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Plan Your Visit to Natural Bridges National Monument Travel Guide
Natural Bridges National Monument is an off-the-beaten-path adventure lover’s dream. The 8.7-mile loop trail under the monument’s 3 iconic bridges involves steel stairs, ladders, walks along a narrow ledge, slick rock, creek crossings, and boulder scrambling. If you are not up to that hike, the scenic drive provides views of each bridge and the trail to Owachomo Bridge is short and easy. You will also find white canyons, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs. Plan your visit with this Natural Bridges National Monument Travel Guide.
You are excited to visit Natural Bridges National Monument and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting Natural Bridges National Monument while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this Natural Bridges National Monument travel blog.
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Where is Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeastern Utah’s Colorado Plateau two hours south of Moab Utah and 39 miles west of Blanding Utah. Natural Bridges is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Show your America the Beautiful pass at the visitor center or pay the monument fee.
Facts About Natural Bridges National Monument
The prospector Cass Hite discovered Natural Bridges while searching for gold in 1883.
Natural Bridges National Monument was the first national monument in Utah, it was designated in 1908.
It is also the first Gold Star International Dark Sky Park.
Natural Bridges is 6,500 feet above sea level on Cedar Mesa.
The monument bridges are 5,000 years old and were carved out by water running through the canyon.
Sipapu Bridge spans 268 feet, 220 feet high, 31 feet wide, and 53 ft thick. It is the longest natural bridge with a trail passing under it in the world. It is also the eighth longest known bridge and the fifth-longest bridge in the world.
Kachina Bridge spans 204 feet, 210 feet high, 44 feet wide, and 93 feet thick, it is still growing.
4,000 tons of rock broke off Kachina Bridge in 1992.
Owachomo Bridge spans 180 feet, 106 feet high, 27 feet wide, and 9 feet thick.
The Hopi cliff dwellings in the monument are from 500 BC.
Best Time of Year to Visit Natural Bridges National Monument
Summers are hot with temperatures above 100 degrees. Thunderstorms are common in late summer. Winters are cold with temperatures below freezing. Spring and fall temperatures are moderate.
Accommodation in Natural Bridges National Monument
There is a first come first served campground with 13 sites in the monument boundaries. There are a few accommodations in nearby Blanding Utah.
How Much Time Do I Plan for Natural Bridges National Monument
The scenic drive to viewpoints with a snack break will average 1 hour. The hike to either Sipapu Bridge or Kachina Bridge averages between 1-2 hours. The 8.7-mile loop through the valley floor will average 4 hours. The best use of time in this monument is to hike to the ledge for a close view of Sipapu, see Kachina Bridge from the viewpoint, and walk to the floor of Owachomo Bridge.
Things to Do at Natural Bridges National Monument
Watch the educational video at the visitor center and learn the difference between a bridge and an arch.
Drive the scenic Bridge View Drive’s 9-mile, one-lane, one-way loop stopping at each viewpoint.
Take the steel stairs and ladders to the Sipapu Bridge, 1.5 miles RT, strenuous
Hike 1.5 miles RT to Kachina Bridge and check out the petroglyphs, strenuous
Hike the .5 loop trail to Owachomo Bridge, easy
Check out the Horse Collar Ruin cliff dwellings across the canyon from the viewpoint.
Attend a ranger-led astronomy talk and telescope viewing.
Be sure to check the Natural Bridges National Monument Park Service for current events.
Tips for Visiting Natural Bridges National Monument
Get gas in Blanding Utah, services are limited near the monument.
There is no cell service in the area, download offline maps.
Food is not sold within the monument. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch, water, and snacks.
A water fountain is available in the visitor center.
This is a high desert climate, be prepared for changes in temperature.
If you are afraid of heights, the Sipapu trail is not for you. However, you can go down one set of stairs and a short ladder to a ledge with a great view.
Stay on the trail and protect the cryptobiotic soil in the park, it takes millions of years to form.
Do not enter archeological sites, remove artifacts, or touch rock art.
Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails but are allowed on paved paths if on leash.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks.
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