Owachomo Bridge At Natural Bridges National Monument
Owachomo Bridge is located in Natural Bridges National Monument near Lake Powell, Utah. This is the smallest and thinnest bridge in the park, but also thought to be the oldest. Below are some dimensions on the bridge:
Height: 106 feet (32 meters)
Span: 180 feet (55 meters)
Width: 27 feet (8 meters)
Thickness: 9 feet (3 meters)
The bridge has had multiple names in the past including Edwin, Little Bridge and Congressman. It got it’s current name from surveyor William Douglas in 1908. Owachomo means rock mound in Hopi.
The viewpoint and trailhead are the last stop on the scenic loop drive. While the viewpoint provides sweeping views of the area in my opinion it’s not a great view of the bridge. You really need to do the hike to get a good look at this natural wonder.
On a side note, from the overlook if you look out toward the eastern horizon you should be able to see the twin buttes known as The Bear’s Ears. The original road to the park passed between these buttes.
This 0.5 mile out and back hike is the easiest and shortest in the park. The trail only descends 188 feet from the canyon rim to the base of Owachomo Bridge.
No pets are allowed on the trail.
From the trailhead you will travel on a dirt and slickrock trail using wooden and rock stairs to reach the base of the bridge.
I walked around trying many different angels to get the perfect shot of the bridge, but don’t think I really ever succeeded.
We took a break beneath this marvel of nature in what we thought looked like an amphitheater carved out of rock. It was quite peaceful taking in the views in front of us and the bridge above.
The area opposite Owachomo Bridge was once the park’s entrance that hosted a visitor center, campground and ranger station. Since there were no roads then if visitors wished to see Sipapu or Kachina Bridge they had to either hike or ride horses in.
Ezekial “Zeke” Johnson, the park’s first custodian, usually served as the guide on these tours. This trek became known as Zeke’s Trail and remnants of it can still be seen just across the canyon below Owachomo Bridge today. Zeke’s Trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 2, 1989.
If hiking isn’t your thing, but your dying to see one of these natural bridges up close this trail is the one for you.
The hike is short, not very steep and easy to follow. There is a perfect spot to take a break right under the bridge if you need some time to recuperate.
You will get up close and and personal with one of the parks natural wonders which is something you won’t want to miss.
