Natural Bridge Bryce – The incredible archway not to miss!
You definitely need to check out Natural Bridge when you’re in Bryce Canyon. It’s one of the most impressive sights in the park and an easy stop along the Bryce Scenic Drive.
Natural Bridge is a huge red rock arch, even though it’s called a bridge, and no you can’t walk on it.
You’ll find it about 12 miles south of the Visitor Center. The arch is pretty big, coming in at 85 feet and has the most beautiful forested backdrop of the canyon, making it an awesome spot for photos.
The overlook itself is very easy to get to; the parking area right is next to it. You don’t have to hike to see it, which makes it a perfect quick stop if you’re exploring the park by car.
Make sure to include Natural Bridge on your itinerary – lots of people stop at sunset point and don’t go any further! It’s a great example of the park’s unique geology and a must-see for anyone visiting Bryce Canyon.
If you’re doing a Utah Road Trip, check out some of my other Utah articles, including the Rainbow Hills, Zion Hikes and Glamping in the region.
Quick Mini Guide To Bryce
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Bryce National Park.
Where to stay
- Bubble dome Glamp and Camp
- Best Western – The closest hotel to the entrance of Bryce.
Best Hikes & When to go
Wall Street, Navajo Trail, the Queen’s Garden Trails. It’s best to go in Spring or Autumn. The summer becomes very hot & busy, so visit after 4pm.
Bryce Entry Fee
Private Vehicle: $35 for a 7-day pass, $20 for individuals.
Car rental
Public transport is limited so car rental is your best option. Consider getting a 4×4 for any dirt roads.
Best Tours
- Hiking Tour
- Off roading ATV in Bryce
- Horse riding the trails.
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Natural Bridge Bryce
The Natural Bridge Bryce is one of the stunning stops on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. If you’re interested in the other viewpoints along the way, have a look at the Swamp Canyon Overlook, Ponderosa Canyon, Agua Canyon Overlook, Bryce Natural Bridge, the Pink Cliffs and Rainbow Point.
When you visit the Natural Bridge overlook, you’ll see a stunning orange rock arch with incredible vibrant coral slopes and, in the distance, thick dense forest.
This iconic spot is located at mile 12.25 of the 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive and is one of nine viewpoints along the route (and I visited them all!).
Natural Bridge is not technically a bridge, it’s a natural arch or window, formed by ice expanding in deep rock cracks.
The rock on the top is more resistant than the softer rocks below, and over time, ice, rain, and wind have slowly widened the arch.
As the plateau erodes, a small gully now flows with rain and melting snow, more than 125 feet below the arch. Eventually, the top of the arch will collapse, leaving behind new hoodoos (yes, that’s how they’re formed!).
Hiking Trails
- There are no trails departing from this area.
Landscape Features
- To the North: You can view the eroded and forested edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, shaped into bowl-shaped amphitheaters by rain and melting snow.
- To the East: Here, the iron-oxide-colored mudstones of the Pink Cliffs are being weathered into a bowl-shaped amphitheater. The same process that forms hoodoos created the Natural Bridge. Ice and water trickle into cracks, expanding as ice forms and breaking the rock to create windows. Eventually, the caprock will collapse, leaving rock spires known as hoodoos.
- To the West: The rolling ponderosa forest of the Paunsaugunt Plateau is deeply cut by water flowing north to Tropic Reservoir. This creates a rain divide between the Great Basin of Nevada and the Colorado River.
- To the South: Similar to the northern view, you can see the eroded and forested edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, with rain and melting snow carving it into amphitheaters.
Things to note before you go
- Parking: Parking at some overlooks can be limited, especially at peak times, so plan accordingly.
- Shuttle Service: On busy days, take advantage of the free shuttle bus service. It runs from the Visitor Center and is operated by the National Park Service, making it easy to get around the park without worrying about parking.
- Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The Natural Bridge and nearby overlooks, like Swamp Canyon, offer numerous angles and scenic views perfect for photography.
- Water: Always bring more water than you think you’ll need, particularly in the summer. You can fill up your bottles at the Visitor Center.
- Enjoy the View: Take a few minutes to truly soak in the incredible viewpoints. The beauty of Bryce Canyon is best appreciated when you take the time to relax and take it all in.
Shuttle Bus times
Bryce Canyon National Park runs a free shuttle bus from mid-April through mid-October. The shuttle generally runs on the following schedule:
- Early Morning: Begins around 8:00 AM and every 15-20 minutes thereafter
- Late Evening: Ends around 6:00 PM
It stops at major viewpoints and trailheads including the Visitor Center, Bryce Amphitheater, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
the Bryce Scenic Drive
A lot of people go straight to hike the Navajo trail, or look at Sunrise point or Sunset point. And they miss the whole scenic drive that takes you to the very end of Bryce Canyon, which is Rainbow point and Yovimpa point.
- Duration: 2-12 Hours (depending on whether you hike any of the trails).
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
The Bryce Scenic Drive is definitely one not to miss. This is a 18-mile drive and starts at the park entrance in the north of the National Park and will take you all the way to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. Rainbow Point is right at the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park.
It’s a fantastic way to see all the incredible viewpoints in Bryce.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Bryce Amphitheater area within the first 3 miles, where you’ll find popular spots like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point (most people don’t go beyond that!).
After that, the next 15 miles take you through the Southern Scenic Drive, which has 9 scenic overlooks and several roadside stops for vehicles.
The drive is accessible year-round, and pets are allowed, making it a great option no matter the season. Whether you have just a couple of hours or a full day, the Bryce Scenic Drive is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Natural Bridge Bryce Facts
- Location: Natural Bridge is located along the Southern Scenic Drive at mile 12.25, about 12 miles from the Visitor Center.
- Elevation: The Natural Bridge overlook is situated at an elevation of approximately 8,627 feet (2,630 meters).
- Views: This overlook offers breathtaking views of a glowing orange rock arch amidst limestone slopes and a forested landscape.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, Natural Bridge is one of the nine viewpoints along the Southern Scenic Drive and is part of the park’s shuttle route during the operating season.
- Amenities: The overlook includes a parking area and interpretive signs that provide information about the geology and natural history of the arch and surrounding landscape.
- Hiking: There are no specific hiking trails that start directly from the Natural Bridge overlook, but it’s a perfect stop along the scenic drive to appreciate the stunning natural arch and the unique geological features of Bryce Canyon.
- Formation: Unlike typical natural bridges formed by flowing water, this arch was created by the expansion of ice in rock cracks, along with wind and rain erosion. This process will eventually lead to the collapse of the arch, leaving behind hoodoos.
- History: Bryce Canyon National Park was named after Ebenezer Bryce, an early settler in the region and there is such a rich history to learn about.
Weather in Utah
Be wary of the weather in Utah, it’s so diverse! In the winter, it is literally freezing.
In the summer it is literally boiling, and it can actually be difficult to be out in the middle of the day. Whatever the time of year you visit, be prepared, whether that’s water bottles, or extra layers to keep warm.
Utah Weather in January
- Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
Utah Weather in February
- Average temperature: 2°C (35°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
Utah Weather in March
- Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in April
- Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in May
- Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Utah Weather in June
- Average temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Average rainy days: 3
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in July
- Average temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in August
- Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Utah Weather in September
- Average temperature: 19°C (66°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in October
- Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in November
- Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Utah Weather in December
- Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Certainly a bucket list Utah Road Trip. Have a look at my other USA articles that you might find interesting:
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