Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah

Moab Utah
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Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and includes 7,637 acres in the Colorado River Drainage.

  • The Loop Trail is 8.6 miles long and has a view of all the natural bridges.
  • The monument is the world's first International Dark Sky Park.
  • Theodore Roosevelt established Natural Bridges National Monument.
  • Stay in one of 13 campsites $16/night.
  • The Archaeological site, Horse Collar, is an indian cliff dwelling.

Overview

Three beautiful natural bridges, Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu, are protected by the National Monument, as well as Horse Collar, an ancestral indian cliff dwelling and archaeological site. Visitors to the monument can view all of the arches from Bridge View Drive or the Loop Trail and enjoy a night or two in the Natural Bridges Campground.

Location & Information

Natural Bridges is located 45 minutes from Blanding, Utah at the end of Highway 275. The park is open all year round. The visitor's center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October-March and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April-September, but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

  • Vehicles are $10-20.
  • The local passport ($55) is good for one year and accepted at Arches, Canyonlands, and Hovenweep.

The Bridge View Drive

This scenic drive is 9 miles and provides access to all of the bridges as well as Horse Collar Archaeological Site, a Puebluan cliff dwelling.

Camping in Natural Bridges Campground

The campground has 13 sites and is operated on a first come first serve basis. Amenities include Tent Pads, Picnic Tables, and Grills.

  • Open all year round.
  • Nightly fee is $16.
  • Sites accommodate 8 people and 1 vehicle and R.V.s up to 26' long.
  • Note: Remember there is no firewood gathering allowed in the park.

Hiking Loop Trail

There are a number of short hikes throughout the park, but Loop Trail provides visitors with access to all of the bridges, as well as ancient ruins, rock art, and a wooded mesa. Trailhead: Sipapu Bridge Parking Area-2.3 miles from the Visitor's Center

  • 8.6 mile loop
  • Moderate to moderately strenuous
  • Day hike
  • Note: Ranger guided interpretive presentations and hiking tours are available with a reservation. Stay on trails protect delicate cryptobiotic soil.

Fun Facts

Because of its intensely dark night sky, the Natural Bridge was voted the world's first "International Dark Sky Park" by the International Dark Sky Association.