Owachomo Bridge [Suggest Edits]

Description

Of the "big 3 bridges" in the National Monument, Owachomo Bridge is the easiest to visit up close and in person. It is about 180 feet in length, and arches about 100 feet above a side canyon. It looks much more delicate than Kachina Bridge or Sipapu Bridge and this thinness indicates that it is older and has eroded more quickly than the others. This bridge has had many names over the years, but it's current name Owachomo is the Hopi word for "rock mound." The rock mound in question is the blob of rock on top of the eastern end of the bridge. The creek that created Owachomo Bridge (Tuwa Creek) no longer flows under the bridge as it did for thousands of years.

Short Run: For those short on time or unwilling to run, going to the viewpoint via the paved Owachomo Bridge Overlook is a quick, easy option. From here, you can see Owachomo in the distance and get a sense of it's wondrous beauty. You can also spot the twin buttes called “The Bear’s Ears” to the east.

With only slightly more effort, you can run to 0.5-mile round trip Owachomo Bridge Trail and get within spitting distance of this impressive rock formation. The straightforward trail only has a 175 foot elevation change, and is not too challenging for most people. When you're standing directly under the bridge with the rubble of fallen rock chunks all around you, you'll be glad you did the run just to experience this amazing and unique perspective.

Gem Type: Rock Formation