Named for its astounding natural bridges spanning the desert landscape below, Natural Bridges National Monument is the is the first national monument in Utah, and offers nearly 8,000 acres of nature’s wonder to explore.
No matter how you want to experience Natural Bridges National Monument, make sure you’re prepared with travel insurance.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting Natural Bridges National Monument – FAQs
A lot of expenses can go into visiting Natural Bridges National Monument. You may want to rent a car or RV ahead of time, book hotels, and pay for airfare. But what would happen if you had to cancel your trip? How would you get your money back for these nonrefundable charges? You can have less worry if you protect yourself with trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to Natural Bridges National Monument?
Even if you think there’s no chance you’ll cancel your trip, certain things are out of your control. A death in the family, a personal illness, or a natural disaster may make travel impossible. In these cases, you’ll want to have trip cancellation insurance, as it can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses so long as the cancellation was due to a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Natural Bridges National Monument?
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, most travel insurance plans can cover:
- Travel delay
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
- Emergency medical care
- Cancelling for any reason, with certain plans
Natural Bridges National Monument’s Most Popular Activities
How you choose to experience Natural Bridges National Monument depends on your interests and your desired activity level. Here are just some of the main attractions you can enjoy here.
Take a Driving Tour
This is the quickest and easiest way to experience Natural Bridges National Monument. Bridge View Drive goes by all three bridges, Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu. There are hiking trails to see them up close, and picnic and rest areas where you can stop. These bridges are incredible sights to see, stretching up to 220 feet above the ground, and spanning as much as 225 feet.
Go Hiking
Natural Bridges National Monument has a variety of hiking trails that range from short to long, and easy to strenuous. You can hike to the Sipapu Bridge Viewpoint in about 10 minutes with minimal effort, or you can hike the whole 12-mile loop, which is quite difficult, plus many options in between. Keep in mind that pets are only allowed on certain trails and observe all posted signs.
See Horse Collar Ruin
Horse Collar Ruin is one of the best-preserved ancestral Puebloan sites in this part of Utah. This structure was abandoned more than 700 years ago, and is viewable from the overlook or the main loop trail. Be sure to treat the site with respect. Do not touch it or litter, as it is an important piece of history.
Camp Out
Natural Bridges National Monument does have a campground right next to its visitor center. However, it is quite small, with only 13 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are numerous other public and private camping options in this area of Utah if you would prefer to stay elsewhere.
Go Stargazing
You can experience some of the darkest skies in the USA at Natural Bridges National Monument. Due to its extremely remote location, there is very little light pollution here, so you can see over 15,000 stars on clear nights. The park is open day and night, so you’re free to explore and stare at the sky. Just be careful negotiating the trails!
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Natural Bridges National Monument
Weather Challenges
The high desert of Utah can be an unforgiving place. Summer temperatures regularly eclipse 100°F (38°C), and sudden thunderstorms can bring dangerous lightning and flash flooding. Before heading out, always look at the weather forecast. It is recommended to hike early in the day, bring ample water, and return before afternoon storms build.
Dangerous Animals
Southeast Utah is black bear country. While they are not inherently aggressive, they can certainly injure or kill humans if provoked. To avoid them, stay alert at all times, make noise, and always stay on the trail. Steer clear of any animal carcasses, and do not carry odorous food items, as they can attract bears. When camping, never eat in your tent, and do not leave food or dirty dishes unattended. Clean your dishes and securely pack food away. Carrying bear spray if hiking is never a bad idea.
Staying Connected
Keep in mind that Natural Bridges National Monument and the surrounding area is very remote. You will most likely not have cellphone reception here, so download any maps or other important items ahead of time. It is a good idea to carry a GPS tracker or GPS navigation device if you’re venturing into the backcountry.
Getting There
The vast majority of visitors to Natural Bridges National Monument come by car or motorcycle from a nearby town such as Blanding or Moab. There are also commercial bus services that can bring you. There is no public transportation at the monument itself, so you will need a car, motorcycle, or bicycle if you want to tour the scenic drive.
Adhere to All Regulations
This monument is an important park and natural area. Please obey all posted rules to keep it pristine. Never enter or disturb archaeological sites, and keep all cars and bicycles on designated park roads. Pets must be on a leash, and they are prohibited from backcountry trails. Always stay on marked trails for your safety and to protect the natural habitat.
Before You Visit Natural Bridges National Monument – Do This
- Pack comfortable shoes, the right clothing for the weather, and plenty of sunscreen.
- If you plan to camp, make plans in advance in case the campground at the park is full.
- Always protect yourself with travel insurance.