Natural Bridges National Monument
covers a relatively small area in southeast Utah. It is rather remote and not close to other parks and so is not heavily visited. Natural Bridges are formed by running water and hence are much rarer than arches, which result from a variety of other erosional forces. This is also the reason why bridges tend to be found within canyons, sometimes quite hidden, whereas arches are usually high and exposed, as they are often the last remnants of rock cliffs and ridges.
Natural Bridges Map:
 PDF format map of Natural Bridges National Monument, from the National Park Service (132 kb).
Attractions: Unlike Arches National Park, with over 2000 classified arches, there are only three bridges here although the area also has some scattered Indian cliff dwellings, pictographs and scenic white sandstone canyons. Another more modern attraction is the Photovoltaic Array, one of the largest solar power generators in the world - this is reached by a short trail starting near the vistor center.
The Bridges: A 9 mile one-way loop road has several overlooks of the three bridges, currently known as Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomu after their names were changed to reflect the Hopi Indian history of the area. The last of these three is probably the most spectacular, and also the easiest to hike to - the path into the canyon underneath the bridge is only a few hundred meters. It is the oldest bridge in the park, and rock falls have reduced the thickness to only 9 feet, so it may not be here much longer. Needless to say, walking on top of the bridges is not allowed. Kachina Bridge is the most geologically recent of the three and is still being actively enlarged - 4,000 tons of rock fell from the north side in June 1992 - unlike the others which are now situated some way above the waters, however Kachina is difficult to spot from the paved road.
Hiking: Short, well-used trails lead from the loop road to the bridges, and a moderately difficult 8 mile path connects all three, following the path of the two canyons (Armstrong and White, which extends 60 miles north to Hite, at Lake Powell) cut by the streams responsible for the bridge formation. Although the canyons are dry in the summer, at other times the trail passes many small waterfalls and deep pools, suitable for swimming. Another short path leads to an overlook of Horsecollar Ruin, remains of an Anasazi cliff dwelling.
Hotels: The nearest town with hotels close to Natural Bridges National Monument is Blanding.
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