Setting
Natural Bridges National Monument is located in the Great Basin Desert on the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah. It is just southwest of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area runs both to the south and the west of Natural Bridges.
Climate
At an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea level, summers are very warm and winters quite cold. Clothing should be varied throughout the year. Mild winter days may make hiking in light clothing possible, but below zero temperatures are not unusual in the winter. Rain is a possibility at any time, especially in spring and late summer, so rain gear is recommended.
- Summer: highs 85 degrees to 90 degrees, lows 50 degrees to 60 degrees, thunderstorms possible.
- Fall: highs 60 degrees to 75 degrees, lows 40 degrees to 50 degrees, usually mild, snow late fall.
- Winter: highs 40 degrees to 50 degrees, lows 10 degrees to 30 degrees, snow likely.
- Spring: highs 50 degrees to 70 degrees, lows 20 degrees to 40 degrees, usually mild, snow possible until June.
Getting There
By Auto
- From the north/east, take Highway 191 to Blanding, Utah. Travel west 35 miles on Utah Highway 95, then north 4 miles on Utah Highway 275, which ends at the Monument.
- From the north/west take Highway 95 east from Hanksville, Utah, 93 miles to Highway 275, then 4 miles north to the Monument.
- From the south, take Highway 163 to Mexican Hat, Utah. Travel north on Highway 261, 38 miles to Highway 95. Turn west on Highway 95, proceed 1.5 miles to Highway 275, then north 4 miles to the Monument.
- NOTE: Three miles of highway 261 are unpaved and narrow, with a 10% grade and is not recommended for motorcycles, oversize vehicles, or vehicles pulling trailers.
Transportation
There is no public transportation to or from Natural Bridges.
Air
Commercial air service is available to Moab, Utah; Cortez, Durango, and Grand Junction, Colorado; Farmington, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona.
Bus
Bus service is available in Durango, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Grand Junction, Colorado.
Train
Amtrak serves Thompson, Utah, located about 150 miles from Natural Bridges, but there is no connecting public transportation from the train station.
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