Natural Bridges Ntl Monument - Owachomo Bridge - May 20, 2010

Natural Bridges Ntl Monument - Owachomo Bridge (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I decided to visit Natural Bridges National Monument on the way to Monument Valley. I only had time to do 2 short hikes...to Owachomo Bridge and the hike to Horsecollar Ruin. The other hikes in the park were simply too long (and strenuous) to do in an hour or 2, since my time was pretty limited here. I did have a great time at the park nonetheless.

Natural Bridges National Monument is located in southeast Utah, near the town of Blanding. It is home to 3 natural bridges. (The Natural Arch and Bridge Society defines a natural bridge as a type of arch that is primarily water formed). The bridges went through a few name changes over the years, first being named President, Senator and Congressman. Next they were renamed Augusta, Caroline and Edwin, before finally being renamed in 1909 to Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo.

The hike to Owachomo Bridge was short, but fairly steep, but it is the easiest of the 3 bridge trails: It is about 1/2 mile round trip with an elevation change of about 200 feet.

Owachomo means "rock mound" in Hopi and is named after the rock formation on top of the southeast end of the bridge.

The hike to the Horsecollar Ruin Overlook is about .6 miles round trip and is fairly level with minimal elevation change.

Links to Check Out:
NPS - Natural Bridges National Monument
My Flickr Photo Album: Natural Bridges National Monument