August 31: Natural Bridges National Monument

I hope you are enjoying traveling along with us as it continues to be fun for me to update everyone.  Last night neither one of us slept well; campground little to close to the road, next to a gas station, and a barking dog!  Oh well, one never knows what you will experience in a campground. 

Today was our day to explore Natural Bridges Nat'l Monument outside of Blanding, UT.  The park is located in a high desert environment and known for it's natural bridges.

One view of the park

   

Kachina Bridge



Sipapu Bridge



Owachomo Bridge.  One has to look carefully to find the bridge.

We hiked 6 miles from Sipapu bridge to Kachina bridge over the Mesa ending at the parking lot.  It was an interesting hike down and into the canyon as we followed the bed of the dried up river.

 

Ladders with hand rails



Ladders were needed at times.



     

Some steps were cut into the stone.





The trail was not crowded and it was hard at times to follow it.  Phil does a good job staying on course and uses a GPS to check. 

Lunch with a view!

 Is this a muddy river bed or melted chocolate?

 It has cooled off this evening after a thunderstorm brought a little rain. Tomorrow we have a 3 hour drive to Capital Reef near Torrey, UT.  Wonder what we will experience there??