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Nearby Trails
| Status: | Open |
| Typically Open: | Year Round |
| Difficulty: | 3-3
(MODERATE )
|
| Length: | 6.79 miles |
| Highest Elevation: | 9200 feet |
| Duration: | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Shape of Trail: | Loop |
| Best Direction to Travel: | N/A |
| Nearest Town: | Buena Vista |
| Nearest Town w/ Services: | Buena Vista |
| Official Road Name: | 373, 311 |
| Management Agency: | San Isabel National Forest |
| District: | Salida Ranger District |
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Highlights
The Natural Bridge Loop is a scenic trail with a hiking option located just northeast of Buena Vista. The trail snakes back and forth over small ridges and through steep gullies before reaching the Natural Bridge rock formation. While an impressive photo opportunity from the road, the optional .75 mile hike to the bridge allows for an up close look and an amazing view of the Arkansas River Valley below. The return trip is equally as impressive with panoramic views of the 14,000' Collegiate Peaks as the backdrop. Bring your hiking gear and some water if you plan to hike to the bridge as it's a steep non-maintained trail up the mountainside.
Route Information
Advanced Rating System (BETA)
Recommended Vehicle:
Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low
Concerns:
Technical Rating: 3-3
(MODERATE )
Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 12" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 12" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 24" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep.
Read more about our rating systemDescription
This trail is part of the Fourmile Travel Management Area northeast of Buena Vista. The Natural Bridge route follows FS 373 and part of FS 311 making a large loop. The road surface is mostly sand and/or smooth dirt as the trail climbs up and out of the valley. There are some steep gullies to navigate before the trail drops in elevation near the Natural Bridge hiking trail. The route then circles back toward Buena Vista giving a panoramic view of the Collegiate Peaks for the return trip.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead (0.00 mi)
The trailhead is immediately after you pass though a fence and over a cattle guard where FS 376 goes straight and FS 311 splits off to the left. Take FS 311 to the left.
2. FS 373 (0.50 mi)
Take a left hand turn at this intersection onto FS 373. FS 311 goes to the right, you will return on this road to conclude the loop. There is a nice photo op here of Mount Yale, 14,199'.
3. FS 373 to Right (1.02 mi)
Drop into a sandy wash and turn right to follow FS 373. Stay on the designated trail as this has been an area with resource damage in the past.
4. FS 373 to Right (3.38 mi)
Turn right and head downhill to follow FS 373 at this intersection. A left turn will take you to the Davis Meadow mountain bike trail.
5. Little Fourmile Creek (3.47 mi)
Cross through Little Fourmile Creek and make a sweeping right hand turn as you come up the hill.
6. Natural Bridge (4.30 mi)
The small turn-out marks the the trailhead for the Natural Bridge Hiking trail. The optional hike is a .75 mile (one way) trek on a non-maintained trail with a substantial elevation gain to the rock formation.
7. FS 311 to Right (4.84 mi)
Turn right onto FS 311 heading back toward Buena Vista at this intersection. A left hand turn here will take you to the Sevenmile Creek Trail.
8. Continue Straight (5.78 mi)
Continue straight on FS 311. FS 1414 takes off to the left, this is not a full-size motorized vehicle trail.
9. End (6.79 mi)
The trail ends when you get back to Waypoint 2. You can re-trace your route back to the trailhead and continue on the Lenhardy Cutoff Trail or you can turn right here and head back to Waypoint 3, turn left and take FS 376A back to the Fourmile Creek Trail.
Directions to Trailhead
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.877580, -106.110998
From the stoplight in Buena Vista head east on East Main Street and in two blocks turn left onto North Colorado Street. Continue north on Colorado Street as it becomes CR 371. Continue on CR 371, you will cross the Arkansas River and wind through a residential area before CR 371 transitions to dirt. Continue on 371 as the dirt road begins, soon you will see the Midland Train Tunnels, turn right onto FS 375 just before you get to the first tunnel. You are now at the trailhead for the Spanish Mills Trail, you must first complete Spanish Mills before reaching the trailhead for the Natural Bridge Loop.
Camping
Dispersed
Formal lodging is available in the town of Buena Vista only a few miles southwest. Camping is allowed where there are existing dispersed sites along the trail. The campsites with the best views are located just between Waypoints 5 and 6. Camping in these areas is limited to 14 days. Please camp only in existing sites with a campfire ring, do not build new campfire rings. Extinguish campfires thoroughly with water and always know and observe current fire restrictions. Please help us keep this trail clean and pack everything out that you pack in.
For individual use only, not to be shared.