Visit the Ayres Natural Bridge

My wife and I had spent over three weeks on an extensive trip to the northwest United States. We were now on the way to Iowa for a high school class reunion, then home to Minnesota. About an hour east of Casper, Wyoming, we noticed a sign advertising the Ayres Natural Bridge located five miles south of the Interstate. Thinking we had a short day of driving (our mistake!), we decided to spend the time to investigate the bridge.

After driving over some narrow country roads, we arrived at the park that houses the bridge. Set within an area of beautiful reddish rock formations, the bridge calls itself the only natural bridge in the United States that has water flowing under it. A sign near the bridge describes the formation of the bridge, noting that the bridge was the resiult of LaPrele Creek cutting through layers of "sandstone and sandy limestone." One website notes that the bridge is named for Alvah W. Ayres (also spelled Alva W. Ayers), who once owned a ranch on which the bridge was located. His son donated the bridge to Converse County which has converted the area into a tourist destination. NOTE: Some websites spell the name of the bridge "Ayers" rather than "Ayres."

The park in which the bridge is located is well-equipped for visitors. There are picnic tables, playground equipment for children, and three sets of restrooms.

My wife and I decided to make the short climb up to the top of the bridge so we could walk across it. It was not a good decision as the path up to the bridge is steep and somewhat dangerous because of the loose gravel and a lack of handrails and steps. We got to the top, enjoyed the view, and then had to make our way back down the path. I would not advise parents to take their little children up the path, even if the parents carry the children.

While you're at the bridge, take a few minutes to read the plaque that mentions the bridge in connection with the Oregon Trail. According to the plaque, the Oregon Trail crossed LaPrele Creek about a mile downstream from the bridge. The area wasn't easily accessible at that time, so not many of the travelers left the trail to visit the bridge. The first recorded visit to the bridge involved Matthew Field and Steadman Tilghman. Field, a New Orleans newspaperman, and Tilghman, a Baltimore doctor, were traveling companions of William Drummond Stewart, a Scottish nobleman who organized pleasure trips. On July 12, 1843, Field wrote:

"Rode off in advance of the camp with Sir Wm., to visit a remarkable mountain gorge-a 'natural bridge' of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular, as tho' shaped by art-30 feet from base to ceiling and 50 feet to the top of the bridge..."

In addition to the historical connection of the area, the bridge itself is well-worth the time it will take to reach it and enjoy it.

Source:

wiki.wyomingplaces.org/Ayres%20Natural%20Bridge