Deer are numerous in the pinyon and juniper forest which surrounds the monument, and mountain sheep, which spend their summers on the Elk Ridge, winter in the canyons. Smaller mammals are numerous, as are the coyotes and wildcats. An occasional lion works through the monument.
Archeology
This section of Utah supported an Indian population from about 2,000 years ago until about A. D. 1300. Thousands of ruins stud the mesas and canyons of the district. Comparatively few sites lie within the monument, however, for both White and Armstrong Canyons are too narrow to have furnished enough farming land for more than a few families.
Visitors who hike around the trail to the bridges may see one cliff dwelling of about 20 rooms and several small rooms (apparently granaries) which were built on ledges high on the cliffs. An outstanding feature of the cliff dwelling is a kiva, or ceremonial room, with the original roof and ladder intact. The people who lived here during prehistoric times were closely related to those who lived on the Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado.
Caution
The two approach roads serving Natural Bridges National Monument from Blanding, Utah, are unsurfaced dirt roads with steep grades. During heavy rain storms they become either difficult or impassable to travel. The upper road over Bear’s Ears Pass (elevation 9,000 feet) is usually blocked by snow and impassable from late September until late May. The lower road, via Comb Wash, stays below 7,000 feet and is usually open most of the year.
There are no accommodations for travelers beyond Blanding. Visitors should make certain that they have ample food before they leave Blanding. There is camping space at the monument for those who have bedding and cooking equipment. A National Park Service ranger is stationed at the monument only during the summer.
Administration
Natural Bridges National Monument, with an area of 2,649.70 acres, is administered by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. Communications regarding the monument should be addressed to the Superintendent, Arches National Monument, Moab, Utah.
The National Park System, of which Natural Bridges National Monument is a unit, is dedicated
to the conservation of America’s scenic, scientific, and historic heritage for the benefit and
enjoyment of the people.