Natural Bridges National Monument

Things To Do Near Natural Bridges National Monument

This site offers some of the finest hiking and stargazing opportunities Utah has to offer. Visitors can learn how the earth changes and develops while walking through enormous geologic formations. Majestic sites abound, and those who wait until the sun falls below the horizon will be greeted with a jaw-dropping display of astronomic beauty. 

Hiking Trails

• Under the Natural Bridges Loop

  If you’re looking for a day-long hike taking you past the best sites at the Natural Bridges National Monument, the Under the Natural Bridge Loop is worth checking out. This trail takes hikers under all three of the monument’s natural bridges before returning to the starting point. If you are using this trail in the summer, be sure to bring extra water and sun protection as temperatures will often reach near 100 degrees at the hottest point of the day. 

  Location

  Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533

  Length

  8.2 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Collins Spring Trail

  This out-and-back trail follows the sweeping canyons carved by the San Juan River. It is a somewhat intense hike that offers majestic views of the river and surrounding landscape. Wildflowers and wildlife are frequent sights along the banks of the San Juan River, making this a beautiful trail for exploring nature in the area. 

  Location

  Collins Spring, Lake Powell, UT 84533

  Length

  3.9 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Horse Collar Ruin

  These 700-year-old ruins remain almost completely undisturbed thanks to the isolation provided by Natural Bridges National Monument. The ruins were the subject of an archeological mission in 1907 and have remained largely undisturbed ever since. Thought to be built by the ancient Pueblo people who roamed the area centuries ago, this rare piece of history is worth the hike to see. 

  Location

  Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533

• Solar Panel Field

  The solar panels at the Natural Bridges National Monument have become a surprising hotspot for tourists. The monument’s facilities are completely powered by solar energy, and the park regularly offers visitors the chance to examine the massive solar panel structure that provides all the power. Since the solar panel field's construction in 1980, guests have made a tour of the power-generation facility an interesting addition to their national monument visit. 

  Location

  Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533

• Stargazing Sights

  Littered throughout the Natural Bridges National Monument are ideal sites for an amateur astronomer to set up camp. The remote skies above Natural Bridges bring stargazers from around the country to try their hand at spotting the most elusive of astronomy targets. Even without a telescope, stargazing at Natural Bridges is one of the most popular activities undertaken by visitors. 

  Location

  Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Olde Bridge Bar and Grill

  Head over to Mexican Hat, UT, for this restaurant that features a rustic ambiance and serves hearty, affordable dishes. Enjoy your meal on the balcony overlooking the San Juan River. When you’re finished, take a stroll down by the river along one of the many trails near the restaurant. 

  Location

  2256 US-163 Scenic, Mexican Hat, UT 84531

• 98 Center Moab

  Specializing in unique Asian fusion cuisine, this moderately priced restaurant located in Moab serves upscale recipes. They feature a diverse menu with something for everybody, from pho to seafood to cheesesteak sandwiches. 98 Center proudly uses local, fresh ingredients for their dishes. 

  Location

  98 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532

• Cow Canyon Trading Post

  This little shop in Bluff, UT, first began operating in 1949. Here, visitors can expect to find unique art from local artists on display and available for purchase. Much of art comes from the Northern Navajo, and the proprietors of the Cow Canyon Trading Post strive to offer pieces that represent the culture and history of the area. 

  Location

  163 Mission Road, Bluff, UT 84512

• Moab Gear Trader

  Also in Moab is Moab Gear Trader. This unique store offers great discounts on outdoor supplies, camping gear, and anything you need for an adventure. The store operates on a consignment model, meaning that most of its items are pre-owned. Moab Gear Trader carefully inspects the quality of the products they accept for sale. 

  Location

  300 S. Main Street, Moab, UT 84532

How To Get To Natural Bridges National Monument

From Moab, take US Highway 191 Southbound for 4 miles past Blanding, UT. Follow the signs for Utah Highway 95 Northbound and turn right off of US Highway 191. Follow Highway 95 for 30 miles before turning right onto Utah Highway 275 Northbound; then, follow this road to the national monument. 

From Farmington, take US Highway 64 Westbound for 22 miles. Turn right onto US Highway 491 Northbound, and follow this highway for another 22 miles. Then, turn left onto US Highway 160 Westbound, and follow this road for 13 miles to Colorado Highway 41 Northbound. Take this road for approximately 26 miles, and turn left onto Utah Highway 162 Westbound. Follow this road for 11 miles before turning right onto Cow Canyon Road. Take Cow Canyon Road to its endpoint where it intersects with US Highway 191. Turn right onto US Highway 191 Northbound. Follow Highway 191 for 20 miles before turning left onto Utah Highway 95 Northbound. Follow Highway 95 to the Natural Bridges National Monument. 

The Natural Bridges National Monument grounds are open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. The park is busiest during the spring and summer. During the summer months, temperatures at the national monument can be extreme, and caution should be taken to bring sun protection and extra water for your visit.

Address

Natural Bridges National Monument, Lake Powell, UT 84533

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $20.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian) $10.0

The Natural Bridges National Monument is one of the best RV destinations in the country. The combination of stunning natural beauty, ample dark skies, and its remoteness make this site perfect for those who wish to get away from the noise of cities or suburbs. Natural Bridges is located in an area filled with national parks and other attractions, but these sites are spread out across the region. An RV trip across the area is a great the ideal way to see them.