Visitors to Utah head straight for the national parks, but there’s one national monument here that gets very little attention. If you want to escape the crowds, head to Natural Bridges National Monument, and take a drive on the Bridge Loop Drive to find three overlooks featuring the natural bridges here.
You’ll find Natural Bridges National Park near Lake Powell. The park covers 7,636 acres and sees just 100,000 or so visitors every year. If you want to get a good look at some of Utah’s most interesting geology, you’ll want to pay it a visit.
Jim T/Tripadvisor Address: Lake Powell, UT, 84533
The park is home to three natural bridges, and the easiest way to see them is by taking the nine-mile-long paved loop, Bridge Loop Drive. Start at the Visitor Center and make your way counter-clockwise to parking lots at each overlook.
Your first stop is Sipapu Bridge. The trail to the bridge overlook is paved, and it’s just a short, easy 10 minute walk to the overlook.
CrankingChick/Tripadvisor
You’ll be in awe once you get to the Sipapu Bridge Overlook. The landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, and you’ll have a birds-eye view of the natural bridge. Sipapu Bridge is the largest of the three in the park. It’s 220 feet tall, with a span of 268 feet.
National Park Service
If you want to explore the bridge up close, take the Sipapu Bridge Trail. It’s just 1.4 miles, round trip, but it’s steep and considered a difficult trail. You’ll need to navigate three wooden ladders, a steep set of metal stairs and many switchbacks.
National Park Service
Kachina Bridge is your next stop. The winding path to this bridge provides a charming little stroll amongst the desert flora. It will take you just 10 minutes to traverse the .13 mile-long path to reach the Kachine Bridge Viewpoint, but it’s fairly steep.
CrankingChick/Tripadvisor
Get your camera ready for the Kachina Bridge Overlook - it’s absolutely stunning. This arch is 210 feet high, with a span of 220 feet. In 1992, 4,000 tons of sandstone fell from this bridge, increasing its opening.
CrankingChick/Tripadvisor
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, take the trail to Kachina Bridge. It’s just 1.42 miles round trip, but it descends 462 feet from the rim of the canyon. To reach the bridge, you’ll traverse a wooden ladder, steep switchbacks, and both rock and wooden stairs.
National Park Service
Owachomo Natural Bridge is the last one on the loop to see. The trail to Owachomo Overlook is less than 260 feet, and it’s a quick, easy journey. The paved trail is mostly flat, so it’s perfect for every visitor.
CrankingChick/Tripadvisor
The Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint showcases the smallest natural bridge in the park. Owachomo is just 106 feet tall, with a span of 180 feet. It might be small, but it’s very pretty, and it’s the most photographed bridge in the park.
National Park Service
The hike to the base of Owachomo Bridge is the easiest of the three. Just .26 miles each way, this trail is almost flat, though you’ll navigate some wood and stone stairs along the way. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of this natural bridge from below.
National Park Service
Make your way back to the Visitor Center, and don’t forget to stop in and see the interactive exhibits inside. You’ll learn more about these beautiful natural bridges, and the ancient people who once called this place home.
BradJill/Tripadvisor
Visit the Natural Bridges National Monument website to learn more about this special place. Have you already visited? We’d love to see your photos and read about your adventures in the comments!
Jim T/Tripadvisor
Address: Lake Powell, UT, 84533
CrankingChick/Tripadvisor
National Park Service
BradJill/Tripadvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
