Arches National Park is not only one of the most beautiful national parks in Utah, but it is also one of the busiest. Fortunately, you can see remarkable rock formations and natural bridges without the crowds when you visit Natural Bridges National Monument. Here, you can spend an entire afternoon exploring this area and it’s a day trip destination that the entire family will enjoy.
Natural Bridges National Monument is located approximately 35 miles west of Blanding. You will find the entrance to this national monument at the end of Utah Highway 275.
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This area was declared a national monument in 1908, making it Utah’s first and oldest national monument. Here, you will find three beautiful natural bridges —Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo — and each deserves your time and attention.
Thomas H. Mitchell / 500px Via Getty Images These natural bridges are thousands of years old and were sculpted by water. Each natural bridge was given a name that reflects the ancient Puebloan people who once lived in the area.
When first arriving at Natural Bridges, you’ll want to stop by the visitor center. Here, you can learn all about the area, natural bridges, nearby hiking trails, and more.
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One of the easiest ways to capture views of all three bridges is by taking the Bridge Loop Drive, a 9-mile paved loop road. This road begins at the visitor center.
David Quakenbush/EyeEm Via Getty Images You can learn more about this scenic road in our feature article.
There are also multiple hiking trails at this national monument, making it easy to admire each bridge. For an easy trail, consider the walk to the Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint.
Posnov/Moment Via Getty Images The Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and the oldest natural bridge in the area. The walk to this viewpoint takes less than 10 minutes and will give you some pretty spectacular views.
If you want a hike that is a little more challenging, take the hike to Kachina Bridge.
George Rudebusch/AllTrails Kachina Bridge is the widest natural bridge with a 44-foot wide girth. It is also believed to be the newest natural bridge in the park. This hike is 1.4-miles and you will trek right to the base of this natural bridge.
If you are really up for a challenge, consider tackling a long loop trail. Three loop trails are found in the park and each takes you to multiple natural bridges. The full loop, for example, is 12-miles long but you will pass all three natural bridges. This is no easy trail and can be quite strenuous in some areas.
Steve Prorak/EyeEm Via Getty Images
If you want to tackle multiple hiking trails at this national monument, plan to camp. You can stay at the Natural Bridges Campground, which is located near the visitor center. However, be aware that there are only 13 campsites and they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Make sure to visit Utah’s oldest national monument on a clear night. Natural Bridges was the world’s first International Dark Sky Park and here, you can enjoy some of the most amazing star shows. You definitely won’t want to retire to your tent early!
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With so much to do and see at Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah’s oldest national monument, this is one day trip destination that you are sure to love.
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For more information on Natural Bridges National Monument, visit the National Park Service website.
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Thomas H. Mitchell / 500px Via Getty Images
These natural bridges are thousands of years old and were sculpted by water. Each natural bridge was given a name that reflects the ancient Puebloan people who once lived in the area.
Mark Pabst/Google
David Quakenbush/EyeEm Via Getty Images
You can learn more about this scenic road in our feature article.
Posnov/Moment Via Getty Images
The Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and the oldest natural bridge in the area. The walk to this viewpoint takes less than 10 minutes and will give you some pretty spectacular views.
George Rudebusch/AllTrails
Kachina Bridge is the widest natural bridge with a 44-foot wide girth. It is also believed to be the newest natural bridge in the park. This hike is 1.4-miles and you will trek right to the base of this natural bridge.
Steve Prorak/EyeEm Via Getty Images
Toby Guhn/Google
James Capo / 500px Via Getty Images
Alan Majchrowicz/Stone Via Getty Images
Have you ever visited these natural bridges? What did you think of Utah’s oldest national monument? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
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Address: Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USA
