Hiking in Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah…

Leaving Delores Colorado we made our way a bit further west and pulled into a nice mom and pop campground in Monticello, Utah. Westerner RV Park. It offers full hook ups, plenty of shade and fresh apricots growing on the tree beside our RV. While here we enjoyed watching mule deer foraging for freshly fallen apricots most mornings and evenings.

We chose this location since there are many great hikes within an hours drive in just about any direction. The first spot we chose for hiking was at a National Monument we haven’t visited before. So we hopped in the CRV and drove a little over an hour before arriving to Natural Bridges National Monument.

We checked in the visitors center to pick up a map. The map showed a nice loop drive one can take to see most of the sights within the park. However, our goal was to hike to two of the coolest bridges the park has to offer.

If the weather was cooler and we were in better shape we would have considered the 8.2 miles under the bridge loop trail which takes hikers underneath both of the bridges we wanted to see up close. We chose instead to hike to each bridge independently which made the overall hiking a bit less than four miles.

First up was the 3 plus mile hike to Sipapu Bridge which was rated as a moderate hike.The trail is challenging especially for people with fear of heights, like Sharon. I didn’t read up on the trail like I normally do and was unaware the the trail included, ladders, hand rails and scrambles over rock in places. The trail down is not for the faint of heart.

As we embarked on the trail we were lamenting the fact that we would have to climb back out of the canyon we were steadily descending into. The steep decent down is scenic and offers a few rest areas where we enjoyed a shady respite. About halfway down we came upon our first ladder.

Knowing Sharon’s disdain for such encounters I quickly tried to assuage her fears and explained to her that I would go down with her to provide support and courage. After, moments of pause and concern, she agreed to continue down especially after I explained what beauty we would see once looking up at the arch from below.

Once Sharon made her way down the ladder her confidence to move forward soared. As we continued to descend we began to see blue sky peek out from under the arch. A bit further down the panoramic beauty revealed itself. After a long pause soaking in the views it was time for the return trip. After some huffing and puffing we were back up to the top ready for the next bridge.

The hike down to Kachina Bridge was not only shorter but much easier. Although it was a steady descent this hike was a cakewalk when compared to our previous one. Once again we were able to watch the sky peek through from under the bridge as we dropped down into the canyon and were rewarded with a beautiful bridge to gaze up upon.

We both were glad to have experienced the wonderful hiking in the Natural  Bridges National Monument as it was yet another great stop on our road of retirement…

NOTE:  We are currently Gallup, New Mexico until August 16th…