Kachina & Owachomo Bridges, Natural Bridges National Monument

Second stop: Kachina Bridge. There’s another long trail which leads down to the bottom of the canyon, but I chose to skip it.

Owachomo Bridge probably the most impressive bridge here, and it’s also the easiest to reach. A short trail takes you directly under the bridge.

Underneath Owachomo Bridge.

Owachomo Bridge is the lowest of the three bridges here (106 ft.) and has the shortest span (180 ft.). The span is also the narrowest (27 ft.), and thinnest (9 ft.).

Bear’s Ears

After leaving Natural Bridges National Monument, you may be in the mood to climb a trail, while sitting comfortably in your car. Make a left turn (when heading out of the park) onto CR 228, the road to Bear’s Ears.

The road to Bear’s Ears is well signed as you head into Natural Bridges National Monument, but there’s no sign as you leave, so watch closely.

This is the higher of the two ears… topping off at 9,058 feet.

After passing the peak of Bear’s Ears, the road became muddy, and there was still snow on the ground (at the end of March). While I chose to head back the way I came, you may want to venture on. If you do, you’ll find several dirt roads criss-crossing the Manti- La Sal National Forest.

Heading back down from Bear’s Ears, you’ll see a great view of the Grand Gulch Plateau.

Natural Bridges National Monument: Sipapu Bridge

Utah’s Scenic Highway 95 to Hite Marina

Note: This trip was first published in 2004.

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