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 beautifully 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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