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Natural Bridges National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in the southeast of
Utah, in the western United States. It features the second and third
largest natural bridges in the world.
The elevation ranges from 5,500 feet to 6,500 feet (1,700 to 2,000 m). At higher elevations
pinyon-juniper forests grow, giving way to shrubs and grasses at lower
elevations. In the canyons, where there is more water, there are willow and
cottonwood trees.
Natural bridges are formed
through erosion by moving water. The remaining rock spans the
canyon like a bridge, hence the name. The three bridges in the
park are named Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu, which are all
Hopi names.
Attractions
The main attractions are Bridge View Drive which winds along the park and goes
by all three bridges, and hiking down to the base of the bridges. There is
also a campground and picnic areas within the park. Electricity in the park
comes entirely from a large solar array near the visitors center
| Bridge | Height | Span | Width | Thickness |
| Owachomo | 106 feet (32 m) | 180 feet (55 m) | 27 feet (8 m) | 9
feet (3 m) |
| Sipapu | 220 feet (67 m) | 268 feet (82 m) | 31 feet (9 m) | 53
feet (16 m) |
| Kachina | 210 feet (64 m) | 204 feet (62 m) | 44 feet (13 m) | 93
feet (28 m) |
Biology
- Animals include: birds, rabbits, lizards, bobcats, coyotes, bears, mule dear, mountain lions.
- Plants include: willow, cottonwood, douglas fir, ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, juniper, grasses, shrubs.
History
In 1904 the National Geographic Magazine publicized the bridges and
the area was designated a National Monument April 16, 1908 by President
Theodore Roosevelt. It is Utah's first National Monument.
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