Natural Bridges National Monument is a wonderful place for hiking and history. It has three unique natural bridges: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo. In addition to the bridges, there are also ruins and petroglyphs. Horse Collar Ruins is one of the best-preserved ancestral Puebloan sites in the state.
Each of the bridges can be seen from viewpoints along a scenic drive. Each viewpoint has access to a short hike, taking you to see the bridges up close. There is also a loop hike that takes you on a trail to all the bridges.
Park Information
Natural Bridges National Monument is open every day, 24 hours a day. The visitor center is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, but during the winter, it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is also closed on major holidays. Admission is $20 per car or free with an America the Beautiful National Park Pass.
*Fees and hours are subject to change; please check out the NPS website for updates.
Directions to Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeastern Utah. The nearest town with services and accommodations is Blanding, which is about 35 miles to the southeast of Natural Bridges National Monument. Moab, the closest major city, is approximately 3 hours away. The monument itself is relatively remote, surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Colorado Plateau.
From Blanding, Utah, go south on US-191 about 4 miles to its junction with UT-95. Go west on UT-95, about 30 miles to the signed Natural Bridges road on the right. The monument is about 4.5 miles off UT-95.
From Hanksville, Utah, go south on UT-95, about 96 miles to the signed Natural Bridges road on the left. The monument is about 4.5 miles off UT-95.
Viewing and Hiking the Natural Bridges and Archeological Site
Each Bridge and the archeological site has its own viewpoint that can be reached by a short hike. There is a parking area at each stop with access to the trailhead.
Sinupu Bridge
Sinapu Bridge is the first of the natural bridges you will encounter in the park. It is located a few minutes from the visitor center and is the largest bridge! The bridge is 220 ft high and 270 ft wide. The name Sipapu is the term the Hopi used for an opening between worlds.
Kachina Bridge
Next, you will come to the Kachina Bridge Viewpoint. Again, a short hike will take you to the bridge. The Kaching Bridge is the second largest. It spans 203 ft and is 210 ft high from the ground, while the horizontal part of the bridge is 43 ft wide and 301 ft thick. This bridge got its name from the petroglyphs on its side. The petroglyphs represent Kachina dancers. It spans 203 ft and is 210 ft high from the ground, while the horizontal part of the bridge is 43 ft wide and 301 ft thick.
Owachomo Bridge
The final bridge is the Owachomo Bridge. This bridge is the thinnest and the oldest. The bridge is 105 ft high and 180 ft wide, while the strip in the middle is 26 ft wide and 10 ft thick. The name Owachomo means “Rock Mound” in the Hopi Language.
Horse Collar Ruin
The Horse Collar ruin is the farthest viewpoint. It is a really neat stop because the ruins are in excellent condition. It is thought that ancestral Puebloans lived in this area as early as 7000 B.C., then left around 700 A.D. The site is named after two structures with doorways.
More Hiking Options at Natural Bridges National Monument
In addition to the short trails at each stop, there are also longer routes you can take to get more hiking in and see more. There are three loop trails that allow you to get up close and personal with all the park has to offer. Stop at the visitor center for updated conditions and detailed directions.
Full Loop
The full loop is just over 12 miles roundtrip and lets you see all three rock bridges up close. The trail is challenging; it takes you through two canyons and on top of the mesa.
Sipapu-Kachina Loop
The Sipapu-Kaching Loop is a shorter loop. It is 5.7 miles roundtrip and passes by Sipapu and Kachina Bridges. This loop also passes through the canyons and over the mesa top.
Kachina-Owachomo Loop
The Kachina-Owachomo Loop is the shortest loop at 6.5 miles roundtrip. This loop passes by Kachina and Owachomo Bridges. Like the other loops, it passes through canyons and over the mesa top.
Natural Bridges is an International Dark Sky Park
Another awesome thing about Natural Bridges is that it’s an international dark sky park! That means the night skies here offer the best views of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects around! There is a very limited amount of light pollution, which gives you views that are out of this world (get it)!
Camping at Natural Bridges National Monument
If you’re going to take advantage of the dark skies, you will most likely want to camp. Camping is available year-round. The campground is located next to the visitor center off the main park road. Campsites are first come, first served. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table, and tent pad, but there is no running water, electricity, or hookups.
There is also Camping on BLM land outside of the park.
Nearby Attractions
Natural Bridges is quite secluded, but there are some cool places along the route. You may find yourself passing Goosenecks National Monument, Monument Valley, and the Valley of the Gods in one direction or Canyonlands National Park in another direction. All of the places listed are worth checking out!
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Always do your part to keep Natural Bridges National Monument beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. Respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!