Natural Bridges National Monument - Exploring the Park

A 9 mile paved loop road runs along the mesa above the bridges.You should plan on stopping for a view of each bridge and the Indian cliff dwellings, for which binoculars are useful. You should also try to make time to hike down to at least one bridge to gain a much better appreciation for the beauty of these structures.

The three bridges represent three different stages in the life of a natural bridge.

Sipapu is a middle aged bridge, with a smooth, strong span. With a height of 220 feet and span of 268 feet, it is the largest of the three and the 2nd largest natural bridge in the world. Only Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell is larger.

Kachina is a young bridge, with a thick chunky look. It measures 210 feet by 204 feet.

Owachomo is an older graceful bridge, time having reduced its span to a precariously thin 9 foot thick ribbon. In geological time, it hasn't long to live. At 106 by 180 feet, it is the smallest of the three.

There is a separate trail down to each bridge. The steep Sipapu Bridge Trail (1.2 miles round-trip) descends 600 feet to the base of Sipapu Bridge.The equally steep Kachina Bridge Trail (1-1/2 mile round-trip) drops 650 feet to the Kachina Bridge. The Owachomo Bridge Trail is an easy (.5 mile) walk. Elevation change is less than 200 feet.

The Natural Bridges Loop Trail also runs along the canyon bottoms between the bridges. Most hikers hike down the Sipapu Bridge Trail and come up the Owachomo Bridge Trail, since the grade up from Owachomo Bridge is considerably easier than the others. The round-trip distance of 8.2 miles includes a 2-1/2 mile trail through woodland along the top of the canyon back to the Sipapu Bridge trailhead. (It can be eliminated by using a car shuttle.) Many hikers omit the Owachomo Bridge segment and climb up the Kachina Bridge Trail. This shortens the loop to 5.4 miles, which includes a 2 mile hike on the mesa top.

The modern visitor center is opened daily from 8-5 from Mar-May and in Oct; 8-6 from Jun-Sep; and 9-4:30 in winter. The gates to the scenic drive stay open from dawn to dusk. An entrance fee of $6 per vehicle is charged, unless you have a National Park Pass.

For more information, contact: Superintendent, Natural Bridges National Monument, Box 1, Lake Powell, UT 84533; 435-692-1234.