Natural Bridges National Monument
As the state's first National Monument, this secluded destination preserves three colossal sandstone bridges carved over millennia by the force of water. For motorcyclists, it serves as a scenic highlight within the larger Bears Ears region, combining easy-to-access rock formations with a profound sense of peace and isolation.
At a Glance
Distance: 5.5 hours, 325 miles from Salt Lake City
Time Budget: 2–3 hours for the scenic loop drive plus a few short walks
Best Riding: April to May, or September to October
Fees: $15 for up to two motorcycles riding together (or an Annual Park Pass)
The Ride
The journey to Natural Bridges via Highway 95, also known as the Trail of the Ancients, is one of the most visually stunning stretches of asphalt in the United States. If you're coming from the north, the road is long and wide, snaking through the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. If coming from the south, the road is sweeping and fast, winding through vast cedar-covered mesas and secluded juniper forests.
Inside the monument, the pace slows significantly on the scenic park loop, a 9-mile one-way drive that skirts the canyon rims. The road has great views of the canyons below, and plenty of pull-offs that lead to short, manageable hikes even in riding gear. These trails offer breathtaking overlooks or lead directly to the canyon floor, where you can stand beneath the massive spans of the Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo bridges.
I visited in late autumn and was only one of maybe a few dozen park guests, meaning traffic and crowding was minimal despite sunny, comfortable weather.
Dark Skies: As the world's first International Dark Sky Park, consider staying at the campground in the park (advance reservation required) for an expansive view of the stars above
High-Elevation Temperatures: At 6,500 feet, the area will be cooler than Blanding or Hanksville. Even in mid-summer, nights and mornings can be brisk so take that into consideration when packing your gear
Footwear: Owachomo Bridge is the easiest bridge to access and can be done in your ADV riding gear, approximately 20 minutes round trip. If you want to see the Sipapu or Kachina bridges up close, I'd suggest bringing a pair of lightweight hiking shoes and leaving gear at your bike (or campsite).
No service: There is minimal to zero cell service in this region
Tips
Itinerary
Because of its secluded location, we'd suggest visiting Natural Bridges as part of a multiday loop around Utah, versus an out & back ride
In the morning, pack a lunch and plan to arrive at the park before noon
Stop at the Visitor Center to check current trail conditions, use the restroom, etc.
Ride the 9-mile Bridgeview Drive scenic loop. Stop at the Sipapu Bridge trailhead for the most dramatic overlook
Continue to Owachomo Bridge and park for an easy hike, a 0.4-mile trail that takes you right to the base of the oldest bridge in the park
Budget approximately two hours at the park
Camp at the park’s small campground to witness the Milky Way in total clarity, or begin your ride back toward Hanksville or Blanding before the sun fully sets.
Images
Amenities
Fuel: None in park. Closest options are Blanding (40 miles E) or Hanksville (100 miles NW). Plan wisely!
Eat: None in park
Restrooms: At the visitors center. Vault toilets at most parking areas and in the campground.
Stay: No lodging in park, go to Blanding or Hanksville
Camping: One campground with 13x primitive sites reservable on Recreation.gov. $16/night, up to two motorcycles and tents per campground. Dispersed camping options are available outside of park boundaries
Natural Bridges National Monument
Page header: Courtesy of Will Pattiz/Utah Office of Tourism
All other images: Original photography by Utah Touring