Natural Bridges National Monument is located in Southeast Utah near the Arizona border. The nearest town is Blanding, UT.
The above "natural bridge" is called Sipapu Bridge. The bridge is 220 feet high and spans 268 feet across. There are 3 natural bridges in the monument.
The area became known to the American public via a National Geographic Magazine article published in 1904. The area became a National Monument in 1908 designated by Theodore Roosevelt. The first paved road leading to the monument from Blanding was built in the mid 70's. Until then, the monument had very few visitors. During my visit I spoke to a DNR representative. He mentioned that even today the monument only averages 20-25 vehicles per day. This wasn't a surprise to me as the monument is in the middle of nowhere and I found it by accident after getting lost trying to find my way to Blanding from Monument Valley in Arizona.
Just as cool as the bridges is White Canyon itself where the bridges were formed by roaring white water.
The photos below are of Owachomo Bridge. This bridge is the most accessible in the park. Its 106 feet high and spans 55 feet across.
Above, the two prominent buttes are called "Bear Ears". Several Native American groups consider the area sacred and include "bear ears" in their oral traditions. The left butte is 8930 feet above sea-level. The right is 9058 feet above sea-level.
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