The natural bridge is a 51 foot (18 m) cliff of rhyolite rock cut through by Bridge Creek. The hiking trail meanders through the forest for .7 of a mile (1.2 km). It then joins a service road and continues to the right (west) for .4 of a mile (0.6 km) to the Natural Bridge. The short but steep switchback trail to the top of the bridge starts in front of the interpretive exhibit. To protect this fragile resource, the top of the bridge is closed to hiking and biking. Past the natural bridge, the trail crosses a creek then continues along the cliff before rejoining the road. Exercise caution along the creek bed for wet and slippery rocks.
Safety notes: Trail closed until early summer while bears feed on spawning trout in Bridge Creek. Inquire at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for opening date and other closures. The bike trail to Natural Bridge begins just south of the marina off the Grand Loop Road.
Trailheads: Bridge Bay Marina parking lot near the campground entrance road.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
This is a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) there-and-back trail that begins and ends at the same trailhead.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bridge Bay Marina
This trail is located in the central part of the park, with two trailheads located in and around the Bridge Bay Marina.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time
NPS/Diane Renkin
More on Day Hikes in Yellowstone
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Last updated: June 29, 2018