1 That small "island" of tan, surrounded by the red of O'Bears Ears NM, is the Natural Bridges National Monument. Created in 1908, NBNM is home to some of the darkest skies in the country; in 2007 it became the world's first 'International Dark Sky Park' certified by the International Dark Sky Association.
2 There are three great natural bridges in Natural Bridges National Monument, the first (driving the loop rood ccw) is Sipapu Bridge, shown here.
3 Looking back at Sipapu Bridge
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5 Joe (left) and BobF looking down on Sipapu Bridge, looking for trails. It was chilly this late in the day.
6 The second bridge of the three is Kachina Bridge, shown here.
7 A closer look
8 Some hikers near Kachina Bridge, heading down to the network of trails that take you under all three bridges. We'll save our energy for the trail down to the third bridge.
9 Indian Paint Brush wild flowers add some color to the place.
10 We stop at the Bridge View parking lot for the third in the sequence of bridges, Owachomo Bridge. A network of trails is readily apparent.
11 A good shot of Owachomo Bridge from above. We decide that we'll take the trail down to base of the bridge.
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13 Side on view of Owachomo Bridge
14 Bob and Joe find the trail and start down, Ed and Don will follow.
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17The height and span of this one are impressive.
18 There is a person down below, that gives a perspective on the size.
19 Once under the bridge, Joe continues to explore (that's him in the center of the picture).
