High desert park featuring three massive natural stone bridges, scenic overlooks, archaeological sites, and hiking trails through rugged canyons.
General Information
Visitor Center: Thursday–Monday, 9:00am–4:00pm (closed Tuesday–Wednesday)
Motorcycle: $15
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $10
Valid for 7 days; America the Beautiful Pass accepted
How to Get There
From Moab (120 mi): Take US-191 S to Blanding, then head west on UT-95 for 35 miles and turn right onto UT-275 to reach the monument entrance.
Overview
The Natural Bridges National Monument preserves three of the largest natural stone bridges in the world—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo—each sculpted by the erosive power of water over thousands of years. Located in a remote corner of southeastern Utah, the monument offers a scenic 9-mile loop drive with overlooks, hiking trails, and access to ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Visitors can hike to each bridge individually or take a longer loop trail through White and Armstrong Canyons to see all three. The park is also home to Horsecollar Ruin, a well-preserved cliff dwelling visible from an overlook.
Designated as Utah’s first national monument in 1908, Natural Bridges is also recognized as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The small campground provides a peaceful base for exploring the area, and the visitor center offers exhibits, maps, and ranger guidance. With its blend of geological wonder, cultural history, and solitude, Natural Bridges is a must-visit for those seeking a quieter alternative to Utah’s more crowded parks.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for https://www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.