Natural Bridge Yellowstone

Two-span rhyolite arch over Bridge Creek; carved by erosion and freeze-thaw, reachable by a 2.5-mile hike.

Insider tip

Park in the larger Bridge Bay Marina lot for easier access to the trailhead

Insider tip

The top switchback is steep; wear solid hiking shoes

The light

Good during golden hour; mornings favored for photography

Heads up

Gravity and exposure on steep switchbacks; wet rocks along the creek bed are slippery; grizzly bears frequent the area in early summer—carry bear spray and mak…

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Geological Formation7,983 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Two-span rhyolite arch spans Bridge Creek, standing about 51 feet tall and 29-30 feet wide. From below, the rock textures and the moving creek reveal millions of years of erosion and freeze-thaw work on rhyolite. This is Yellowstone's only significant natural arch, a clear record of water's eroding power.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Park at Bridge Bay Marina; follow the easy main trail along Bridge Creek for about 2.5 miles round trip; bikes are permitted; the top viewpoint is accessed via a steep switchback.
Distance From Entrance
2.5 miles round trip (4 km) from Bridge Bay Marina
Road Type
Grand Loop Road, paved access to Bridge Bay Marina
Parking Availability
Bridge Bay Marina parking lot is the primary lot; a smaller bike-trail lot lies just south of the marina off Grand Loop Road; the marina lot is larger and preferred by hikers
Peak Fill Times
Marina parking fills by morning in peak season; the bike-trail lot is smaller but usable
GPS Coordinates
44.5336185, -110.4385682

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Summer and Fall; mornings best for photography; early summer closures due to grizzly bears. Inquire at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for opening dates and closures.
Best Visit Times
Early morning for soft shadows and clearer wildlife viewing; avoid midday sun and windy afternoons on exposed sections
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Good during golden hour; mornings favored for photography
Best Season
Summer and Fall
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Summer and Fall; early summer closures due to grizzly activity; check Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for dates
Winter Access
Roads may be limited; access primarily via snow routes and seasonal closures
Weather Patterns
Exposed upper sections can be windy; weather can shift quickly near Yellowstone Lake

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Natural Arch/Bridge; two-span rhyolite arch; erosion by Bridge Creek with freeze-thaw work
What Youll See
A rhyolite arch spanning Bridge Creek, viewed from below and from the top via a steep switchback; the creek runs beneath and the rock surface shows millennia of erosion
Unique Characteristics
Only significant natural arch in Yellowstone; two distinct arches observed by some visitors; arch formation is a record of long-term erosion in rhyolite
Photo Opportunities
Morning light on the rhyolite textures; reflections in Bridge Creek; two vantage points for dramatic compositions
Photography Spots
Creek-side under-arch view; top overlook; morning sun angles for rock textures
Best Viewpoints
From the creek-side viewpoint below the arch and from the upper overlook via the switchback
Common Wildlife
Grizzly bears, trout in Bridge Creek, marmots, chipmunks, squirrels
Best Wildlife Times
Early summer for bear activity near spawning trout; general wildlife activity peaks in summer
Geological Formation Type
Natural Arch/Bridge; double-span rhyolite arch
Scientific Interest
Rhyolite arch formation through erosion and freeze-thaw cycles; Yellowstone’s solitary significant natural arch
Stargazing Quality
Excellent; high elevation and dark skies

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Limited
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Main trail easy, partly paved; top overlook requires steep effort; not fully accessible
Accessibility Level
Main trail easy, partially paved; switchback to the top is steep
Nearby Services
Bridge Bay Marina boat tours and rentals; Lake Village lodging and dining
Nearby Facilities
Bridge Bay Marina, Gull Point, Lake Village
Family Friendly Notes
The main trail is fairly easy for most hikers, but reaching the bridge requires a short, steep switchback. The round-trip distance is about 2.5 miles (4 km), with some routes closer to 3 miles depending on where you start from the trailhead. This climb can be challenging for very young children, so plan accordingly. Bears are active in the area, especially in early summer when trout spawn in Bridge Creek; hike in groups of three or more, make noise, and carry bear spray.

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity and exposure on steep switchbacks; wet rocks along the creek bed are slippery; grizzly bears frequent the area in early summer—carry bear spray and make noise; signs prohibit crossing or walking on the arch

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Bridge Creek, Bridge Bay Marina, Gull Point, Yellowstone Lake
Connecting Trails
Bridge Bay Marina trail to Natural Bridge; bike path south of marina; connections to Grand Loop Road
Trailheads Here
Bridge Bay Marina trailhead; access via the main marina area

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Park in the larger Bridge Bay Marina lot for easier access to the trailhead
  • The top switchback is steep; wear solid hiking shoes
  • Bear spray is recommended; make noise to avoid surprising bears
  • Check with Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for current closures
  • Photograph in the morning; the arch and Bridge Creek respond to light
Tips Advice
  • Observe the rhyolite textures along the arch; the rock surface reveals oxidation and slow weathering.
  • Listen to Bridge Creek; erosion continues as the water flows.
  • Bear spray is recommended; early summer activity can close the trail—noise helps safety.
  • The top switchback is steep; wear sturdy footwear and keep young children close.
  • Signs prohibit walking on or crossing the bridge—stay on designated paths for preservation and safety.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park
Elevation Feet
7983
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Species
Trout
Fishing Nearby
Yes
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Rated 4.8 stars from 58 reviews; visitors praise the rarity and setting of the arch, while noting bear activity and steep access can shape the experience. The hike delivers two viewpoints and a close look at rhyolite erosion, making the trip worthwhile for geology buffs and casual observers alike.

Location

Natural Bridge formation at Yellowstone National Park seen among rugged rocks and pine forest.Natural Bridge viewpoint in Yellowstone National Park overlooks a pine forest valley from a rocky ledge.Natural Bridge overlook along a rocky trail in Yellowstone National Park, with stone steps and forested cliffs.Natural Bridge informational sign in Yellowstone National Park describing the arch and its basalt formation along the landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking around Bridge Bay Marina can fill on busy days; the marina lot is the best option for hikers, and arrive early to secure a spot.

Is the hike worth the 2.5 miles round trip?

Yes. You gain two viewpoints of a rare natural arch and observe Bridge Creek carving through rhyolite, a clear example of long-term erosion and landscape evolution.

Can I walk on or cross the arch?

No. Signs prohibit crossing or climbing the arch to protect the rock and for safety.

Is bear spray necessary on this trail?

Yes. Early summer activity around Bridge Creek increases bear presence; carry spray and follow park bear-safety guidelines.

Is the top viewpoint accessible with kids?

The main trail is easy, but the switchback to the top is steep and not recommended for very young children.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.