This was my first time at Natural Bridges. As I look back on the trip, this place is one of my happiest memories.
There are three, huge natural bridges that you can hike down into the canyon and get right underneath them. It is absolutely incredible. This view is from the top, before I figured out how to access the hiking trail.
Yes, there were terrifying stairs and ladders to go down into the canyon, so I just sucked it up and started down climbing.
This is as far as I got on the trail down to the first bridge known as Sipapu Bridge.
A close up with my zoom lens reveals some of the strength and majesty of this natural bridge. the bridge is 220 feet in height, with a span of 268 feet. Mighty massive. Talk about feeling small......
Its not just the bridges that are spectacular. The surrounding scenery is so very beautiful. It literally took my breath away beholding such unexpected beauty.
I also appreciate the odd erosion in the sandstone, natures handiwork!
I stayed in the campground at Natural Bridges National Monument, and found it to be clean and well cared for. The second day of my stay, I drove down to the Moki Dugway, a 3 mile stretch of graded gravel at an 11% grade. What a crazy trip that was and only a short distance from the monument!
The view from the top provides stunning views of Valley of the Gods. My friends told me about the Dugway, so I have Joe and Dawn to thank for this portion of my trip!
The road was built in the 1950's as a route for ore trucks hauling uranium and vanadium from Cedar Mesa to the processing mill near Mexican Hat. Today this road is not recommended for RV's or large trucks, or people with a fear of heights.....Anyway I had to try it and I knew my Subaru could make it.
Beautiful sandstone mountains, with mineral stains running up and down the sides, line the roadway.
At one point I got out to look around and found this brave little succulent growing in the gravel. It wasn't long before I was at the bottom of the road, feeling rather brave myself.
Back at Natural Bridges I still had energy to hike down to Kachina Bridge, and I don't remember any ladders on this hike! Such a beautiful place. Met some nice folks down at the bottom of the canyon.
After a time of quiet rest, I headed back up the trail to my car.
The last of the three bridges is called Owachomo Bridge. A short hike the following morning brought me down to the base of the Owachomo Bridge where I stood in awe at the grandeur of it all.
Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and oldest of the three bridges. It stands 106 feet tall and has a span of 180 feet. So incredible. I highly recommend visiting the monument and if you would like more information, click on the link for the NPS website for Natural Bridges National Monument.
Time for me to go, but before I sign off, I wanted to introduce you to this cute bug I found on the way to Natural Bridges. After I took the picture I realized he was dead, but wanted to save him because he was way cool! I brought him to my car and placed him on top of the dashboard, but then as I was driving he disappeared. Then later he reappeared, in the reflection of the windshield. He had gotten stuck in the vent for the defroster. When I got home after all my journeys through the southwest, he was still there in the reflection of the windshield. As I was poking and prodding him with a straw, my watch rang and I screamed. I thought the bug was calling me. It was only Stan calling me, so after we talked I got out the vacuum cleaner and swooped him up, never to be seen again. With that I will say Good Night on one and all! PS I will post the rest of my pictures for Bryce, Arches, Zion and Capitol Reef very soon!