Natural Bridge Trail Restoration
Once a section of Yellowstone's historic wagon road, the Natural Bridge Trail is now a paved 1.5 mile loop transporting visitors through wildflower fields, along Bridge Creek, and over the famous Natural Bridge Rock Formation. This trail is located next to the Bridge Bay campground and marina on Yellowstone Lake, near the Lake Hotel complex. Its location makes it extremely accessible and thus the trail receives heavy use throughout the summer season. The historic Natural Bridge Trail is also one of the few areas off the main road where visitors may ride their bikes. This traffic flow, combined with water erosion and hillside movement, had caused significant trail deterioration over the past few years. At one of the picturesque view spots above the bridge, the trail crosses the creek at steep angles and had become a serious safety hazard. In addition to these trail concerns, the information kiosk had been structurally compromised and badly needed repair. National Park Service trails staff worked with the Montana Youth Conservation Corps to restore structural damages and rehabilitate large trail segments.
Total Project Cost: $31,165