Slow Down and See More: A Journey to Sipapu Bridge

Slow Down and See More: A Journey to Sipapu Bridge

Sipapu Bridge - Natural Bridges National Monument

I had been craving a trip to Natural Bridges for a while, but I didn't expect the hike to Sipapu Bridge to be so much fun! The trail is an adventure in itself, with cool cliff ledges, sturdy ladders, and carved stairs that keep you smiling the whole way down. I started the day a little sad that my group couldn't handle the full 10-mile loop through the park, but I ended up so happy that we just focused on this one trail. It taught me a powerful lesson about the joy of slowing down. If we had been rushing, I would have missed the little pond with the gorgeous reflection of the bridge, and we never would have spotted the ancient cliff dwelling high up on the canyon walls. It was a perfect reminder to be okay with slowing down and truly stopping to smell the roses.

Ladder at Sipapu Bridge

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The reflection pond! As you get near the bottom of the trail, look for a small, still pond of water. On a calm day, it creates a gorgeous, perfect reflection of the massive Sipapu Bridge—a photo opportunity that many people rushing through might miss.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE BASE OF THE BRIDGE

This is such a fun trail. Grab your VR headset and join me on this immersive journey down to the base of the mighty Sipapu Bridge. We'll navigate the ladders, admire the views, and find those secret spots that make this hike so special. It's an amazing way to take away the fear of a new trail by knowing exactly what to expect!

"My inspirational thought for the day is to be ok with slowing down and stopping to smell the roses. Yes going fast might burn more calories, but I will argue that slowing down will do more by boosting your mental and emotional health..."

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Park: Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: Strenuous Hiking
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Adventurous trails, massive natural bridges, ancient history.
• ⏳ Recommended Time: 1.5 - 2 hours for the round trip hike.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The view from the base of the bridge, the ladders and stairs, the reflection pond, the cliff dwelling.

2D Trailer Video for Sipapu Bridge

My Sipapu Bridge Story

The trail to Sipapu Bridge, the largest in the park, is an adventure from top to bottom. It's a steep 1.4-mile round trip, but the 'strenuous' rating comes from the unique obstacles along the way. You'll navigate two ladders, a cool set of stairs carved into the rock, and use handrails to get down a steep section of slickrock. I saw kids as young as 8-10 on the trail who were absolutely loving it! Because we weren't in a hurry, we took our time and made some wonderful discoveries. We spotted a well-preserved cliff dwelling high on the canyon wall opposite the trail, and we found the perfect little pond for reflection photos. It was a fantastic day, made better because we embraced a slower pace.

Fun Pond with Reflection of Sipapu Bridge

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

• ♦️ It's an Adventurous Trail: Be prepared for ladders and steep sections. It's very fun, but may be challenging for those with a fear of heights.
• ♦️ Look for the Dwelling: As you hike down, keep your eyes on the canyon wall across from you. You can spot a small, ancient cliff dwelling tucked into an alcove.
• ♦️ Sturdy Shoes are a Must: With slickrock and uneven surfaces, good hiking shoes with great grip are essential.
• ♦️ Not for Pets: Pets are not allowed on this trail.

• Information about the Sipapu Bridge

  • Natural Bridges is 5.5 hours south of SLC, close to Lake Powell. 
  • Trail does not allow pets. 
  • Trail is about 1.4 miles and is marked as Stenuous because of the bridges.
  • I saw kids about 8 -10 on the trail, and they were loving the trail and the uniqueness of it, but you could also tell they hiked often. 
  • Trail has 2 ladders, a set of stairs, and a pole to help navigate down a steeper slick rock.  
  • Trail does continue on along the river bottom to the other bridges, and that loop is about 10 miles.  Here is a link to the park Map
  •  https://www.nps.gov/nabr/planyourvisit/maps.htm
  • Watch for the dwelling along the trail, and the dwelling up on the cliffs on the opposite side of the trail. 

Conclusion

Slowing down on the Sipapu Bridge trail was a gift. It allowed me to find hidden beauty I would have otherwise rushed past and reminded me of the importance of being present. This hike is an absolute blast, a perfect combination of stunning scenery and fun, adventurous obstacles. I hope you get a chance to take your time on this trail and discover its many wonderful secrets for yourself.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways