Au Natural
Hike to Natural Bridge in Death Valley National Park
Natural Bridge is a short, sweet canyon hike in Death Valley National Park with—you guessed it—a natural bridge formation that’s wholly unique for being, well, rough around the edges. Instead of a smoothness, this formation’s ingredients are a coalescing of rock and gravel and sediment … it’s complicated and interesting!
It’s also just a cool sight to see (and, yes, a popular place for photos). Natural Bridge is a 35x35 behemoth—as in 35 feet high and thick. What we also like about the hike is the beautiful bonus vista you get early in the hike of Badwater Basin and Lake Manly.
The vista is lovely as is the short canyon hike, up through a wash and under the bridge. The trail goes just beyond the bridge and ends at an obvious dry fall.
Death Valley National Park's Natural Bridge parking area and trailhead is south of CA-190 off Badwater Road. You have to drive a dirt road for several miles to reach it; most vehicles can make it but be mindful of ruts and check with the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for updated conditions. No dogs.
