Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National monument is a small area administered by the National Park Service. It was created to protect three natural bridges, Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo. Natural bridges are different than arches because they form by the erosive action of moving water. Arches form by other erosional forces such as frost action and seeping moisture, although these same forces will enlarge natural bridges. The nine mile scenic drive takes you past all three bridges but they are best explored by taking the trails that drop into the canyon and then looking up at them. We hiked to two of the three bridges. I would like to say it was the hot weather that forced us to skip Kachina but really it was the large bus load of screaming school kids that decided for us.

Sipapu Bridge

dave Descending the Trail to Sipapu Bridge

Kachina Bridge (This is the youngest of the three bridges. Notice how bulky it is compared to the other two.)

Owachomo Bridge (This is the oldest of the bridges. Notice how narrow it is at the top. Nobody knows how much longer this bridge will continue to stand.)

Since 1989, Natural Bridges National Monument has been run entirely by solar power. The large solar array provides power for the visitor center, offices, staff housing and the campground. Their solar array produces 50 kilowatts (50,000 watts) and has a battery bank that will supply power for two cloudy days. The amount of energy these panels are producing has already paid for the cost of the materials and installation. It seems about time we saw solar as the main power source in these desert parks/monuments.

Solar Array