While still massive and strong, Kachina Bridge did lose 4,000 tons of rock in 1992.Ī natural bridge formed by the Ardeche River in the south of France, the Pont d’Arc has a world-famous neighbor: the Chauvet cave paintings, the world’s oldest known such works, which date back 36,000 years.ĭiscovered in 1994, the site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year. Further erosion has made the once thick and mighty Owachomo Bridge more delicate. The area was declared a national monument in 1908, and the three bridges were given the Hopi names “Owachomo,” “Kachina” and “Sipapu” in 1909. Natural Bridges National Monument, UtahĪs streams cut into the canyon walls and flash floods further weakened them, the three mighty bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument in the southeastern corner of Utah were carved over millions of years. The 50-foot tall, 100-foot-long natural bridge over LaPrele Creek is the star of this 22-acre park.ģ. Less well-known but worth the visit is the majestic Ayres Natural Bridge in eastern Wyoming, about 40 miles east of Casper. Not all the glory of Wyoming is found at its two internationally famous Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the northwestern part of the state. Visitors who continue along the coast to see Pen-y-Holt Stack should note that it’s in a British Army range and must be visited through walks organized by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Nearby you can also spot the Stack Rocks, known as the Elegug Stacks in Welsh.Įventually it’s expected that the ocean will wear away the Green Bridge and the middle will collapse, turning it into stacks. One of the most famous spots in Wales, the Green Bridge of Wales and the rocky Pembrokeshire coastline, are part of a national park. Here are 15 spectacular natural bridges around the world. (The smaller Baby Bridge is still standing nearby.)
The 100-foot-span gave way and collapsed in 2005. One such wonder was Aruba’s Natural Bridge, which was first formed by pounding surf eroding its coral limestone.
A natural bridge is a type of arch, where water is the natural force making the hole.Įrosion created these magnificent structures, and erosion will eventually take them down. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society, whose Indiana Jones-like members go hunting for these rock formations around the world, makes this distinction: A natural arch is made of rock, with a hole formed by natural forces, they say. These rocky natural spans were formed over millennia by the flowing waters of a stream or other water source, which slowly eroded away the rock to create the shape of a bridge.
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