Hiking the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park

U.S. National ParksSouthwest U.S.California

Mar 27

Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km

At only 0.3 miles away from the trailhead, the Natural Bridge Trail is one of the easiest hikes in Death Valley National Park.

However, the distance above is the full Natural Bridge Canyon hike to the typically dry waterfall where most people turn around.

Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Parking

The parking lot for the Natural Bridge Trail is located at the end of the bumpy 1.5 mile Natural Bridge Road.

That said, most 2WD cars should be able to make the drive to the trailhead.

Google Maps Directions: Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead

Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Parking Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Parking

Natural Bridge Trailhead Parking Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Parking

Hiking Checklist - Death Valley

Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Death Valley National Park.

Hiking the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

The Natural Bridge Trail can be a very hot and exposed hike for the first 0.25 miles until you get into the canyon.

However, when it’s not summer, I recommend the trail midday to late afternoon to have the best light for photos underneath the bridge.

Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trailhead

Natural Bridge Canyon Trail Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

Natural Bridge Trail Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

These photos were taken at about 11 a.m., and there were still great shadows for staying cool while hiking up the canyon in March.

Natural Bridge Hike Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

Natural Bridge

At only 0.3 miles into the hike, the Natural Bridge is a 35 ft. (11 m) tall arch that spans across the canyon.

It’s a popular place for people to stop, but with a little patience, I was able to get a few photos without other people.

Natural Bridge Death Valley National Park — The Natural Bridge

Upper Natural Bridge Canyon

Past the Natural Bridge, you can continue hiking up the canyon for another 0.4 miles until you reach a dry waterfall chute where most people turn around.

Natural Bridge Canyon Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

Natural Arch Canyon Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

Natural Arch Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

This is first of two ledges to scramble up before the end.

Always be 100% sure of where you place you hands and feet in Death Valley. Please read the safety section at the end to understand more.

Natural Bridge Trail Climbing Death Valley National Park — The First Ledge

Natural Bridge Trail Cave Death Valley National Park — Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

The end of the trail for most people is this dry waterfall chute.

I have no doubt that if someone were skilled and determined enough, they could find a way around this wall. However, it would definitely require some amount of gear to keep going.