural Bridges lies just a short walk away from the pavement. Moderate hiking trails lead from overlooks to the base of each natural bridge. All are less than 1.5 miles round-trip, with the trail to Owachomo being the shortest and easiest (.5 mile round-trip). All of the trails have uneven stone steps. The trails to Kachina and Sipapu require climbing steep sections of rock with handrails and ladders.
Picnicking
Picnic area available.
Directions
Driving
The entrance to Natural Bridges is at the end of Highway 275, which is roughly 35 miles west of Blanding on Highway 95. Driving time is roughly 45 minutes.
Flying
Commercial airlines serve Cortez, CO, Grand Junction, CO, Salt Lake City, UT as well as other cities in the southwest.
Public Transportation
Commerical bus and van shuttles service nearby towns. There is no bus service to the monument itself.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(435) 692-1234Links
Official URL
http://www.nps.gov/nabr- Login or register to post comments
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