Located
just off the Bicentennial Highway, the three perforated
rock walls in the monument are spectacular examples of
the forces of nature at work. To get there, see the drive
on page 128, which will take you from Torrey and
Blanding.
Geologically
speaking, bridges are not arches. Bridges are created by
the force of water carving holes in the rock. Natural
arches are made by other forces of erosion. Stream
erosion is a key to the formation of the three bridges in
this park.
What
to See & Do
Two
of the bridges are considered to be in a mature stage.
Owachomo Bridge and Sipapu Bridge are no
longer being eroded by streams, although wind and rain
continue to shape their form.
Kachina
Bridge is the youngest of the three, looking bulky
and not as delicate as the older formations. It is
located in White Canyon and still faces floodwaters each
year. And -- some distant day -- they all will inevitably
break up and disappear due to future erosion. In the
meantime, these wonderful bridges are here to
explore.
Although
all of the stone bridges can be seen (more or less) from
viewpoints along the one-way loop road, short trails will
take you to the bridges for the kind of view you really
should get if you've driven all the way to see them.
Although it is the largest, Sipapu Bridge is hard
to spot as you park along the road. Experienced hikers
will wish to take the 8-mile (13 km) trail linking the
bridges, which are located in two separate canyons. There
is some climbing to do on the longer loop trail.
The
loop road and the park's visitor center are
located atop the plateau, on the canyon rim. There's a
difference in ecosystems between the top and bottom
landscapes. On the plateau, pinyon pine and juniper
prevail. The canyon bottoms exhibit desert plant life:
shrubs and grasses. Where there is water, cottonwoods and
willows grow. A walk into the canyons from the three
access points provides a good look at the transition
zone, which features Douglas firs, oaks, and
maples.
The
visitor center features an orientation slide show
that tells of the history of the natural bridges area and
has information on park wildlife. There is a picnic area
along the one-way loop road, before you reach the first
bridge (Sipapu). Upon entering the monument, you'll see a
large photovoltaic power system, which was completed and
turned on in 1980. Until recently, it supplied all of the
power requirements of the Monument. The park is open
year-round but the prime season for viewing and hiking is
from April through October. The fall season, when the
aspens turn a bright yellow color, is particularly
beautiful. During the winter, some trails may be closed
because of snow and ice.
Camping
in the Park
There
is one campground in the park, located just west of the
visitor center. This is a primitive campground with 13
sites and no water, a 21-foot limit, but no fee.
Interpretation programs are held here
during
summer months. Water is available at the visitor
center.
Outside
Accommodations
The
nearest overnight places to stay are in Fry
Canyon, which is 26 miles west on Utah Hwy. 95, and
have very limited accommodations. The town of Blandings
is 68 miles from the park and has more in the way of
motels and restaurants, as well as RV parks. There is a
campground/RV park at Hite Marina, 50 miles west in the
Glen
Canyon National Recreation
Area.
In
Blanding, Kampark (435-678-2270) is open
year-round, and has 52 RV sites with full hookups and 20
tent sites with toilets, showers, laundry, drinking
water. There are also picnic tables, dump station,
fishing and boating. Devil's Canyon Campground
(435-587-2042) has pit toilets and no showers, with 33 RV
and tent sites.
