Armstrong and White Canyons in southeastern Utah have been carved into switchback bends by an ancient streambed. At their junction, three bridges were eroded in the striking white sandstone. Each bridge is in a slightly different stage of its lifecycle.

Sipapu is one of the longest natural bridges in the world, second only to Rainbow Bridge in the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Its 268-foot span is mature, now little affected by the flow of water and being enlarged only by weathering. Sipapu rises 220 feet above the canyon floor.

The second bridge is Kachina, the most massive of the three bridges preserved in the park. Kachina is 204 feet long, 44 feet wide and 93 feet thick. It is still being cut by floodwaters in White Canyon.

The third bridge is Owachomo. Only nine feet thick at its narrowest point, Owachomo is approaching a day when erosion and gravity will bring it crashing to the canyon floor.

An eight mile loop road connects trail heads for short hikes to each bridge. Overlooks along the way also offer good views of the surrounding canyon scenery. Horse Collar Ruin, an ancient cliff dwelling, can be seen from the Bridge View Drive overlook. The loop road is excellent for bicyclists.

You can also hike into the canyon itself. Nearly six miles of trail cross the White and Armstrong canyon floors, and connect the bridges.There are also views of small pueblo ruins in rock alcoves and side trails to ancient petrogylphs.

All the facilities in the park get their electricity from a group of photovoltaic cells that cover almost an acre of land. This was the largest installation of solar collectors in the world when it was dedicated in 1980.

Annual local passes are available that include entrance into Arches and Canyonlands as well as Natural Bridges.