Unfortunately Natural Bridges National Monument is a 1-paw park. Maybe you could call it a 2-paw if you want to be generous. But I’m going to stick with my categories and if there are no trails it gets 1-paw and there are no pet-friendly trails. However, there is a 1-way, 9 mile scenic drive with 12 overlooks and 2 bridge view points. Dog are allowed at the overlooks as well as the paved paths to the bridge viewpoints. So while there isn’t a trail, dogs can get out and look around a bit
Short Trails
If the weather is cool and it is safe for your pup in your vehicle or trailer there are two very short trails. Owachomo is 0.4 miles and Horsecollar Ruins is 0.6 miles round trip. The hiking time is estimated at 30 minutes. Two longer, round trip trails are Sipapu at 1.2 miles and Kachina at 1.4 miles. The estimates for these are both at 1 hour. We hiked the Sipapu trail at dawn to avoid the heat for us and the girls waiting in the camp trailer parked in the shady campground.
Sipapu Bridge Trail
Sipapu Bridge Trail is fun trek down to the bottom of the canyon below Sipapu Bridge, the second largest known natural bridge in the world. Rainbow Bridge in Glen Canyon is bigger. It is also the steepest trail in the park and is navigated by a staircase and 3 wooden ladders. With the park altitude at 6500’, the temperatures cool off at night even in the summer. So a quick dog-less, sunrise or sunset hike can be done.
Camping
As mentioned above, there is a campground. Its first-come, first-served with no hookups and no water so be prepared. There are 13 sites but overflow camping is available outside the park.
As always it is best to check the Natural Bridges National Monument website for any changes in pet regulations.
