The 2-mile round-trip hike up Natural Bridge Canyon is a great trek for those interested in learning about the geological history of Death Valley. Also, the natural bridge is just cool to walk under.

A panel at the trailhead provides illustrations of the various geological features visible in the canyon, making it easy for hikers to spot the faults, chutes, and mud drippings along the way.

From the panel, the trail quickly enters the mouth of the canyon. The gravel floor makes hiking uphill a bit tiresome (but hiking back down is a breeze). Half a mile from the start, the walls of the canyon narrow and the 50-foot tall natural bridge spans the canyon.

Differential erosion created the impressive bridge. This is the main attraction of the hike of course, but the canyon has more to offer.

Mud drippings on the canyon wall beneath the bridge

Continue under the bridge, and the canyon will bend past a dry falls that pours into the canyon. Thousands of years ago, a stream flowed into the canyon here. The long vertical chute was created when the canyon eroded much more rapidly than the streambed above.

The trail then presents two easy obstacles. Scrunch down to get around a large bolder lodged in a narrow part of the canyon. Then cross a sloping marble dry falls, which can be easily climbed, before coming to a 20-foot dry falls that cannot. The trail stops here. Turn around and hike back out the canyon, enjoying another passage under the nature bridge.

To get to the trailhead: From Furnace Creek, drive 13 miles south on Badwater Road and turn east (left) on to a dirt road toward Natural Bridge Canyon. It is 1.5 miles from Badwater Road to the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

                           

These photos were taken in November of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch Loop This 4-mile loop visits some of the most stunning terrain in Death Valley.
	Artist’s Drive This 9-mile drive crosses a sloping mountainside composed of vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The main attraction, the Artist’s Palette, is among the unique Death Valley landmarks that must be seen to believe.
	Badwater Basin This is the lowest place in North America — a required stop for first time visitors to Death Valley.
	Sidewinder Canyon This 4 to 7-mile hike visits narrow slot canyons full of pour-overs, carve outs, and dark passages that beg to be explored.
	Death Valley Explore more destinations in Death Valley National Park

Camping

 

Death Valley Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds spread throughout this large park to facilitate your visit.

More Info

 

Natural Bridge Canyon on birdandhike.com

The official website for Death Valley

Death Valley on Wikipedia