The United States is home to some of the most stunning natural arches and bridges
in the world, carved by wind, water, and time. These geological wonders offer
breathtaking views and unique hiking experiences for nature enthusiasts and
photographers alike.
Here’s a list of 25 of the best natural arches and bridges across the country, each
with its own distinct charm and beauty.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Delicate Arch is perhaps the most iconic natural arch in the world, standing 52 feet
tall against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. The 3-mile round-trip hike to reach
this freestanding arch is challenging but rewarding, offering spectacular views of the
surrounding desert landscape.
Rainbow Bridge, Lake Powell, Utah
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest known natural bridges, spanning 234
feet and standing 290 feet tall. Accessible by boat on Lake Powell or a strenuous
hike, this sacred Navajo site is an impressive testament to the power of water
erosion.
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Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America, stretching an impressive 306
feet across. Its delicate, ribbon-like span is only 11 feet thick at its narrowest point,
creating a breathtaking and seemingly gravity-defying natural wonder.
Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia
Natural Bridge is a 215-foot-high natural arch carved out of limestone by Cedar
Creek. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, this impressive formation has been a
tourist attraction for centuries and is now the centerpiece of a state park.
Aloba Arch, Death Valley National Park, California
Aloba Arch is a massive, but lesser-known, natural arch tucked away in the Titus
Canyon area of Death Valley. Standing at 150 feet tall, it’s one of the largest natural
arches outside of Utah and requires a challenging hike to reach.
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Sipapu Bridge, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Sipapu Bridge is the second-largest natural bridge in the world, spanning 268 feet
and standing 220 feet tall. Named after a Hopi word for the gateway through which
souls pass to the spirit world, this impressive bridge can be viewed from an overlook
or via a steep trail.
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Mesa Arch is a pothole arch perched at the edge of a cliff, offering a stunning frame
for the surrounding landscape. Particularly famous for sunrise photography, the arch
glows a fiery red as the early morning light hits its underside.
Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky
Kentucky’s Natural Bridge is a 78-foot-long and 65-foot-high sandstone arch that has
been attracting visitors for centuries. The arch can be reached via a scenic skylift or
hiking trails, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Daniel Boone National
Forest.
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Kolob Arch, Zion National Park, Utah
Kolob Arch is one of the largest free-standing arches in the world, with a span of 287
feet. Located in the remote Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, it requires
a strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike to view.
Tonto Natural Bridge, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Arizona
Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the
world, standing 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel. The bridge can be viewed
from four parking lot overlooks or via hiking trails that lead down to the creek bottom.
Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Arch Rock is a distinctive granite arch formation located in the White Tank area of
Joshua Tree National Park. A short, easy nature trail leads to this 30-foot-wide arch,
making it accessible to most visitors.
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Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Double Arch consists of two arches that share the same rock foundation, creating a
unique and photogenic formation. The larger arch has a span of 144 feet and a
height of 112 feet, making it the tallest arch in the park.
Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon’s Natural Bridge is a natural arch, spanning 85 feet and composed of
red rock. Viewable from an overlook along the park’s scenic drive, this arch offers a
striking contrast against the backdrop of pine trees and the blue sky.
Owachomo Bridge, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and thinnest of the three bridges in Natural
Bridges National Monument, spanning 180 feet and only 9 feet thick at its center. Its
delicate nature and accessibility make it a favorite among photographers, especially
for night sky photography.
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Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina
While not a traditional arch, Chimney Rock is a natural monolith with a hole near its
peak, creating a unique arch-like formation. The 315-foot spire offers panoramic
views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from its summit, accessible via an
elevator or hiking trail.
London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
London Bridge is a unique entry on this list, being a man-made bridge that has
become a natural habitat. Originally built in London in 1831 and moved to Arizona in
1967, the bridge now spans a man-made canal and has become an integral part of
the local ecosystem.
Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, Virginia
Not to be confused with the Natural Bridge State Park, this natural bridge is a
geological formation whereby Cedar Creek has carved out a gorge in the
mountainous limestone terrain. The bridge is the remains of the roof of a cave or
tunnel through which the creek once flowed.
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Rainbow Bridge, Navajo Nation, Utah
Rainbow Bridge is often described as the world’s highest natural bridge, standing
290 feet tall and spanning 275 feet. The bridge is considered sacred by several Native American tribes and can be accessed by boat on Lake Powell or a strenuous
hike.
Lovers Leap Bridge, Natural Bridge State Resort Park,
Kentucky
Lovers Leap Bridge is a small but picturesque natural arch located near the main
Natural Bridge in Kentucky. The arch offers stunning views of the surrounding forest
and is accessible via a hiking trail from the main Natural Bridge.
Arches of Corona Del Mar, California
The Arches of Corona Del Mar are a series of natural arches carved into the cliffs
along the beach. These arches, while smaller than some on this list, offer beautiful
framed views of the Pacific Ocean and are easily accessible from the beach.
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Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas
Natural Bridge Caverns features a 60-foot natural limestone bridge spanning the
entrance to the caverns. While the caverns themselves are the main attraction, the
natural bridge adds a unique geological feature to the site.
Hazard Arch, Kanab, Utah
Hazard Arch is a hidden gem located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National
Monument. The arch requires a challenging hike to reach but rewards visitors with
stunning views and fewer crowds than some of the more famous arches.
Triple Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Triple Arch is a unique formation consisting of three arches in close proximity. While
not as large as some of the park’s more famous arches, the unusual grouping makes
it a fascinating geological study.
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Grosvenor Arch, Grand Staircase-Escalante National
Monument, Utah
Grosvenor Arch is a rare double arch standing at an impressive 152 feet tall. Located
in a remote area of the monument, it offers a sense of solitude and untouched
natural beauty.
Stevens Arch, Escalante River, Utah
Stevens Arch is a massive but lesser-known arch spanning 220 feet and standing
160 feet high. Located above the Escalante River, it requires a challenging hike or
technical canyoneering to reach, offering a true wilderness experience.
Stunning Natural Arches and Bridges in the U.S
From the iconic formations of Utah to the hidden gems tucked away in remote
wilderness areas, these 25 natural arches and bridges showcase the incredible
diversity and beauty of America’s geological wonders.
These formations not only provide spectacular views but also offer insights into the
geological processes that have shaped our landscape over millions of years.
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