Length: Minimal
Elevation: 8627 ft (2629.51 m)
Route Type: Overlook
Difficulty: Easy
Natural Bridge, located in Bryce Canyon National Park, is one of my favorite overlooks on the Southern Scenic Drive. Just a short distance from your car, you can look down and see this beautiful arch! Normally, you would have to hike miles to see something like this. Although it’s called a natural bridge, it is in fact “a natural arch, or window, formed primarily by the expansion of ice in cracks deep within.” (NPS) This formation is stunning and well worth a visit.
Accessing the Natural Bridge Overlook
Starting Location: Mile 12.25 on the 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
GPS (DD): 37.531998, -112.260237
The Natural Bridge Overlook is located at mile 12.25 along the main park road (UT-63) and is one of the most iconic overlooks in this section. There is a small parking lot here next to a paved overlook that is wheelchair accessible. As there is no trail access from this overlook, you will not be able to walk down to the Natural Bridge. That said, you will have an amazing view right from the overlook.
Because the pullout for the Natural Bridge Overlook is located on the eastern side of the road, I recommend going to Rainbow Point first and then pulling out on your way back down to the Bryce Amphitheater.
Due to Bryce Canyon’s high elevation, it is important to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Be sure to check the park website for current road conditions as there are sometimes road closures, especially during the winter months. Please note that as the park shuttle does not go to any of the overlooks along the Southern Scenic Drive, you will need to drive to get there.
Why Visit Natural Bridge?
If you only stop at one overlook on the Southern Scenic Drive, I suggest stopping at the Natural Bridge Overlook. Why? Because it is so accessible and so beautiful. Since there are no hiking trails from this overlook, you are likely to get a parking spot. People usually come, take a selfie, and then get back in their car. You, however, as a photographer, may want to take your time photographing and soaking in the natural beauty.
One of the most shocking things to me about this overlook was how, when I first parked, I couldn’t see anything. I was expecting to see a towering arch, but instead I saw open sky and a few tips of rocks in the distance (see above photo). I had no idea what I was walking up to see. Because of that, when I approached the edge of the lookout, I literally gasped out loud. It reminded me of my experience hiking to Delicate Arch, only I didn’t have to hike miles to get there.
The Natural Bridge was much larger than I had expected. That said, because of it’s orientation, you have to look down to see it, so you won’t be able to capture the skyline in your photographs. Thankfully the valley of trees provide a nice contrast and help offset the arch.
Best Time to Photograph the Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Natural Bridge Overlook is a great location for landscape photography. I’ve been at several different times of the day and year. When we went in January, we had the park almost to ourselves. Thankfully the main park road was open and we were able to take the Southern Scenic Drive up to Natural Bridge. I loved the contrast of the white snow, green evergreens, and red rock. I went in the late afternoon as the setting sun began to illuminate the tips of the rocks and distant mountains. The afternoon and evening light provides a nice illumination on the front side of Natural Bridge as well as deeper shadows and contrast amongst the hoodoos.
Sunrise offers a totally different experience depending upon the time of year. Like Mesa Arch, in Caynonlands National Park, the rising sun illuminates the inside of Natural Bridge, creating an exquisite orange glow. Going to Natural Bridge before sunrise would also allow you to capture some blue light before taking your sunrise photographs.
In addition to sunrise and sunset photography, Bryce Canyon gained International Dark Sky status in 2019 and is a popular location for astrophotography. (NPS) Depending upon the time of year, you may be able to photograph comets, star trails, and the Milky Way from the Natural Bridge Overlook.
Photography Tips at Natural Bridge – Patience is Key
When we went to Bryce Canyon National Park in May, we visited Natural Bridge in the early afternoon. The weather went from a cloudy day with partial sun to pounding rain followed by a snowy blizzard by the time we began our descent. Such is the life of a landscape photographer. Thankfully, this was an instance where patience blessed us.
The heavy cloud cover that day provided a natural soft box. I took several photographs of a nicely diffused Natural Bridge, and while it lacked drama, at the time I really liked the composition and even lighting. However, as my daughter and I prepared to return to our car, all of a sudden the sun peaked through the clouds and entirely lit up the arch. Both of us grabbed our cameras and began shooting the scene. (Check out her image below!) It was an incredible memory and one I’ll never forget. I loved the moody clouds offset by the illuminated arch. If you find yourself in a tricky situation with bad lighting, sometimes a little bit of patience is all it takes to completely transform the scene.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, you will love the vistas found along the Southern Scenic Drive. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed shots of the hoodoos, change your perspective, and most importantly enjoy your time in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Bryce Canyon National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time visiting the Natural Bridge!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Do you want more information about photographing Bryce Canyon National Park? Check out our new Photographer’s Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park!
You can also check out these maps, guides & books:
- Bryce Canyon National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 5 (National Parks Guide)
- Moon Zion & Bryce: With Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase-Escalante & Moab: Hiking & Biking, Stargazing, Scenic Drives (Moon National Parks Travel Guide)
- Best Easy Day Hikes Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Third Edition (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
- Ebenezer Bryce: Bryce Canyon National Park’s Namesake
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at not cost to you. We appreciate your support.
