Owachomo Trail
Hike to Owachomo Bridge the Park Service's write-up
20-60 Minutes · no dogs · season <p><strong>Spring and Fall:</strong> Suggested visiting time is spring and fall.</p> <p><strong>Summer:</strong> Summer temperatures often reach 100°F (38°C).</p> <p><strong>Winter:</strong> If snow and/or ice is present, snow cleats, crampons, and/or hiking poles are highly recommended. Because it is in the sun for much of the day, this trail usually clears of ice and snow fairly quickly during sunny days. Always <a href="https://www.nps.gov/nabr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">check conditions</a> before hiking in winter.</p>
Start Owachomo Bridge parking area
Once named “Little Bridge,” Owachomo Bridge is the smallest natural bridge in the park. Its thin structure suggests that Owachomo may also be the oldest. Hiking to Owachomo provides a rare peek into the monument’s history.
Length Roundtrip: 0.5 miles (0.84 kilometers)
Elevation Change One-way (from Rim to Base): 188 feet (57.3 meters) loss
Accessibility Service animals are allowed on this trail. This is a primitive trail. This trail is not wheelchair accessible. Audio recordings of the posted signage are not available. There is uncertain footing in places. Stay clear of the sides of the canyon; although they are not sheer, they can be steep. The trail declines 188 feet (57.3 meters) to the base of the bridge using wooden and rock stairs. Total trail length (round trip) is 0.5 miles (0.84 meters). This trail may be difficult for individuals with mobility impairments. The nearest restroom is a pit toilet located at the Kachina Bridge parking area. There are flush toilets outside the visitor center. The nearest water is available at the visitor center.
Walk to the Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint the Park Service's write-up
10 Minutes · dogs allowed · season <p>All seasons – Suggested visiting time is spring and fall. Summer temperatures often reach 100°F (38°C), and the trail provides no shade. Winter snow and ice may make the paved walkway slippery. If snow and/or ice are present, snow cleats, crampons, and/or poles are recommended.</p>
Start Owachomo Bridge Parking Area
Owachomo Bridge is the smallest, and probably oldest, natural bridge in the park. From the viewpoint, you can see the bridge’s delicate span and surrounding landscape. You can also see the large rock mound on the left side that the bridge was named for - Owachomo is a Hopi word for “rock mound.”
Length Roundtrip: 519 feet (158.19 meters)
Elevation Change One-way (from Parking Lot to Viewpoint): 8.67 feet (2.64 meters) loss, 0 feet (0 meters) gain
Getting There
Start at the Owachomo Bridge parking area and follow the (mostly flat) paved trail 259.5 feet (79.10 meters) to the overlook. A bench is near the beginning of the trail.
For an easy hike, take the unpaved trail to the base of Owachomo Bridge.
Special Features
Below the viewpoint, notice the dark layer of biological soil crust carpeting the ground. This top layer of soil holds moisture, giving life to this arid environment. Do you see the interwoven trails in the soil crust? Deer follow these narrow trails to navigate the canyons and don’t damage much soil crust. In contrast, look at the dusty, tan soil lining the trail. When visitors step off trail, they crush the fragile soil crust, which takes decades to grow back. Please stay on trail at all times and help us protect the park!
Accessibility Service animals are allowed on this trail. The Owachomo Bridge Viewpoint trail is paved sidewalk. The trail elevation declines 8.67 feet (2.64 meters) to the overlook. Total trail length (round trip) is 519 feet or about 173 yards (158.19 meters). There is a bench near the beginning of the trail. There is no shade. Audio recordings of the posted signage are not available. The nearest restrooms are flush toilets located outside the visitor center and a pit toilet located at the Kachina Bridge parking area. The nearest water is available at the visitor center.