Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah 2024-2025

Unbelievable sandstone formations throughout the state of Utah fascinate people all over the world. Natural Bridges is one of such places. Three majestic bridges are amazing from wherever you look at them. The bridges are located on Cedar Mesa at a height of 1,981 meters above sea level.

Behind the Names

The powerful force of water has carved three remarkable natural bridges within White Canyon at Natural Bridges National Monument, situated 42 miles (67 km) west of Blanding and 47 miles (75 km) north of Mexican Hat. These impressive rock formations bear names derived from the Hopi language —"Kachina," "Owachomo," and "Sipapu." They are called to honor the Native Americans who once lived there. The name Sipapu means "the place of emergence." It was believed to be the entrance to this world for the ancestors. Kachina means " dancer " because of the rock commonly used on kachina dolls. The meaning of Owachomo is "rock mound," which refers to the small pile of rocks visible at the eastern top edge of the bridge

Best Spots to Enjoy the View

Begin your visit to Natural Bridges at the visitor center, conveniently located on the right as you enter the monument. While its hours may vary with the season, staffing, and holidays, it is typically open four days a week (Thursday-Sunday) from spring through fall. From here, you can gather helpful information to make the most of your exploration.

The Sipapu Bridge Viewpoint is an excellent starting point for your journey. Offering stunning vistas of the second-largest natural bridge in the United States, it showcases the grandeur of the largest bridge within the park. This breathtaking viewpoint is only a short drive from the visitor center, making it a must-see.

For expansive panoramas and serene beauty, the Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint is ideal. Known for its sweeping views of the smallest and possibly oldest bridge in the park, this spot is delightful any time of day or season. Many visitors recommend this viewpoint for sunset, as its overlook reveals a clear and vibrant horizon.

Another highlight is the mesa-top overlook of the Horse Collar Ruin. A brief hike over slickrock leads to a vantage point where you can admire remarkably preserved ancestral Puebloan structures nestled within the surrounding canyon landscape. This perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into life from 700 years ago while providing a spectacular view of the rugged terrain.

Stargazing and Other Activities

This place was declared as a National Monument in 1908. Apart from the sandstone bridges, the location is also famous for its International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal place for stargazing. Visitors can witness some wildlife species, such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and coyotes. This park also unveils the cultural heritage of Native Americans, with historical archaeological sites and rock art scattered across the monument.

Best Time to Visit

All three bridges are connected into one loop trail along the canyon bottoms. You can easily access them all year round during short hikes from the parking lot. Still, the ideal season to go there is from March to October when the weather is most comfortable. It takes around two to three hours to explore these amazing formations.