In 1883 prospector Cass Hite wandered up White Canyon in search of gold. What he found instead were three magnificent stone bridges which had been sculpted by stream action. In 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt established the monument, creating Utah's first National Park System area. Natural Bridges National Monument preserves some of the finest examples of natural stone architecture in the southwest. On a tree-covered mesa next to deep sandstone canyons, three natural bridges formed when meandering streams slowly cut through the canyon walls. In honor of the Native Americans that made this area their home, the bridges are named 'Kachina', 'Sipapu', and 'Owachome'. Each represents a different stage of development from youth, to maturity, to old age.  Visitors can see each of these bridges from Bridge View Drive, a nine-mile loop through the monument or visitors can hike the canyon below all of the bridges.  The view points from Bridge View Drive require short hikes on paved walkways. Natural Bridges National Monument has one of the darkest night skies in the country and was named the first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association and offers night sky programs throughout the summer months. Fee area, campground, hiking trails, and visitor center.

Camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing & night sky programs (summer only), and other interpretive programs.

Year round, although the park expereinces snow in the winter season.

Fees: National Monument fees apply.

The visitor center and restrooms are accessible to all persons. The campground has no designated site for disabled persons but has several sites and one rest room accessible. The three bridge overlook trails are accessible via a concrete sidewalk, however the sidewalk to the Kachina Bridge viewpoint may not be accessible with a standard wheelchair due to its slope. All other trails are uneven and primitive. There is an audio description of the parks orientation video available on request.

Activities with pets are very limited at Natural Bridges. Pets are allowed on paved trails and roads but must be leashed at all times. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry.