Natural Bridges National Monument

There are three bridges in Natural Bridges.  We divided them between us.  Cheryl and Dave took the low road to hike down in the canyons.  We along with Bennett took the high road, less downs and more levels.  Each of the bridges has had a series of names but, in 1908, directed to survey the area by President Theodore Roosevelt, William Douglass gave them “appropriate Indian names.”

Our first stop was to view Sipapu (aka President and Augusta) meaning “place of emergence”  Dave & Cheryl started their hike under this one.

Next we looked out at Kachina (aka Senator and Caroline) meaning Life Bringer.

We did hike down to the last and largest bridge, Owachomo (aka Congressman and Edwin) meaning rock mound.  The bridge spans the Armstrong Canyon and is a not too difficult hike considering the 6500 feet elevation.

Bennett and Anna Lee went to the bottom giving Jerry a chance to take a photo.  Swirling sand made our stay under the bridge brief.

Natural Bridges stands in the middle of Bears Ears, our newest National Monument designated by former President Obama.  It is a separate entity.  One of the local residents did greet us.

Being the newest, we were eager to wander through the accessible parts but thunder and lightening filled the air and rain began to pour down forcing us to choose a dry car instead of a muddy trail.   The twin peaks looks like Bears Ears from a distance but it was as close as we could get.

Bears Ears greatest value is in its trove of Native American artifacts.  It also has large mineral wealth putting it at risk of losing its protective status.  TR’s words as to why we must have national parks and monuments echo through this gorgeous area.