On July 10, we had a picnic and spent an hour or so at Ayers Natural Bridge.
Ayres Natural Bridge Park is a county park in Converse County, Wyoming. Occuppying 150 acres (0.6 km²) southeast of the town of Glenrock.
Over the course of millions of years, a bend in LaPrele Creek (originally known as Bridge Creek) wore away at a wall of solid rock, creating a natural opening. The creek eventually shifted course through the opening, forming a 30-foot (10 m) high and 50-foot (15 m) wide arch, today known as Ayres Natural Bridge.
Located about a mile (2 km) south of the Oregon Trail, the Natural Bridge was often visited by emigrants traveling west. It is considered one of Wyoming’s first tourist attractions. In 1843, a pioneer described it as "a natural bridge of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular as tho’ shaped by art."
The park is free to visit. There is a small campground in the park, as well as open picnic areas and covered tables. It is opened from April through September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with registered campers allowed to stay overnight. No pets are allowed in the park.
(Source: Wikipedia)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve always loved natural bridges, I don’t recall seeing any in person. I’ve always wanted to check out the Oregon trail too. If I remember, that trail lasts 2,000 miles. It’s been a while since I read anything related to the Oregon trail.
Hi Mike,
The natural bridge is beautiful. I can see why you took the time to picnic there and enjoy the view. It’s awesome.
Moondancer – Natural bridges ARE cool. We’ve seen quite a few natural bridges and arches.
I lived in a small city along the Oregon Trail until I was 15. The Oregon Trail, Pony Express, Buffalo Bill, Union Pacific Railroad, Dust Bowl and more were local history and heritage. The trail itself, though, can actually be seen in very few places today, though modern highways and local roads follow the trail very closely in most areas.
Barbara – It’s one of those off-the-beaten-path things I’m glad we took the time to find.