Natural Bridges National Monument: Three Stone Bridges and Some of the Darkest Skies on Earth

Southeast Utah is full of natural wonders. Red rock canyons. Ancient cliff dwellings. Towering buttes. Among these gems sits Natural Bridges National Monument, established in 1908 as Utah’s first national monument. The monument protects three massive stone bridges carved by water over millions of years. It also protects some of the darkest night skies in the world.

The monument sits within Bears Ears National Monument, a much larger protected area. Bears Ears is named for the two buttes that rise from the desert floor, resembling the ears of a bear. Natural Bridges is easily accessible by paved highway, despite its remote location.

Getting There

Natural Bridges is located about 45 minutes from the city of Blanding to the east. From Hanksville to the northwest, the drive takes about two hours. From the tiny town of Mexican Hat to the south, the drive takes about one hour.

The drive from Mexican Hat passes several notable landmarks, including the Moki Dugway. This three-mile dirt road is built into the side of the cliffs of Cedar Mesa. The road is steep and winding but offers incredible views. No matter which direction visitors come from, the drive into Natural Bridges is scenic. The famous buttes of Bears Ears are visible throughout the area.

A visitor center greets visitors near the entrance. The monument is managed by the National Park Service. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.

Bridges vs. Arches

Many visitors wonder about the difference between a natural bridge and an arch. The short answer is that bridges are formed primarily by water erosion, while arches are formed primarily by wind erosion. There is more to it than that, but this is the main distinction. Natural Bridges National Monument protects three examples of water-carved bridges.

Bridge View Drive

A one-way, nine-mile loop called Bridge View Drive takes visitors through the monument. The road provides access to all three bridges. Each bridge has an overlook for visitors who prefer not to hike. For those willing to descend into the canyon, trails lead to the base of each bridge.

Sipapu Bridge

Sipapu is the largest of the three bridges. An overlook near the trailhead provides a view from above. For those who want to get closer, a 1.4-mile round trip trail leads to the base.

The trail descends about 430 feet into the canyon. This may not sound like much, but the hike back up provides a good workout for the legs. The trail includes several ladders and handrails. Those with a fear of heights may find these sections challenging, but most visitors manage without serious difficulty.

The trail begins on slick rock. A staircase leads down with incredible views of the pink and black cliffside. About halfway down, the trail passes a small Pueblo ruin. Visitors should take care not to disturb these ancient structures. Only photographs should be taken.

From the ruin, hikers have two options. The main trail continues down to Sipapu Bridge. A side trail follows the cliff ledge to an overlook. The overlook provides a great view of the bridge and canyon from above.

Continuing down, hikers reach handrails and a final ladder. At the bottom, the view from underneath the bridge helps visitors appreciate just how massive this structure is. Sipapu spans 268 feet and stands 220 feet high.

The Canyon Loop Trail

A longer, unmaintained loop trail connects all three bridges through the canyon. Hikers attempting this route should be prepared for route finding. An offline map is recommended. The loop is not regularly maintained, and conditions vary.

In years with heavy snowfall, the stream through the canyon may run high. High water can cover portions of the trail, making the loop impassable. Visitors should check conditions before attempting the full loop.

Horse Collar Ruin

Following the canyon loop from Sipapu leads to a much larger Pueblo ruin site known as Horse Collar Ruin. The ruin is over 700 years old and is in remarkably good condition. Sadly, like many sites in Bears Ears, it has been looted of artifacts.

For those who cannot complete the canyon loop due to high water or other conditions, an overlook trail provides a view of Horse Collar Ruin from above. This trail is an easy half-mile round trip. The ruin is far below, so binoculars or a telephoto lens are helpful for seeing details.

The Bears Ears region is often described as a giant outdoor museum. Visitors should treat it with the same respect as any museum. Look, do not touch. Do not disturb ruins or remove any artifacts.

Kachina Bridge

Kachina is the youngest of the three bridges. It is still actively being carved by the river that runs through it. When water flow is high, the bridge may be inaccessible to hikers trying to reach its underside.

The hike to Kachina Bridge is similar in difficulty to Sipapu. The 1.4-mile round trip trail descends about 460 feet. Several ladders are required. An easy-access overlook from the road provides a view for those who prefer not to hike.

Kachina Bridge spans 204 feet. The gap underneath is noticeably smaller than at Sipapu or Owachomo. This bridge clearly still has erosion to go through. For hikers who reach the bottom, looking up to the right reveals a set of native petroglyphs. The view from the backside provides a different perspective on the bridge’s size.

Kachina is the least photographed and least visited of the three bridges. Being the youngest has one advantage. Kachina has no real risk of collapse anytime soon. The same cannot be said for the third bridge.

Owachomo Bridge

Owachomo is the easiest bridge to reach. A 0.6-mile round trip trail leads to its base. An overlook near the trailhead provides a view from above for those who prefer not to hike.

Owachomo spans 180 feet. It is only about nine feet thick near the middle. This makes it the bridge most in danger of collapse. Eventually, erosion will thin the bridge further until it breaks. For now, it remains standing.

The view from the front of Owachomo faces almost directly south. For visitors in early spring and summer, the Milky Way passes directly behind the bridge at night. This creates an incredible photo opportunity.

Dark Skies

Natural Bridges National Monument has some of the darkest skies in the world. In 2007, it became the first International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. Light pollution is virtually nonexistent here. On a clear night, the Milky Way is bright enough to cast shadows.

The best time for stargazing is during a new moon. The lack of moonlight allows the stars to shine at their fullest. The Milky Way core is visible from early spring through late summer.

Photographers come from around the world to capture the Milky Way behind Owachomo Bridge. The bridge faces south, making it an ideal foreground subject. A wide-angle lens, a tripod, and a camera capable of long exposures are essential. The human eye sees the Milky Way as a faint, milky band across the sky. A camera captures far more detail and color.

Camping

The monument has a small campground with 13 sites. The cost is $16 per night. Sites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance. They fill quickly, especially during busy seasons and around new moons.

For those who cannot secure a site, good news exists. The surrounding Manti-La Sal National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands have numerous free dispersed campsites. These sites are located just minutes from the monument. They offer similar dark skies and beautiful views.

The Bears Ears Region

Natural Bridges is just one attraction in the greater Bears Ears region. The area is full of ruins, canyons, and red rock scenery. Forest Road 88, located just outside the monument, leads up toward the Bears Ears buttes themselves. The road provides access to dispersed camping and incredible views.

The entire region is best explored slowly. Many of its best spots remain at least a little bit secret. Visitors willing to explore on their own will be rewarded with solitude and stunning landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer the best weather for visiting Natural Bridges. Daytime temperatures are mild. Nighttime temperatures are cool but not freezing. The Milky Way is visible from early spring through late summer.

Summer is hot. Daytime temperatures often exceed 90 degrees. However, summer also offers the longest window for Milky Way viewing at night. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for hiking.

Winter brings snow and cold temperatures. The monument remains open year-round, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow. The night skies are still dark, but the Milky Way core is not visible during winter months.

What to Bring

For daytime hiking, sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. The trails involve slick rock, ladders, and uneven surfaces. Water is critical. The desert air is dry. Dehydration happens quickly. At least one liter of water per person is recommended for any hike.

For nighttime photography, a tripod is absolutely necessary. Long exposures require the camera to stay completely still. A wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) captures the most light. A headlamp with a red light setting helps preserve night vision while setting up equipment.

Warm clothing is essential for night shoots, even in summer. Desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset. In spring and fall, nighttime temperatures can approach freezing.

Conclusion

Natural Bridges National Monument protects three incredible stone bridges carved by water over millions of years. Sipapu is the largest. Kachina is the youngest and still being carved. Owachomo is the thinnest and most at risk of collapse.

The monument also protects some of the darkest skies on Earth. On a clear night near a new moon, the Milky Way shines brightly overhead. Photographers position themselves at Owachomo Bridge to capture the galaxy passing behind the ancient stone.

A small campground serves visitors who plan ahead. Free dispersed camping surrounds the monument for those who do not. The greater Bears Ears region offers endless opportunities for exploration.

Utah’s first national monument remains one of its best. The three bridges are impressive by any standard. The night skies are among the best anywhere. And the surrounding landscape, full of ruins and red rock, rewards those who take the time to explore. Natural Bridges is a gem in a region full of gems. It deserves a visit from anyone who loves the desert southwest.