• Distance: 8.6-mile loop
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Elevation change: 500 feet
• Effort: moderate–strenuous
• Trailhead: Sipapu Bridge

A canyon hike through all three bridges can be the highlight of a visit to Natural Bridges National Monument. Unmaintained trails make a loop in White and Armstrong canyons and cross a wooded plateau. The trip is easier if you start from Sipapu and come out the relatively gentle grades at Owachomo. You can save 2.5 miles by arranging a car shuttle between Sipapu and Owachomo Trailheads.

Another option is to go in or out on the Kachina Bridge Trail midway to cut the hiking distance in half. On nearing Owachomo Bridge from below, a small sign points out the trail, which bypasses a deep pool. The canyons remain in their wild state; you’ll need some hiking experience, water, proper footwear, a compass, and a map (the handout available at the visitors center is adequate). The USGS 7.5-minute topographic maps also cover this area.

When hiking in the canyons, keep an eye out for natural arches and Native American writings. Try not to step on midget faded rattlesnakes or other living entities (such as the fragile cryptobiotic soil). And beware of flash-flood dangers, especially if you see big clouds billowing in the sky in an upstream direction. You don’t need a hiking permit, although it’s a good idea to talk beforehand with a ranger to find out current conditions.

Overnight camping within the monument is permitted only in the campground. Backpackers, however, can go up or down the canyons and camp outside the monument boundaries. Note that vehicles can’t be parked overnight on the loop drive.