Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

Utah's First National Monument (declared in 1908)

We decided to hike the trail connecting all three bridges which are named "Kachina," "Owachomo" and "Sipapu" in honor of the ancestral Puebloans who once made this place their home. We didn't want to do this roundtrip since it looked like it was going to be close to 8 miles one way. There is a one way loop road, with the parking lots to the bridges,

so to make our own "shuttle" we dropped off a bike at the Owachomo parking lot. That way Jordan could ride the bike, on the loop road, back to our car (about 5 miles).

It was a great hike, but after several full active days we really felt the last few miles of this!

We parked & started at Sipapu which is the first bridge along that loop road. It was definitely the busiest as people climbed down on that trail to get a closer look. We wondered if things were going to be that way the entire time, but as soon as we left that one on the trail to the next bridge it emptied out. There are some cool ladders in a few sections of the trail to help you climb down which worked great and it was really incredible looking.

Then we continued on through various slot canyons as we headed toward the second bridge, Kachina.

This bridge was much thicker and closer to the ground with cool colors on the walls around it.

At this point you gain elevation to connect to the next trail toward Owachcmo. This kinda sapped our energy and so it felt like a slogfest for a couple of miles until we reached some gorgeous tall canyon walls with striking colors.

Coming around the corner you then see the bridge and I have to say, in the late day lighting, it was the prettiest one. It spans a wide stretch and from that side of it you can really take it all in with the views of the clouds underneath. I loved it! If you plan on visiting I highly encourage coming down this trail from the overlook and through to the other side of the bridge for these views.