I spent three days in Moab, Utah over the New Year's Eve and Day weekend, and on my second day I wanted to do something outside of the national parks. Thankfully, I spotted Morning Glory Natural Bridge on my handy topographical map and noticed the trail.

This is an excellent hike! Everyone has different levels of ability, but I consider this an "in the middle" hike. It was long enough (approximately 2.25 miles one way) and had pretty canyon views throughout, and yet it was not an outrageously difficult excursion for someone wanting some casual exercise for a few hours. The destination, Morning Glory Natural Bridge, is the sixth largest rock span in the United States, spanning 243 feet across. If you love arches, natural bridges and the unique geology of this region, this hike is well worth the effort.

How To Get There: From the town of Moab, travel north and turn east (right) on Highway 128. The Trailhead is approximately 2-3 miles on the right, marked as the Negro Bill Canyon Trailhead.

All the best, Steve

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Photo - Morning Glory Natural Bridge This beautiful natural bridge is the main attraction of this trail. I am far from a geology expert, but I recently learned the difference between arches and natural bridges. Arches are created by water eroding within the rock, and natural bridges require a flowing stream to create them.

	Along The Way - The Hike Approaching the trailhead while driving on Highway 128 northeast of Moab.
	Information about the natural bridge, precautions and the canyon's name. I do recommend having a topographical map, especially if you are new to the area. Personally, I had the National Geographic Arches National Park map which included the trail:
	Taken in the parking lot.
	Now I understand why this natural bridge is named "Morning Glory." This was the view as I began my hike facing east toward the canyon - just awful lighting with the sun directly behind obstructing clouds. It seems like one is walking toward the sun throughout the walk. At the natural bridge itself, the sun was above and behind the natural bridge. From a photography standpoint, in retrospect, I would visit in the afternoon or early evening for potentially better lighting of the canyon and natural bridge.
	Inside the canyon.
	The trail crosses the creek many times.
	Getting closer to the natural bridge.

Morning Glory Natural Bridge Now this is a special place!
I had difficulty finding the right angle to show how magnificent this work of nature is. In fact, I noticed myself becoming frustrated to the point that I forced myself to "let go" and just enjoy the experience. Approaching the natural bridge, one of my inital thoughts was it did not seem very impressive, but then as I walked directly below it ...
... It becomes clear how spectacular and delicate this natural bridge is. Adjacent are three photos from three slightly different angles and perspectives. My other Moab hikes and pages: Corona Arch Trail Arches National Park (February 2009) Arches National Park Sunsets Park Avenue Trail
I vote this photo my best shot of the natural bridge. It's not the greatest, and I really must return on a sunny late afternoon with blue skies. ;)
Then I walked toward the rock wall with my back to it. The view of the natural bridge from this point shows what a comparatively small slither of rock this is. Like all arches and natural bridges, only time will tell how long these creations will hold up against gravity and the outdoor elements, and thankfully, it didn't crumble with me standing below it! :-?
In the far corner, it is interesting to note a creek comes through the cracks of the wall. Somehow, this water drainage system has played a role in the creation of this natural bridge.

	Extra Photos On The Way Back Of course, because the sun was in my eyes for much of the hike, the return to the trailhead had much better lighting. Adjacent are two photos of red rocks surrounding the canyon.
	Snow covers up a large prickly pear cactus.
	LEFT: Many large icicles exist inside the canyon. Although Moab winters are generally moderate, I happened to visit during a very cold stretch of days. As a Coloradan, I was used to it! :) RIGHT: A vertical rock structure near the trailhead. I don't think it has a name, but my intuition tells me it should have a name. It kind of looks like a watchman - a tall and thin watchman with his arms underneath a robe as he looks out. It looks like he has some kind of cap on his head as well. ;)
	One awful photo of myself after the hike. I wore my Arkansas Razorbacks sweatshirt because this was the same day as the Liberty Bowl, in which Arkansas defeated East Carolina 20-17. Go Hogs! Thanks for visiting this page. If you like what you see, become a fan... ColoradoGuy.com on Facebook