Navajo Bridge is not only awesome to see, but also has some very interesting history behind it! It’s also unique in the fact that most people outside of the area have never even heard of it.
Whether you’re traveling across the country on Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake, AZ, or making the 40 minute trek from Page, you’ll arrive at these two bridges similar in appearance spanning the Colorado River.
Click here for directions to Navajo Bridge!
Page, AZ to Navajo Bridge
Coming from Page, Arizona, it’s a 40-minute scenic drive filled with winding roads and epic sandstone formations. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stop and take photos along the way.
Navajo Bridge
You’ll simply pull into the parking lot then start your walk across the bridge! You’ll get to see AMAZING views of the Colorado River while walking the old Navajo Bridge and have the option to drive across the new Navajo Bridge! These two bridges represent one of only seven land crossings of the Colorado River for 750 miles!
Stretching more than 750 feet in length, this graceful bridge rises 470 feet above the Colorado River.
The Historic Bridge
In 1873, a ferry was first established to allow the crossing of the river. In 1928, the ferry sank, killing 3 people. Since the bridge construction had already begun and was almost complete, they chose to not replace the ferry.
For months there was no direct route from Utah to Arizona.
January 12, 1929 was a historic day, as the bridge opened up to traffic.
The New Bridge
Navajo Bridge served its purpose for 66 years! As automobiles and trucks became larger, wider, and heavier, the need for a stronger, wider bridge became absolutely necessary. The bridge also became unsafe for pedestrians (who were not technically allowed on the bridge, but we know how that goes.) Over a 13 year period, 72 accidents occurred on or while approaching the bridge and eight were fatal.
A new bridge construction started just downstream from the existing bridge. The historic bridge would remain as a pedestrian bridge and provide visitors with a breathtaking view of the Colorado River 467 feet below.
2 years after the construction began, on May 2, 1995, traffic was diverted onto the new Navajo Bridge.
The views of the river are absolutely stunning! I went later in the day, which also happened to be overcast, which meant it wasn’t hot at all! It would be pretty brutal in the regular summer heat during the day.
New World Vultures - Condor
There was a man on the bridge selling jewelry who told us about the Condor birds, which you can see flying and landing under the new bridge. He said they feed them at night to ensure they don’t pester tourists. They’re also endangered!
Can you spot the 3 in this photo?
Overall, Navajo Bridge is well worth the visit! The history is awesome and the views are epic. I highly recommend seeing it if you’re in the area!
Have you ever been to Navajo Bridge or even heard of it?
Have questions?
Tell me in the comments!
12 Responses
Oh my goodness! Such amazing photos! Loved the views and the bridge was so amazing! Definitely need to add this to my places to visit! Always look forward to your posts and seeing all your adventures!!
It’s so amazing and you definitely need to add it to your list of places to visit!
Your photos of the area are gorgeous-definitely adding this spot to my bucket list!
Thanks so much, girl! Yes, you gotta go!
We have been there and seen the condors. It is so cool! As you mentioned, it can also get quite hot!
Yay! I didn’t even know it existed! Such a cool place!
Awesome! I had heard of the bridge but never made it in the 8 years I lived in Arizona. Looks well worth the trip though! Beautiful views. I’ve had the good luck to see some of the condors as well! Hopefully someday I’ll make it there.
Oh wow, I have places like that here that I still haven’t seen! If you make it back, I highly recommend checking it out! Thanks for taking the time to read Clarissa!
Thank you for posting this! I’m planning a trip the end of March 21′ with my daughter only to find out everything we want to do is still closed. So your list will be super helpful since we will have 4 days with no plans in Page! I’m guessing it will also be too cold to kayak at the time we are going. Oh well.
That’s awesome! You’ll have a blast! It might actually be fine to kayak you just may not want to get in the water yet! Tell me how it is!