Fourmile Area: Natural Bridge

4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Buena Vista, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Last Updated: 05/08/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Forest
Iconic
Overland
Rock
Snow Wheeling
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.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

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.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (27)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We rode several trails in the area -- Sevenmile Creek, Natural Bridge, Lenhardy Cutoff, Million Dollar View. It had been raining for the previous 4-5 days, but everything was very passable if not a little muddy. Fun area. We'll have to come back when the clouds are a bit higher so we can enjoy the scenery better.
1100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun, scenic trail. The hike up to the natural bridge is straight up the mountain, so be ready for that. Had to scramble up a few boulders to get there, but kind of cool. Didn't run into much traffic, but there was plenty of room to maneuver about. The water crossings were easy enough, not deep at all. I turned at Waypoint 7 to Sevenmile Creek
600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

FUN trail! The rating is spot on, I'd say. There are lots of whoops and gullies that could be problematic for full-size trucks, lower-clearance vehicles, or anything with a longer wheelbase. There are also several steep inclines that require 4WD. If the weather left the trail anything but dry, I think you'd want to stay away from those steep hills. This time of year, the creek crossing seemed to be flowing pretty good. Not necessarily deep, but sludgy and a bit rutted out from all the OHVs and ATVs in the area. All and all, great trail. No problems in a mostly stock 5th gen 4runner.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/11/2023

Not much snow recently means a pretty dry trail. Mainly snowy/icy around waypoints 4/5 where it's also on an incline. Beautiful day!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail was mostly dry with occasional snow patches in shady areas. Back by the arch are several somewhat steep hills. One is snow covered, so we used 4WD and kept moving. Both creek crossings were easy with very little moisture.

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