Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeastern Utah, approximately 50 miles north of the popular tourist destination, Monument Valley. The monument sits within the boundaries of the larger Bears Ears National Monument, showcasing three magnificent natural bridges: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo.
The history of Natural Bridges National Monument dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human presence in the area as early as 6,000 BC. Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans and the Navajo, inhabited the region and left behind petroglyphs and ruins as a testament to their existence.
The three natural bridges, formed by the erosive power of water flowing through the sandstone canyons, are the main attractions of this national monument. Sipapu Bridge stands as the largest and is the second-largest natural bridge in the world, with a height of 220 feet. Kachina Bridge, which is slightly smaller, offers a picturesque view from various overlooks and hiking trails. Lastly, the delicate Owachomo Bridge, perched dramatically on the canyon rim, is the oldest and most fragile of the bridges.
Visitors can explore the park through various hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. Bridge View Drive is a 9-mile scenic loop road that provides access to overlooks for all three bridges, as well as trailheads for several hikes. The Owachomo Bridge Trail is a short and easy hike, allowing visitors to stand beneath the impressive bridge. For a longer adventure, the 8.6-mile Kachina Bridge Loop Trail offers a beautiful combination of canyon views and closer encounters with both Kachina and Owachomo bridges.
Nearby attractions include the iconic Monument Valley, located just south of Natural Bridges National Monument. Monument Valley is known for its towering sandstone buttes, popularized by numerous movies and westerns. Additionally, the city of Moab, famous for its stunning red-rock landscapes, is located about 80 miles northeast of the monument and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Overall, Natural Bridges National Monument is a hidden gem with its awe-inspiring natural bridges, rich history, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in southeastern Utah for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Natural Bridges National Monument is nestled in the southeastern portion of Utah, within the vast and rugged landscape of the Colorado Plateau. This mesmerizing national monument is located in San Juan County, characterized by its remote and untouched wilderness. Set amidst canyons, mesas, and towering rock formations, Natural Bridges is situated to the west of the enchanting Bears Ears National Monument. Its geographical location showcases breathtaking natural marvels, where three majestic sandstone bridges gracefully span the bottom of deep canyons. Surrounded by stunning desert scenery, this location within Utah offers visitors a unique opportunity to marvel at nature's extraordinary creations and immerse themselves in the remarkable geographic wonders of the Southwest.
At the end of UT-275Approximately 45 minutes' drive west of Blanding, UtahLake Powell, UT 84533Driving DirectionsPhone: 4356921234Web: Link
The best time to visit Natural Bridges National Monument is during the months of May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 63°F in May to 78°F in September. The average minimum temperatures range from 38°F in May to 51°F in September. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low during these months, ranging from 0.8 inches in May to 1.1 inches in October. Visiting during these months allows for enjoyable outdoor activities while avoiding large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Natural Bridges National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Hiking
Learn about these topics at Natural Bridges National Monument: Animals Geology Night Sky Archeology Canyons and Canyonlands Ruins
During the main season (April through September), Natural Bridges Visitor Center is typically open seven days a week, 9 am to 4 pm. In the off-season (fall, winter, and early spring) it is open four days a week, Friday through Monday. Exhibits, a park film, and a bookstore are available. You can pay your entrance fee online or at the visitor center.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Natural Bridges Visitor Center.
Camp in solitude among the juniper trees at Natural Bridges campground. The campground is conveniently located next to the visitor center off the main park road. Campsites are fully reservable through Recreation.gov and open year-round. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table, and tent pad, but no running water, electricity, or hookups.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Standard Site), 8.00 (Senior/Access Rate)
Total Campsites: 13
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
A stay at Rodeway Inn & Suites places you in the heart of Blanding, within a 5-minute walk of Dinosaur Museum and Blue Mountain Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 711 S Main St, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
With a stay at Prospector Motor Lodge in Blanding, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Dinosaur Museum and Cedar Mesa Pottery. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 591 S Main St, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
With a stay at Blue Sage Inn & Suites, you'll be centrally located in Blanding, just a 4-minute walk from Cedar Mesa Pottery and 14 minutes by foot from Utah State University Eastern-Blanding Campus. Featured amenities include express check-out and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 132 S Main Street, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
With a stay at Stone Lizard Lodging in Blanding, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Cedar Mesa Pottery and Utah State University Eastern-Blanding Campus. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 88 W Center St, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
Located in Blanding, Four Corners Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Cedar Mesa Pottery and Utah State University Eastern-Blanding Campus. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Address: 131 East Center Street, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
In the heart of Blanding, this condo is within a 5-minute drive of Edge of the Cedars State Park and Cedar Mesa Pottery. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 168 North 400 West, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Blanding in Blanding, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Dinosaur Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Blue Mountain Hospital. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 755 South Main Street, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
When you stay at this vacation home in Blanding, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Utah State University Eastern-Blanding Campus and Cedar Mesa Pottery. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2506 North Reservoir Road, Blanding, Utah 84535
Web: Link
With a stay at this vacation home in Blanding, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Cedar Mesa Pottery and Dinosaur Museum.
Address: 463 South 200 West, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
With a stay at this vacation home in Blanding, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Utah State University Eastern-Blanding Campus and 12 minutes by foot from Edge of the Cedars State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69 South 500 West, Blanding, Utah 84511
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | Voicemail not functioning The voicemail for the main park phone line (435-692-1234) is not functioning reliably. People are advised to call during business hours in order to speak with a ranger. |
| 2024-07-03 | Natural Bridges has gone cashless The park now accepts only mobile or electronic payments for entrance & camping fees. You can reserve campsites and buy entrance passes on Recreation.gov, or only use debit/credit cards to pay in person. More |
| 2023-04-13 | Road Work to Begin in Natural Bridges National Monument A road construction project is scheduled for this spring and summer at Natural Bridges National Monument. Work will begin Monday, April 17, 2023, and continue through Friday, July 21, 2023. More |