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A Bridge in Time by AZLOT69 The Hayden survey party discovered Yellowstone Natural Bridge in 1871. Yellowstone became the first National Park in 1872. The Natural bridge was opened to the public in 1881 after development of a trail that went across the bridge. There were even plans to build a road across the bridge but that never developed. Today the trail goes around the bridge offering views from every angle. The family friendly trailhead is located in the Bridge Bay parking lot. There are facilities, water and a general store available at the trailhead. The trail departs at the north end of the parking lot and heads towards the campground. As the campground becomes visible turn left at the marked intersection. The trail enters a forested area made up primarily of lodge pole pines. Some nice views of Bridge Bay are soon in sight and generally wildflowers are plentiful throughout the summer. At about one mile the trail meets with a paved single lane road. Take this road to the right. The road is paved for only a short distance and then turns to stone. At the approaching Y intersection, the road goes to the left. Take the trail to the right and continue to the interpretive site at the base of the natural bridge. Enjoy it from here or take the steep serpentine trail to the right of the natural bridge to the top and view the natural bridge from behind and above. It's a great place for a casual picnic lunch. Continue on this trail to make a loop around and return to the interpretive site. Be bear aware especially in the spring when the bears frequent the area as they feed on spawning trout in Bridge Creek. From the interpretive site return to the trailhead the way you came. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
