Full Hike [CC]: Stories Bridge Cultures at Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

Cave paintings. Renaissance masterworks. Photography. Filmography. Graffiti. The Internet. They share a common, transcultural intent: storytelling. Often times, the narratives endure long after their creators have passed.
On the surface, visitors come to remote Natural Bridges National Monument for its namesake. A 12-mile loop covers most of the monument and allows adventurous hikers up-close viewing. Indeed, all three bridges are magnificent.
"Sipapu" Bridge is largest and usually seen first by visitors, due to primary location along the one-direction monument road. Its Hopi-language name means a gate between natural and metaphysical spaces. Next, chunky/youngest Kachina Bridge resides halfway into the canyon walk. Its span continues growing as pieces periodically break off. Finally, Owachomo Bridge: oldest, smallest, thinnest. Looking up, its frailty is pitifully displayed. Some visitors feel a rush to examine, as though the narrow deck could suddenly vanish into the ether.
Equally significant, however, are ample vestiges of Native American groups once inhabited their sandstone shelters. Some sites can be reached on the loop hike, while many stay hidden for preservation. Lucky observers are shown artifacts, gathering spaces, and rock art. A shared humanity, between permanent strangers.
Photos: photos.app.goo...
Route: Sipapu Trail-Canyon Trail-Owachomo Trail-Mesa Top Trail
Type: Loop
Distance: 8.1 mi.
Elevation Gain: ~625 ft.
Location: Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA
Date/Time: 2020-11-11 0913; 2021-04-07 0947
My Thoughts:
For this video, one important objective of mine was to show all accessible archeological spots. I actually missed Horse Collar Ruin during my first pass. I tried to observe from the roadside overlook and concluded seeing it that far away did not do the ruins justice. During the video pass, I halted recording to investigate and recognized that it should be reachable for most people. Plus, it was the ONLY site officially promoted.
This is rightly designated a primitive hike. I understand "getting lost" is a valid, common worry. Basically, within the main (White and Armstrong) canyons do not turn away to any subsidiary branches. When outside, the Mesa Top Trail does fade out in a few places. My advice then is to keep an eye on distant landmarks when possible and maintain either northward or southward bearing. Usually, the trail promptly shows up again. Note that cairns exist, but I am not sure if they are official.
I must admit a personal connection when viewing native rock art. No, I do not claim to understand the meaning. Instead, it is information transfer-whether by carving onto rocks or producing UA-cam videos.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace

[@FollowThomas]

It looks extremely dry but it is a very beautiful landscape. Thanks for sharing your hike. 👍

[@andreluismaciel6999]

encantador belíssimo vídeo teu pais é lindíssimo.