Bridge Spring Arch, NV

Overview: Bridge Spring Arch is a natural bridge cut into mudstone by Techatticup Wash. The source of Techatticup wash is Bridge Spring. Getting there requires an open desert hike just less than a mile one way to see the natural bridge which has a span of about twenty five feet.


Hike: The hike starts at the top of a hill with nice views all around. To the east, the road you just arrived on takes a plunge down to the town of Nelson which can be seen to the east. The topography from here continues its dramatic drop east all the way to the Colorado River. The trail follows a ridgeline southeast with some minor drops and rises. The trail is well established at this point and easy to follow. Vegetation is scarce and there is no hope of shade. Entering a wash the trail heads in a more easterly direction. The trail becomes less defined at this point but the wash gets more defined. Stay in the wash as it meanders past several photogenic rock outcroppings. The wash threads its way between two mountains continuing its travel eastward. Ever so gradually the walls on either side get taller and the wash gets rockier. Eventually this leads to some minor scrambling. Pick and choose the best route from the limited choices available. On the final approach to the natural arch the vegetation gets thick requiring a move from the wash high left or right. The wash makes a shift south at this point revealing the natural arch. Vegetation is thick here but no too aggressive. It does require some thought for good pictures. A little bouldering will get you thru the arch for a varied angle of this formation. Return the way you came.

2010-04-27 AZLOT69