On a recent road trip to BC we decided to try something a little different. Usually we are focused on reaching our final destination. However, this time we wanted to enjoy the drive and take the time to do some sightseeing along the way. As it...
On a recent road trip to BC we decided to try something a little different. Usually we are focused on reaching our final destination. However, this time we wanted to enjoy the drive and take the time to do some sightseeing along the way. As it turns out, whoever said that it is about the journey and not the destination might have been onto something. In our case, our road trip destination was also awesome. However, the Natural Bridge near Field BC in Yoho National Park made a perfect quick little stop. This stop is an ideal break for stretching the legs and enjoying some nice mountain views and a cool geological formation. The Natural Bridge in Yoho is easily accessible from the Trans Canada Highway through the park and is just a few kilometers up the Emerald Lake road.
Getting to the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park BC is easy. From the town of Field BC it is only a 5 minute drive. Heading West on the Trans Canada Highway from Field BC, the turn for the Natural Bridge is 2.4km outside of town. Turn onto...
Getting to the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park BC is easy. From the town of Field BC it is only a 5 minute drive. Heading West on the Trans Canada Highway from Field BC, the turn for the Natural Bridge is 2.4km outside of town. Turn onto Emerald Lake Road. The Natural Bridge is another 2.5km up this road.
From the parking area it is a short walk of 20m or so to the Natural Bridge. The parking lot and trail are paved making this an accessible natural wonder for all to enjoy. Since it is so easy to get to and is so accessible it is also very...
From the parking area it is a short walk of 20m or so to the Natural Bridge. The parking lot and trail are paved making this an accessible natural wonder for all to enjoy. Since it is so easy to get to and is so accessible it is also very popular. It is even part of many tour bus routes. There are washrooms next to the parking lot.
The short walking trail leads to a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Kicking Horse river and leads to a viewpoint. This allows visitors to more fully enjoy the experience and to see the Natural Bridge from a variety of angles.
The story of how this Canadian Heritage river got its name is pretty interesting and there was indeed a kicking horse involved. The story takes place back in 1858 during the Palliser Expedition. While trying to cross the river, the expedition's...
The story of how this Canadian Heritage river got its name is pretty interesting and there was indeed a kicking horse involved. The story takes place back in 1858 during the Palliser Expedition. While trying to cross the river, the expedition's doctor, James hector was kicked in the chest by his packhorse. Knocking him senseless the kick caused the expedition to stop for a few days until he recovered.
Located 3km south of the town of Field BC, Mount Dennis is visible from the Natural Bridge. Mount Dennis is a popular ice climbing location during the winter. Ice climbing in Yoho has some of the most consistently cold weather and protection from...
Located 3km south of the town of Field BC, Mount Dennis is visible from the Natural Bridge. Mount Dennis is a popular ice climbing location during the winter. Ice climbing in Yoho has some of the most consistently cold weather and protection from the sun making ice climbing possible from November until late March.
Mount Stephen in Yoho National Park is another adventure seeker must. Famous for its 'stone bugs' which are actually 500 year old fossils that explorers can hold in their hands. Unlike the Natural Bridget, this adventure is going to make you work...
Mount Stephen in Yoho National Park is another adventure seeker must. Famous for its 'stone bugs' which are actually 500 year old fossils that explorers can hold in their hands. Unlike the Natural Bridget, this adventure is going to make you work for the reward though. Before holding the fossils adventure seekers must first tackle the difficult 8km hike with 795m of elevation gain which takes most people 7.5 hours to complete...ouch.
Once a waterfall, the Natural Bridge was formed over a long period of time through the erosion caused by ground up limestone, sand and gravel being carried by the strong currents of the Kicking Horse River. Eventually, erosion wore through a...
Once a waterfall, the Natural Bridge was formed over a long period of time through the erosion caused by ground up limestone, sand and gravel being carried by the strong currents of the Kicking Horse River. Eventually, erosion wore through a limestone band quicker that the other rocks thereby creating the Natural Bridge that visitors enjoy today.
This is the map of our Natural Bridge adventure that I recorded with Strava. From where we parked it was a 0.29km round trip with a total elevation change of 11m. Altogether it was a short stop that took us only about 6 minutes.