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A strenuous adventure to the base of Sipapu Bridge; includes ladders, slickrock scrambling, and fun!


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

67%

Runnable

6,204' 1,891 m

High

5,768' 1,758 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

436' 133 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Description

Sipapu Bridge is the second largest natural bridge in the US. From the parking area, the trail descends some slickrock slabs with steps cut out to ease the journey. Traverse west along the wide rock bench, keeping back from the edge. This is a neat spot to peer across the canyon rim. After a series of steel stairs, you must climb down a short log ladder to get over a cliff band.

Continue along the cliff under a shady stretch of trail that is overhung by sheer rock. Up ahead you can see people traveling along a nearly level and very picturesque walkway of rock. These unique features of the trail make it memorable even for frequent desert visitors. The main Sipapu Trail to the canyon bottom branches off to the right, but if you want a quick detour, you can go straight for the Sipapu Overlook Trail.

Back on the main Sipapu Trail, switchback steeply down through desert vegetation pausing to look around at the canyon walls looming all around. Back on slickrock, use the handrails to scoot down two friction spots, gripping with the soles of your shoes. Two more wooden ladders and steps carved into the rock aid the descent through steep areas. Finally, you arrive on the canyon floor where the sandy wash and seasonal White Canyon Creek lay. Explore around this area, making your way under the arch and reveling in the brilliant reds and oranges of the striped rock walls. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot once you've finished marveling at Mother Nature's handiwork. Pause to take breaks on the arduous ascent, and, as always, bring adequate water and sun protection.

As the park's brochures and info boards explain, natural bridges are created differently than arches. Bridges are formed by and span streams of flowing water. Arches are formed by weather-powered erosion or pounding waves.

Flora & Fauna

Gamble oak, junipers, cottonwood, buffaloberry.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#23902

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#727

in Utah

#23,902

Overall
9 Views Last Month
597 Since Oct 17, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Overlooking the Sipapu Bridge.
Oct 5, 2016 near Blanding, UT
Afternoon light on Sipapu Bridge. Photo Credit: NPS Photo / Jacob W. Frank.
Oct 21, 2016 near Blanding, UT
View from the trail.
Nov 23, 2022 near Blanding, UT
Sipapu Bridge on an overcast day.
May 30, 2017 near Blanding, UT
Enjoy great desert views near Sipapu Natural Bridge.
Apr 27, 2017 near Blanding, UT
Muddy late spring stream under Sipapu Bridge.
Jul 8, 2019 near Blanding, UT

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