username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M. - 12 members in 24 triplogs have rated this an average 3.7 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2  Next
24 triplogs
login for filter options
May 03 2025
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Family Hikes, AZ 
Family Hikes, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 03 2025
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking9.46 Miles 1,688 AEG
Hiking9.46 Miles
1,688 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
This is a combination of hikes with my wife, daughter, and granddaughter. We camped for two nights at Bonita Campground in Chiricahua National Monument. The biggest hike was the Natural Bridge hike at 4.8 miles. My daughter and granddaughter were not happy with me because I told them I remembered it being pretty flat. What's a thousand feet of gain between relatives?
We had a great trip and will return someday. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Apr 15 2025
avatar

 Guides 44
 Routes 162
 Photos 24,766
 Triplogs 2,411

75 male
 Joined May 04 2004
 Mesa, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 15 2025
CannondaleKidTriplogs 2,411
Hiking4.80 Miles 1,038 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   2 Hrs   31 Mns   1.91 mph
1,038 ft AEG18 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
trixiec
Although our morning Heart of Rocks lasso hike took significant effort we still had some energy in-the-tank so what do we do... explore the Faraway Ranch with all the touristy folk? 'Fraid not!

Other than that the only thing close at hand was the Natural Bridge Trail. Looking at the stats I wasn't sure if my hips and/or knees could handle another step ascent and descent today. But when Tracey offered we'll see how it goes and if we don't make it all the way out so be it, I figured, have at it.

Once we were far enough on the trail to see how far up we'd have to climb before turning back South toward the Bridge, I thought, no way I'm gonna make it up there. But taking it just one-step-at-a-time it wasn't long and we were up on the ridge. Wow, that was easy! I guess the earlier hike just warmed me up and having eaten lunch just before the hike I had enough energy.

After the first long ascent the trail made a steady but easy descent for a while before a steep descent, which was made quite easy by the numerous switch-backs, most allowing for a short walk on level ground. After that descent the trail stayed pretty level for just under a mile before a short ascent to the end of the trail, where one could SEE the Natural Bridge, ACROSS THE CANYON. I guess my lack of research on this hike meant I thought we'd actually hike right TO the bridge.

Oh well, it was still a scenic hike, and it turned out to be another one in which the return trip seemed to take little time at all. Although a bit warm, we had enough of a breeze I hardly noticed.

Ambient Temps: 80-85°
HR Avg/Max = 99/131
_____________________
CannondaleKid
 
Oct 27 2023
avatar

 Photos 1,217
 Triplogs 206

68 male
 Joined Aug 04 2006
 Mesa, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 27 2023
hikemonkTriplogs 206
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles
681 ft AEG12 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Sep 15 2023
avatar

 Routes 255
 Photos 8
 Triplogs 261

54 male
 Joined Feb 19 2015
 Phoenix
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 15 2023
bjonsonTriplogs 261
Hiking4.98 Miles 1,106 AEG
Hiking4.98 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.62 mph
1,106 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
Apr 16 2022
avatar

 Guides 33
 Routes 286
 Photos 445
 Triplogs 251

35 male
 Joined Oct 23 2017
 Tempe
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 16 2022
KingLeonidasTriplogs 251
Hiking4.82 Miles 1,124 AEG
Hiking4.82 Miles   2 Hrs   4 Mns   2.37 mph
1,124 ft AEG      2 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The last hike of our Chiricahua National Monument trip and the last of the major trails in the the park that we hadn't already hiked.

There are only a couple parking spots at the trailhead (like ~5) but we were able to get a spot. Needless to say, the trail was not very crowded. We were there in the late morning having done Sugarloaf Mountain as our first hike of the day.

This was a solid hike to the natural bridge (in terms of difficulty). The initial portion follows a canyon for some distance then ascends one side. The remainder of the trail is downhill until shortly before the bridge giving this hike an up-down-up-down topography going there and back.

The early portions of the trail offered views of the hoodoos to the south across the road. However, upon ascending the side of the canon and going down the other side the view of these hoodoos becomes obstructed and the scenery for the remainder is less impressive.

The natural bridge itself was pretty underwhelming. The trail ends some distance away from it rather than going right up to/underneath it. It is possible to scramble up to the bridge but it would be a decent scramble. Given it was our 2nd hike of the day we opted to observe from the end of the trail and leave it at that. The bridge was not as high or dramatic as devil's bridge in Sedona or Tonto Natural Bridge (for example), having seen the aforementioned (and a few others besides) it was a little underwhelming.

This wasn't a bad hike but it was probably my least favorite in Chiricahua. Nevertheless we checked it off our list and went to lunch and wine tasting in Wilcox afterwards.
_____________________
 
Feb 13 2021
avatar

 Guides 13
 Photos 15,617
 Triplogs 323

male
 Joined Oct 23 2010
 mesa
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2021
gummoTriplogs 323
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   2 Hrs   20 Mns   2.06 mph
681 ft AEG7 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I'm slow compared to every else on here. It might be because I'm always on the lookout for wildlife, but I'm somewhat sure this is how fast I can go. Not that I mind too much. I did take a few minutes to try to catch a bird (I'm not going to explain), but other than that I walked the whole time.
_____________________
  3 archives
May 30 2019
avatar

 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Natural Bridge Trail, AZ 
Natural Bridge Trail, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 30 2019
markthurman53Triplogs 864
Hiking4.67 Miles 1,009 AEG
Hiking4.67 Miles   2 Hrs   7 Mns   2.55 mph
1,009 ft AEG      17 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
My second hike of the day was to the Natural Bridge in Chiricahua National Monument. This 4.8 mile round trip hike heads up the upper reaches of North Bonita Creek and over a rise to the upper Reaches of Little Picket Canyon and Picket Park. The natural bridge is located at the end of the trail. The trail ends about 200 yards from the bridge so you don't actually go to the bridge. The natural bridge is not that impressive (if you are looking for natural bridges head to Arches or Canyon Land National Parks). While the bridge isn't that impressive the hike itself had some nice scenery, especially in Picket Park.

This is a good hike with some good displays of rock formation but there are better displays on the other trails further up the road in the park. I would do this trail as an alternative or as an "I have done all the others trails lets check this one out". The walk through Picket Park was interesting, the trail levels out and follows a creek through what looks like a park with its grass and pine trees. There was no water along this trail but earlier in spring it was running. I may of liked the park because it was getting a little warm and the shade of the trees was nice.
_____________________
 
May 31 2017
avatar

 Routes 85
 Photos 3,718
 Triplogs 486

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 31 2017
cactuscatTriplogs 486
Hiking5.90 Miles 1,424 AEG
Hiking5.90 Miles   3 Hrs   59 Mns   1.56 mph
1,424 ft AEG      12 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Main hike of the day was the Natural Bridge trail ... and beyond.
Not a single other human in evidence.
Best part was the easy/fun 20 minute route finding scramble past the end of the trail up to the Bridge.
Later, back at camp I heard turkeys gobbling in the distance and had to go wandering after them ... felt odd but kinda fun to be hiking along with slides on my feet and carrying nothing but my phone and a cup of mini Chips A'hoy in my hand. :)
_____________________
 
Sep 29 2015
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 61
 Photos 2,620
 Triplogs 700

69 male
 Joined Jan 23 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 29 2015
AZWanderingBearTriplogs 700
Hiking4.68 Miles 968 AEG
Hiking4.68 Miles
968 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Day 3 of our 8-day Southeastern AZ road trip.

Had a quick breakfast in camp before heading out for this hike. No cars at the little pull-out trailhead, and we'd see no one on the trail either.

The start is just a slog uphill through the burned out area. Definitely got the lungs pumping. Once on top it was fun crossing the plateau with nice long views west. Saw the first deer of the many we'd see during the day. Dropped down into the next drainage and enjoyed some shade in the pine grove that wasn't effected by the fire. Surprisingly a good bit of water as well.

The bridge is a nice little treat at the end of the trail. Took a short break to admire nature's handiwork and headed back. Lots more trails to do before the day was done.

Saw a small black bear just west of the trailhead. MJ's first bear in the wild. He was quite plump and healthy and only interested in putting distance between us and him.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Rhyolite
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Chiricahua Natural Bridge
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max North Bonita Canyon Light flow Light flow
_____________________
All you have is your fire...
And the place you need to reach
  6 archives
Sep 25 2015
avatar

 Photos 188
 Triplogs 163

43 female
 Joined Oct 26 2011
 Tempe, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2015
clairebearTriplogs 163
Hiking4.67 Miles 1,058 AEG
Hiking4.67 Miles
1,058 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
John9L
My first hike to kick a long weekend in the Chiricahuas. :) The parking lot is just a pull off on the side of the road and it was empty. The trail is very easy to follow and is well maintained, however we had the whole trail to ourselves. The trail is an out and back and when we got to the end we enjoyed the views of the natural bridge and surrounding areas. This is a cool area, easy hike with beautiful scenery and enjoyable solitude.
_____________________
 
Sep 25 2015
avatar

 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2015
John9LTriplogs 1,647
Hiking4.67 Miles 1,058 AEG
Hiking4.67 Miles
1,058 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
clairebear
We arrived at the Chiricahuas in the early afternoon and decided to camp in the campground. We got camp set up and then headed over to the Natural Bridge Trail. We pulled up to an empty parking lot and starting hiking. The going is relatively easy as you hike up a canyon. The early portion paralleled a creek that had a nice flow. After a mile the trail turned to the west and made a steady climb up to a plateau. From there it was smooth sailing to the end of the trail where the Natural Bridge comes into view. This is a nice area and the bridge is very cool. We took a break here and Claire did some exploring. From there we made a quick return to the jeep. We were the only ones on this trail.
_____________________
  1 archive
Jun 22 2014
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 22 2014
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking6.44 Miles 1,580 AEG
Hiking6.44 Miles   2 Hrs   13 Mns   2.91 mph
1,580 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Partners partners
trekkin_gecko
Two cool shorter hikes. I'm glad Kelly knows the trails, so I just zoned out and enjoyed. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
Jun 22 2014
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 22 2014
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking6.44 Miles 1,580 AEG
Hiking6.44 Miles   2 Hrs   13 Mns   2.91 mph
1,580 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Partners partners
johnlp
john had mentioned wanting to check out chirichua national monument sometime
i was there in 2006 and 2009, so i was up for another visit
left phoenix sunday morning and arrived at bonita canyon campground around 1:30, after a stop at the riggs family cemetery, where we saw two large owls
set up camp, made a trip to the visitor center and lounged for a couple hours
it was a little warm in the afternoon sun, so we put off hiking until later
very nice campground
saw some deer in one of the sites, almost a petting zoo
drove up bonita canyon to hike sugarloaf mountain
less than a mile up to the fire tower
had forgotten about the tunnel
was quite shocked at the fire damage on the west side of the peak
took in the views and headed back down
between hikes we wandered around massai point for a few minutes
saw a coati in the road on the drive back down
too quick for pics
next up was the natural bridge trail
a new one for me, and i really liked this one
a nice climb up to a ridgeline, then a descent into picket park
some fire damage there, too
ended with a view of the natural bridge, and it would be fun to off trail up to it next time
losing daylight on the return and finished just before sunset
the volunteer ranger told us that he saw a mama bear and two cubs right before or after we left the parking area
it would have been cool to see them
went back to camp, cooked dinner and turned in
a fun day with a new trail
_____________________
hazhole
 
Apr 08 2014
avatar

 Triplogs 10

74 male
 Joined Feb 27 2014
 Fulton, NY
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2014
Nuker3Triplogs 10
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles
681 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Very nice trail, some up hill, some down hill with the first part being more difficult tyhan the last.
_____________________
 
Dec 18 2010
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,605

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 18 2010
SkyIslander18Triplogs 2,605
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles
681 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Chiricahua National Monument is easily in my top 5 favorite places to hike in all of Arizona. I have not hiked the Natural Bridge trail in over 4 years and chose it as my primary trail on this visit. I also included Massai Point nature trail & Silver Spur trail to complete the day.

Massai Point nature trail - On every visit to the monument, I always drive up first to the top and hike the nature trail and out onto "Speakers' Rock" overlook to take in the sea of hoodoos below. From here I got my pack in order and drove back down to the Natural Bridge TH.

Natural Bridge trail - Started up the trail at noon. There was one other car at the pulloff when I arrived and I ran into them at Picket Park as they were heading back. Arrived at the end of the trail and had a snack there while taking in the view of the natural bridge across the canyon. I only wished this trail would go right up to the bridge! Made my way back down and then drove out to Faraway Ranch for the rest of the day.

Silver Spur trail - Started at Faraway Ranch and hiked to Silver Spur meadow and back. If you asked me to guarantee a deer sighting on any trail, this would be the one I'd pick! I have hiked this trail over 10 times and have seen deer on it every time. I saw 8 on this trip.

Another great day at the monument and a trip I will make many more times!
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Windmill
_____________________
https://www.instagram.com/skyislander22/
 
Nov 26 2010
avatar

 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 26 2010
BoonemanTriplogs 4,634
Hiking4.11 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.11 Miles   1 Hour   27 Mns   2.83 mph
681 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
With a little daylight left after our big loop in the park, we made the stop to hike the Natural Bridge Trail because of a recommendation given to us by the park ranger. She said we had the greatest chance of seeing wildlife in this canyon, and right she was. We were 2 miles into the hike, and came across a small clearing in the dense vegetation that seemed eerily quiet. I made a comment about this being our best chance to see anything. Sure enough, about a minute later, two large Black Bears rushed across the trail (roughly 50ft in front of us) and raced into a side canyon before we could even think to get a camera out! We played it safe and turned around before reaching the Natural Bridge, I think that was enough excitement for the day.
_____________________
 
Oct 24 2010
avatar

 Guides 22
 Routes 6
 Photos 512
 Triplogs 466

34 male
 Joined May 17 2007
 CA
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 24 2010
rally_toadTriplogs 466
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   1 Hour   55 Mns   2.50 mph
681 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Early morning hike to the bridge.
_____________________
"Who are you guys??!!" -Farnsworth
 
Jul 21 2010
avatar

 Guides 13
 Photos 15,617
 Triplogs 323

male
 Joined Oct 23 2010
 mesa
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 21 2010
gummoTriplogs 323
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles
681 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I hiked Natural Bridge Trail looking to looking for rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and black bears. I got rained upon and hit a cold front, so after the rain cleared, I decided to entertain myself instead with some self-portraits.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Humor
_____________________
  1 archive
Dec 26 2009
avatar

 Triplogs 19

53 male
 Joined Dec 27 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 26 2009
jbiggsTriplogs 19
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   3 Hrs      1.60 mph
681 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked this with my Dad a couple of days after it snowed at the park. Great trail and wonderful views once at evelation.
_____________________
UGOTTAWANNA
"Knowing is half the battle" -G.I. Joe
 
Sep 23 2009
avatar

 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Natural Bridge Trail - Chiricahua N.M.Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 23 2009
PrestonSandsTriplogs 2,097
Hiking4.80 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking4.80 Miles   1 Hour   26 Mns   3.35 mph
681 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Wow! Beautiful fall weather! Revisted this nice trail today; not many flowers out, I'm guessing due to a disapointing monsoon season.
_____________________
"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
average hiking speed 2.35 mph
1, 2  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker