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I gazed upward at the branches of a tree which towered high above me. Above the branches there was empty space for dozens of feet. And then. . . solid rock - the massive span of a natural bridge arching between the canyons vertical walls. Above the rock, blue sky and whimsy, white clouds. I felt disoriented as I gazed upward. My head seem to swirl and I became dizzy. . . so dizzy I could hardly stand up.

It was a strange perspective, the span of rock directly above my head, the sheer canyon walls seeming to close in on me, the clouds rushing between the tree limbs and over the carmel-colored rock.

After a moment I had to shift my gaze forward to the solid, normal looking canyon walls.

Such was the feeling I experienced the first time I stood under Sipapu Bridge, in Natural Bridges National Monument, in southeastern Utah.

The exhilarating hike into the canyon added to the unique feeling. It's a moderately challenging hike over slickrock, with steps chiseled into the rock and ladders positioned to help people get past difficult spots.

Natural Bridges National Monument provides a world-class hiking opportunity through a beautiful canyon which offers spectacular views of some of the most impressive natural bridges in the world. In addition, there are many well-preserved ancient Anasazi ruins in the Monument's canyons.

The monument is open year-round and hiking is enjoyable even during the winter months.

Natural Bridges was declared a National Monument in 1908 when President Theodore Roosevelt invoked the Antiquities Act of 1906 to "reserve these extraordinary examples of stream erosion with as much land as necessary for the proper protection thereof. . ."

Close to the edge of the known universe, in the middle of nowhere, about halfway between Salt Lake City and Phoenix. (Actually in southeastern Utah, along Highway 95, about 40 miles west of Blanding and 50 miles east of Lake Powell's Hite Marina.)

The monument is open year-round and hiking is possible most days.

Snow falls occasionally on the mesa top but accumulations are usually slight and melt during winter warm spells. The canyon bottoms receive little snow.

Ice can be a hazard when hiking the steep slickrock trails. Use caution when hiking in the winter; stay out of the canyon if there is ice on access trails.

Hiking is most pleasant during the spring and fall. Summer days can be hot. Winter nights can be very cold but winter days are often mild.

Flash floods are always a danger in canyon country. Never enter the canyons if there is a chance of thunderstorms, which are most common in July, August and September.

Check at the visitor for the latest weather information before hiking into the canyons.

Auto tour along Bridge View Drive, stopping at the viewpoints which provide spectacular views of the three bridges and the Horsecollar Ruin Anasazi site. Short, easy walks are required to reach viewpoints. Trails to viewpoints are well marked and maintained. The loop drive is nine miles long.

Hike to one or more of the bridges, or loop hike from bridge to bridge and then back to the parking area.

Getting into and out of the canyon requires moderately strenuous hiking along well maintained trails. In some paces the trails are steep, with exposed drop-offs. Handrails are provided in spots, steps have been cut into the sandstone in some places and timber of metal ladders are provided to help people over the most difficult spots.

The trail between bridges in the bottom of the canyon is relatively easy, with little elevation change and few obstacles. The trail in the canyon bottom is not maintained but is generally easy to follow.

Camping is not allowed in the backcountry. All hikes must be day hikes. Pets are not allowed in the canyons. Mountain bikes must stay on paved roads within the monument.

Always carry water when hiking. Water bottles can be filled at the visitor center. Small streams flow intermittently in the canyons. Pockets of water are almost always available but the water must be treated before it becomes safe for human use.

Round trip distances to bridges from parking areas:

• Sipapu - 1.2 miles; 500 foot descent; strenuous hiking. Stairs, handrails and ladders are provided in the most difficult spots.
• Kachina - 1.5 miles, 400 foot descent. Moderately strenuous over steep slickrock. Handrails are provided.
• Owachomo - .4 miles, 180 foot descent, easy hiking. Terrain is uneven but not difficult.

Round trip distance to Horsecollar Ruin Overlook: .6 miles along an easy trail. Little elevation change.

Round trip loop hikes

• Sipapu - Kachina: 5.6 miles
• Sipapu - Owachomo: 8.6 miles
• Kachina - Owachomo: 5.4 miles

(All loop hikes are strenuous)

Camping is allowed only in the established campground and the overflow camping area.

The monument features a 13-site campground which is open year-round one a first come, first served basis. Sites will accommodate only one vehicle and there is a 26-foot combined length limit for RVs and vehicles with trailers. Water is available at the visitor center but not in the campground. Up to nine people are allowed per site.

Sites have a fire grill, tent pad and picnic table. Firewood gathering is prohibited.

An overflow area is provided and can be used by campers with multiple vehicles, RVs exceeding the length limit and people who arrive after the campground is full.

Primitive toilets are provided in the campground. Flush toilets in a heated building are available at the nearby visitor center.