Exploring The Natural Bridge of Death Valley National Park in California
Natural Bridge was our fourth stop on our journey to Death Valley National Park. Our timing to visit Natural bridge was just right. It was sunny but not hot, breezy but not cold. The trail up to the bridge was not crowded, in fact there were only a couple ahead of us and then we met a couple from Fairbanks Alaska on their way back to the parking lot, it was so cool meeting them.
The hike to the bridge was great, a slight incline but on a wide gravel road. The walk to the Natural Bridge is only 0.3 of a mile (about a 10 minute walk) and just few more steps past the bridge is the Dry Waterfall. My 8 year old son had a hard time getting to the dry waterfall but he made it. On our way back to the parking lot was an easy walk downhill and the views are beautiful looking over the valleys, the mountains, and the salt flats.
Getting from Badwater Rd to the Natural Bridge is about 1.5 miles of gravel road. The parking lot is okay with restroom and information sign. Natural Bridge was our 4th stop on our journey to Death Valley National Park. A nice short stop, great spot to come see and it doesn't take a lot of time. Please watch our videos below...way way down below. Please also check the places we've explored in Death Valley National Park California. 5.Artist Drive and Artist's Palette 4. Natural Bridge 3. Badwater Basin/Salt Flat 2. Devils Golf Course 1. Zabriskie Point
Joel and Alan under the Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge in Death Valley National Park
The dirt road to Natural Bridge
Awesome views and formations -- seen on our way to Natural Bridge parking lot
Another great view toward the parking lot of Natural bridge
Amazing view of the valleys, mountains, salt flats, and the Natural Bridge parking area
Let's go hiking!
My 8 year old son heading to Natural Bridge Canyon
He was taking his sweet time
Joel and Alan hiking up towards bridge
view towards Dry Waterfall
Alan by the Dry Waterfall
Natural Bridge Canyon "One-third of a mile from the parking area, an impressive natural bridge connects the walls of this canyon. The bridge is about 35 feet thick, and the same height above the canyon floor. While carving the canyon, the stream sought a course along the path of least resistance, and so formed a sharp bend that eventually eroded into a fin of rock. Pounding floods punched a hole through the fin, creating a shorter route down the slope. Subsequent deepening of the canyon left the old meander behind--the alcove on the north side-- and the bridge looming above the canyon floor. Along the trail are other interesting geologic features, such as dripping mud that looks like wax formations, hanging canyons, and dry waterfalls." National Park Service sign
Good information for hiking in the desert
"CANYON AND BRIDGE FORMATION In spite of Death Valley's arid climate, infrequent storms have produced erosive flash flooding. Ove the course of thousands of years, these floods have carved canyons and produced features such as Natural Bridge." National Park Service sign
A rock that looks like a scull
Alan and I on our way back to parking area
Watch our short video exploring the Natural Bridge in Death Valley National Park
