Natural Bridges National Monument
covers a relatively small area in
southeast Utah. It is rather remote and not close to other parks and so is not heavily visited. Natural Bridges
are formed by running water and hence are much rarer than arches, which result from a variety of other erosional
forces. This is also the reason why bridges tend to be found within canyons, sometimes quite hidden, whereas arches
are usually high and exposed, as they are often the last remnants of rock cliffs and ridges.
Attractions: Unlike Arches National Park, with over
2000 classified arches, there are only three bridges here although the area also has some scattered Indian cliff
dwellings, pictographs and scenic white sandstone canyons. Another more modern attraction is the Photovoltaic
Array, one of the largest solar power generators in the world - this is reached by a short trail starting near
the vistor centre.
The Bridges: A 9 mile one-way loop road has several overlooks of the three bridges,
currently known as Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomu after their names were changed to reflect the Hopi Indian history
of the area. The last of these three is probably the most spectacular, and also the easiest to hike to - the path
into the canyon underneath the bridge is only a few hundred metres. It is the oldest bridge in the park, and rock
falls have reduced the thickness to only 9 feet, so it may not be here much longer. Needless to say, walking on top
of the bridges is not allowed. Kachina Bridge is the most geologically recent of the three and is
still being actively enlarged - 4,000 tons of rock fell from the north side in June 1992 - unlike the others which
are now situated some way above the waters, however Kachina is difficult to spot from the paved road.
Hiking: Short, well-used trails lead from the loop road to the bridges, and a moderately
difficult 8 mile path connects all three, following the path of the two canyons (Armstrong and
White, which extends 60 miles north to Hite, at Lake Powell)
cut by the streams responsible for the bridge formation. Although the canyons are dry in the summer, at other
times the trail passes many small waterfalls and deep pools, suitable for swimming. Another short path leads
to an overlook of Horsecollar Ruin, remains of an Anasazi cliff dwelling.
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