Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is a small, water-carved arch set into a canyon wall, viewed from an overlook across the canyon. Reaching it takes about 4.8 miles round trip, nearly 1,000 feet of climbing, and roughly three to four hours. It is a long hike for a distant view, so go for the whole canyon walk as much as the arch. This is one of Chiricahua's less-used trails.

The trail climbs to a ridge, drops into Picket Canyon, then climbs again to a bare ledge at the end. It crosses oak and juniper woodland, a pine grove at Picket Park, and areas of intense burn with broad views. The footing is narrow and rocky, with large steps and boulders; even with a moderate rating, expect more work than that label may suggest.

The arch sits about 400 feet away and 150 feet above the terminal overlook, so it can be hard to pick out at first. Frame it with the opposite cliff and canyon around it to show where the opening sits; morning light can leave the bridge in shadow.

The arch is cut into dark gray rhyolite. Flowing water likely wore away weaker rock during the wetter Pleistocene, leaving the bridge. The surrounding Chiricahua pinnacles are rhyolite tuff, formed from ash and volcanic debris from the Turkey Creek Caldera eruption about 27 million years ago.

The small trailhead parking area is on Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive, about half a mile beyond the campground. The upper drive is for standard-width vehicles under 24 feet; trailers are not allowed. The trail is listed as open year-round, with no reservation or activity fee, but check road alerts before driving up. Dogs are not allowed, and the rocky steps make the trail unsuitable for most mobility devices. The trailhead is a parking stop rather than a service stop; food and water are not listed there.