St. George to Natural Bridges National Monument

The second-largest natural bridge in the world at 220 feet high and 268 feet span. Named for the Hopi word for the gateway to the spirit world. The trail to the base descends 500 feet via switchbacks and ladders through a lush canyon — strenuous but spectacular. The bridge is a jaw-dropping sight from below.

The youngest and thickest of the three bridges at 210 feet high and 204 feet span, with a massive 93-foot thickness. Named for rock art resembling Hopi kachina figures found on the bridge. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail descends into a canyon with seasonal pools and lush vegetation. Look for petroglyphs on the canyon walls.

The oldest, thinnest, and most delicate of the three bridges — spanning 180 feet but only 9 feet thick in places. Named for the Hopi word for "rock mound." The easiest trail of the three at just 0.4 miles round trip. Geologists estimate Owachomo could collapse within a few thousand years.

An 8.6-mile loop trail connecting all three bridges through the canyon bottoms. This full-day hike descends into White Canyon and Armstrong Canyon, passing beneath each bridge and through pristine desert canyon environments. Strenuous with significant elevation changes and some scrambling.

Natural Bridges offers some of the darkest skies in North America with a Bortle Class 2 rating. On moonless nights, the Milky Way casts visible shadows. The best viewing is from the Owachomo Bridge overlook parking area. Peak Milky Way season is June through September when the galactic core is overhead.

The National Park Service offers seasonal astronomy programs with rangers who set up telescopes and guide visitors through the night sky. Programs typically run on weekend evenings during spring, summer, and fall. Check the visitor center for current schedules.

Natural Bridges is a world-class destination for night sky photography. The bridges themselves make stunning foreground subjects with the Milky Way arcing overhead. Photographers should bring a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens, and practice long-exposure techniques. No special permits needed for personal photography.

A well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling visible from an overlook along the Bridge View Drive. The ruin includes two distinctive horseshoe-shaped doorways that give it its name. Built around 1100 CE, the structures are remarkably intact. The overlook trail is a short 0.6-mile round trip. Do not enter or touch the ruins.

Ancient rock art panels are scattered throughout the canyons, particularly along the trail to Kachina Bridge. Ancestral Puebloan figures, animals, and geometric designs are carved and painted on canyon walls dating back 800+ years. These are fragile cultural resources — look but never touch.

Natural Bridges is surrounded by the Bears Ears National Monument, a 1.36-million-acre landscape of immense cultural significance to Native American tribes. The Bears Ears buttes are visible from the monument. Thousands of archaeological sites spanning 12,000 years of human history are scattered across the surrounding mesa country.

A 9-mile one-way loop road that provides overlook access to all three bridges, Horse Collar Ruin, and the trailheads. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stops. Pull-offs at each overlook have interpretive signs. The road is paved but narrow with tight switchbacks — trailers and large RVs are not recommended.

The visitor center at the monument entrance has exhibits on bridge formation, Ancestral Puebloan culture, and dark sky science. Rangers can provide current trail conditions, water availability, and weather updates. A small bookstore sells maps and guides. Open daily except major holidays.

Natural Bridges was one of the first NPS sites to go fully solar-powered. The visitor center features a solar panel array and interpretive exhibits explaining the monument's commitment to renewable energy and reducing light pollution. An interesting complement to the dark sky theme.

The monument is open year-round but services are limited in winter. Summer highs reach 90-100°F in the canyons. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter brings occasional snow and cold canyon temperatures but also the clearest skies for stargazing. Water is limited — carry at least 1 gallon per person per day for hiking.