Natural Bridges preserves some of the finest examples of natural stone architecture in the southwest. Streams in White Canyon and its tributaries cut deep canyons, then floodwaters sculpted the bridges by gouging tunnels between closely spaced loops in the meandering canyons. You can distinguish a natural bridge from an arch because the bridge spans a streambed and was initially carved out of the rock by flowing water.

In the monument, these bridges illustrate three different stages of development, from the massive, newly formed Kachina Bridge to the middle-aged Sipapu Bridge to the delicate and fragile span of Owachomo. All three natural bridges will continue to widen and eventually collapse under their own weight.

A nine-mile scenic drive has overlooks of the picturesque bridges, Anasazi ruins, and the twisting canyons. You can follow short trails down from the rim to the base of each bridge or hike through all three bridges on the nine-mile Natural Bridges Loop Trail.

The National Park Service offers a visitors center (435/692-1234, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Mar.–Apr. and October, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. May–Sept., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. the rest of the year; closed holidays October–April, $6 per vehicle or $3 per person or bicyclist) and a small campground ($10).