Because it’s so far out in the Utah desert, and because Natural Bridges National Monument makes it a priority, its skies are the cleanest from light pollution in the contiguous 48 states. In 2007 the park became the first International Dark Sky Park. . It’s a park that’s a bit off the beaten path too. So if you’re looking for dark skies and chance to see the Milky Way unobstructed, Natural Bridges is the place.
The monument has three major bridges that were formed when a river bending back on itself carved a channel through the rock. There are also petroglyphs from the Ancient Puebloan times. Here’s a few images I made several weeks back.
Sipapu Bridge as seen from the canyon rim
Sipapu Bridge
Reflections, Sipapu Bridge
Here Comes the Sun, Sipapu Bridge
A Turkey Vulture drying it’s wings, in the “horaltic pose.”
Fresh mud flow from the recent rains
Petroglyph and handprints beneath Kachina Bridge
Petroglyph from a dwelling near Kachina Bridge
Handprints of ancient peoples
Remnants of a recent flash flood
Moonrise, Owachomo Bridge
Owachomo beneath the night’s first stars
Owachomo’s span
Owachomo Bridge
Owachomo Bridge and the Milky Way
For more from the Desert Southwest visit Russ’ Desert SW gallery.
nomadruss in words and photos 
Awesome!!! Thanks for posting
thanks for dropping by!
Your night photographs are magic. Utah is so beautiful!
A few years ago I spent several days hiking in Zion National Park. I’d love to go back to Utah.
Utah is a stunning place, it often takes your breath. Thanks for the kind words Karen, and yes, you should get back to Utah sometime…
Really amazing scenery and photography – thanks.
Thanks for dropping in!
What an amazing place.
It is indeed…
These are so beautiful! I love the one of the sun peeking out from the Sipapu Bridge, and your night photos are incredible.
Thanks Jessica, that sun peeking out from Sipapu is one of my favorites as well.
I am saving these wonderful photographs — they are extraordinary !
Why thank you, Sir!
Incredible photos Russ! Thanks for sharing Utah with us 🙂
Kris
I’m thankful that I could spend a summer in Utah!
simply superb !!
appreciate that!
many thanks!
Beautiful!
Gracias!
Stunning! The starlight pictures are almost unbelievable – I never see even a fraction of that many stars. 😦
Thanks! It’s true, the night skies in Utah are simply amazing…
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Amazing photographs!:)
Appreciate that, thanks for stopping by!
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Beautiful pictures. Did you camp in the park in order to take the night phtotos?
I did stay in the park. The nice thing is that the park stays open 24 hours, there is no closed gate at the park. They have a real nice campground in the park and a free overflow (not advertised) just outside of the park boundaries.