Natural Bridges National Monument



A First For Utah

Located on cedar covered mesas about 35 miles west of Blanding, Utah is Natural Bridges National Monument. Created in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, Natural Bridges National Monument became Utah's first National Park Service area. To honor the Native Americans that inhabited this area, the three bridges in the Monument were named Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu. Sipapu Natural Bridge is the largest span and Owachomo Natural Bridge being the oldest.

Things To Do

Within the canyons of the Monument, visitors can take short hikes to canyon edges to enjoy viewing three natural bridges as well as a few archeological sites. Longer hikes are possible between two of the bridges or an 8.6 mile loop trail which visits all three spans. A 13-site campground is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

Star Gazer's Delight

Natural Bridges National Monument is 1 of 9 parks in Utah on the IDA Dark Sky Park list because of its near perfect absence of light pollution. In the summer months, the park has astronomy ranger programs under pristine starry skies.



Natural arches and bridges in Natural Bridges National Monument