Natural Bridges National Monument

Getting There

Natural Bridges National Monument is located 40 miles west of Blanding along Utah Highway 95; 44 miles north of Mexican Hat; 95 miles east of Hanksville; and 20 miles east of Fry Canyon. Lodging, camping, stores, gasoline, and phones are available in these communities. Hite Marina, 50 miles west of the park, offers gas, a phone, and a convenience store. No services are available in the monument.

The loop road leads away from the visitor center to link the trails to the three bridges. The one-way road is 12.9 kilometers (eight miles) long. Parking is provided at the head of each trail. The park is open year-round, but the most pleasant season occurs from late April through October.

Visitor Safety Tips

• Carry a map.
  
• Do not hike alone.
  
• Let someone know your intended route and estimated time of return.
  
• Summer temperatures can exceed 100ºF. Carry water and wear protective clothing.
  
• Winter daytime temperatures are often very comfortable, but at night may drop below freezing. Always carry extra clothing to prevent hypothermia.
  
• Watch out for flash flooding while hiking in the canyons.
  
• Overlooks can be dangerous during lightning storms.
  
• Always carry water. One gallon per person per day is recommended.

Warning: There is hazardous terrain throughout the area. Please be careful. Lightning may strike the overlooks and viewpoints during storms. Flash floods occur in the canyon, often from thunderstorms outside the monument. The bridges can be safely viewed or photographed from several points, but climbing on the bridges is prohibited. 

Camping and Lodging

There are no services such as gasoline, food, and lodging in the park. The closest gasoline and grocery facilities are at Fry Canyon, which has limited lodging too, 42 kilometers (26 miles) west on U-95. Other overnight accommodations are in Blanding and Mexican Hat, both approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) away. The park provides a 13-site primitive campground without drinking water. Campfire programs are offered here in the summer season.

The 13-site campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites will accommodate up to eight people and one vehicle. There is a 26-foot length limit. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table, and tent pad and water is available at the visitor center. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Overflow camping is available outside Natural Bridges.

Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on designated trails or in the backcountry.

Weather