Navajo Bridge

A gentle meander from Lees Ferry turned into the first rapid near Paria Beach. The speed of the water flowing downstream over a combination of hard and soft rocks created a mild turbulence in the water. The gentle ripples, small waves and minimal obstructions made for an easy rapid and a great first experience.

For the next 1.5mi (2.4km), I rafted quietly on the river taking in the magnificent canyon with low lying plants and scrubs dotted along its banks.

Another mile further (1.6km) I had my first glimpse of the Navajo Bridges, two steel-arch bridges connecting the rims of the canyon. Once in full sight I marvelled at their structure. The two bridges almost identical in design were a mere 330ft (100m) apart. The original bridge built in 1929 was the only vehicle crossing until it became too narrow for modern-day traffic. To alleviate the problem a second bridge was built in 1995, converting the original one into a footbridge.

Large chunks of rock were carved out of the canyon’s walls to make way for the bridges’ footings. During construction the engineers installed a large mesh screen to catch any loose rock from blasting. One particular guide recalls that for some time they could pass under the bridge only between 11am and 1pm, the time when the engineers were at lunch.

It took a staggering 6.3 million pounds (2.9 million kg) of steel to construct these sleek and uncomplicated looking bridges. Integrating into the landscape, the bridges continue as an overland link whilst below its shadow provided me with temporary relief from the sweltering heat.

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The team at The Conqueror Challenges
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