Natural Bridges National Monument is in Cedar Mesa country in Southeastern Utah.   The park sits at 6500 feet and is cut by two deep canyons.   Three massive stone bridges span the canyons.

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The road into the park passes the Visitors Center then a nice campground, followed by a loop route past viewpoints of the natural bridges and trailheads.   The trails go down the slickrock with views of the bridges, winding down and around to the base of each one.   A sandy trail in the bottom of the canyon links up all 3.   Sipapu Bridge is the first natural bridge and the most impressive.

An 8.6 mile loop trail can be hiked linking all three bridges.  The first leg crosses slickrock ledges and two traditional-style ladders assisting hikers in getting down the cliffs.

At the bottom of the canyon we can look back up to the span above.

The trail continues down the wash on the canyon floor.   Cottonwoods stand in contrast with the orange canyon walls.

We walk right under the second arch – Kachina Bridge.   We can hike back up from there or we can continue to go down canyon.

The final bridge is lower and less massive – Owachacho Bridge.

Once back up a the loop road, trails cross the mesa back to each parking area/viewpoint.

I really liked the Natural Bridges area for a number of reasons:

• The area is remote and does not get hordes of people.
• It is at a higher elevation so it is cooler than the desert hikes at lower elevations.
• The bridges are a bit unique, especially having 3 in the same canyon route.
• There are a number of Anasazi ruins and other hikes nearby.
• I stayed overnight in the campground and found it be a nice basecamp for more hiking in these high desert hills.