Photo by Nikolas_jkd at Shutterstock
Natural bridges and arches are stunning works of art created by nature. There is something extraordinary about driving down a road, seeing a stunningly beautiful bridge ahead, and then driving under it.
Plan a road trip ahead of time, and make sure you bring a camera so that you can take pictures of all the stunning bridges we’ve found across America.
You will love their history and how they look in their surroundings. Our country is very lucky to have an abundance of natural arches and bridges. The shapes, sizes, and encompassing ecosystems are varied and full of adventure.
To reach many of these naturally made bridges and arches, you may have to hike your way across a few landscapes, but believe us, it will definitely be worth the experience. Here are the top 10 most beautiful natural bridges and arches in the US for those ready to be amazed.
…Click “Next” to see all the amazing natural bridges!
Forget man-made bridges. This one is entirely natural! Standing six and a half stories high, the Kentucky Natural Bridge is truly a sight to behold. It’s in Eastern Kentucky, surrounded by mountains, and can be found within Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest.
This bridge is made up entirely of sandstone and has been around for millenniums, with some geologists speculating that the bridge is more than one million years old.
The natural bridge is thought to have been formed when large sandstone chunks fell off the side of a little ridge and were carved into shape by the weather and root systems. Its arch is 78ft long, 65ft high, 12ft thick, and 20ft wide.
Encircling the bridge, you’ll find more than 18 miles of trails and the 40-acre Mill Creek Lake. This is truly a stunning, natural, AND unique bridge you should visit.
Virginia’s Natural Bridge has a reputation for being one of the Several Natural Wonders of the Modern World. In the past, this bridge was worshiped by the Monacan Indians, who referred to it as the “bridge of God.”
As the subject of many paintings, the Natural Bridge has often become a window to tranquility. It’s located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it’s also very easy to access.
While you’re exploring this Natural Bridge, you should also check out the nearby Caverns at Natural Bridge, which are located 34 stories below ground, and the Monacan Indian Living History Village to learn more about how this bridge came to be.
This natural bridge is located in the Devils Garden section of Arches National Park and is very old and almost near the end of its lifecycle.
In its thinnest area, the arch is only 6ft thick, yet it supports a span of rock that’s 290ft long. It is safe to say that the arch could collapse at any time.
Of course, only time will tell whether this means tomorrow or within the following centuries. In 1991, a 73ft slab of rock fell out from under the thinnest section of the span.
However, the stone that fell was probably not structurally crucial to the arch. In fact, by reducing the weight of the suspended rock, the arch was perhaps strengthened.
In 1995, another 47ft mass of rock fell again, followed by another 30ft rockfall the same year.
Because of this, the Park Service has closed the loop trail that once led underneath the stunning natural bridge.
California has a plethora of natural bridges, especially along its coastline. Still, the best place to go see many of them would be the Natural Bridges State Beach, located in Santa Cruz.
…And even though time has torn away some of the bridges, you can still walk beneath the arches that are still there during low tide.
You’ll also experience seeing thousands of monarch butterflies if you go to Monarch Grove sometime during Mid-October.
Just make sure to bring your camera to snap some pics with the natural bridges in the background. Your day will be filled with memory-making magic.
This natural bridge is often referred to as the most significant natural bridge in our country. The Rainbow Bridge spans over 275 feet, and its height stands at 246 feet.
Sitting right next to the serene Lake Powell and incredible Navajo Mountain, the Rainbow Bridge is a gorgeous natural wonder that is an excellent landmark for walking the backpacking trails.
If hiking in the area isn’t your cup of tea, boat tours on the lake make for an ideal afternoon snapping pictures of this famous natural bridge. This is a location where one can really get in touch with nature!
This is a perfect example of what is called a “pothole” arch in the United States Of America. This “Ear of the Wind” arch is a truly unique site to visit.
Unfortunately, this natural bridge is located in the middle of Monument Valley and to the south, so it isn’t easy to reach it.
In the summertime, the days can get a high temperature over 100 degrees, and there are also the snakes to consider if you’re planning a visit.
So, if you want to see the Ear of the Wind Arch, we recommend you go off-season, and you’ll have to go off the beaten path.
This natural bridge is located in Arches National Park, close to Moab. The Delicate Arch is a splendid formation that took millions of years to form. And it’s no wonder it was given this name by the looks of it.
Over time, the weather from wind, rain, and sand carved out this freestanding natural arch. There are 2 ways you can reach the amazing Delicate Arch.
The first trail is two and a half miles long and covered with smooth rocks and steep terrains.
The other, shorter route will take you entirely uphill. Either way, we promise, the sweat is worth it, for the delicate balance that keeps the arch standing is mind-blowing up close.
If you drive fifty miles south of Las Vegas, you’ll find Valley of Fire State Park. Going to this state park is another perfect example of hitting the jackpot in this state, especially when you take a trip to see the natural bridge that is Arch Rock.
Though the natural arch itself isn’t huge, the colors around you will be mesmerizing, and its shape is very unique.
Unfortunately, because the rock is also very delicate, it is illegal to climb. That being said, there are plenty of trails to explore, including another famous landmark, Piano Rock.
There are actually a few natural bridges and arches in this state, including Vultee Arch and Fray Canyon Arch. But the most famous is probably Devil’s Bridge.
The name shouldn’t scare you off, though. This natural bridge is actually a natural ARCH, which was created by wind and erosion, not water.
To get to Devil’s Bridge, you can hike the well-traveled Devil’s Bridge Trail, which is about a mile long, winding your way through the lush vegetation of Pinyon-juniper, agave, and some other foliage to reach the rich red arch known as Devil’s Bridge.
…Psst, check this out!
This Natural Bridge is one of three at the Natural Bridges National Monument in Blanding, Utah, and can date back to at least five thousand years.
Sipapu and some of the other bridges, Kachina and Owachomo, were formed much like any other natural bridges in our country, through wind and erosion…As usual, mother nature strikes again!
Still, the actual process that sculpted out Sipapu is thought to have begun around 260 million years ago when the area was just a beach. Today, you can take a relaxing hike to this natural bridge, enjoying the breathtaking views from the top.
What did you think about all of these breathtaking locations? Have YOU ever seen a natural bridge up close? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section down below!
…And if you liked this article, also check out: Top 11 Most Beautiful Scenic Hikes In America
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