ayres natural bridge

This park is technically not open between November and April, but on a warm, sunny, dry day in February we managed to find our way down the canyon to see this gem of a natural bridge. The river flows under the rock bridge which is framed with shade trees and set around with picnic tables. When the park is open, you can drive right down to the bridge, so there is little effort involved. In any case, it is well worth the trip.

Don't lose heart as you travel the narrow, winding paved road several miles through seemingly endless open country. This little Wyoming gem is several miles off Interstate 25 west of Douglas is worth it if you aren't in a hurry to get to your next stop. The road ends at this lovely park that is dominated by a beautiful natural bridge over a small river. The free park is well maintained and looks like it is a favorite for picnickers. A steep hiking trail will take you to the top of the bridge if you are sure-footed. Beautiful!

A hidden gem off of the highway and Wyoming's pride. What a beautiful place! When we arrived at the Natural Bridge Park, we were in awe at how well-kept and well-managed this place is. I didn't think it would be that beautiful of a place, but it is. The Natural Bridge is a nature's wonder itself. The park has other facilities like picnic areas, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing areas, hiking areas, small camping area, playgrounds, public restrooms, etc. Also handicap accessible. A perfect place for a family picnic or for people who are seeking peaceful and quite place to relax. It is also a beautiful place for photo enthusiasts. It is quite a popular place with lots of families taking their family photos beneath the Natural bridge. The kids can also play in the shallow water of the LaPrele Creek, while the adults can relax or have some lunch. It is a must drive and you won't be disappointed. I have several photos of the area on my blog if anyone is interested. Open from April thru October and no pets are allowed. The park opens at 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The place is surrounded by red rocks, water and hill. What a setting!

Nice &peaceful lil area.was kinda freaked driving down the long lil road up and down hills but it was worth the trip.a must see for the naturalist

We stopped here to stretch our legs on a long road trip. I think there is a day use/camping fee but I don't know the cost. The grounds are very well kept, it looks like there may be a groundskeeper on site. There are tall red rock walls around the parking area and a short walk to a man made bridge where you can see the natural bridge. The area is very scenic and peaceful. We didn't see anyone else there.

The more I drove on the little side road, the more skeptical I became about what we were going to see...then finally...after a few switchbacks, we were led into this beautiful oasis that was astoundingly different than everything we had been seeing from the highway.Our last look at Redrocks before we flew back to the East coastMake sure to pack a lunch and picnic here because you WILL want to spend some time relaxing here. We were on our way from Casper to Cheyenne then off to Denver for our flight. This was the PERFECT stop over for a relaxing lunchWELL WORTH THE TIME ...and it's free!

Pretty cool place , u can grill out or picnic or take in the scenery and relax or walk around in the water even tube down it , kids totaly enjoyed it

To get there: Exit #151 off of I25 and follow the sign to know which direction to go. You will travel down a paved two-lane road about 5 miles and the bridge is at the end of the paved road. The Map app that comes with the iPhone says to turn right about 1/2 way down the paved road taking you down a dirt road that goes on forever. I know, because we turned. When you get there: There is paved parking, plenty of picnic tables, charcoal grills, sand volleyball court, open space to pass a football or soccer ball, children's playground, and clean outhouse-type restrooms. The bridge and river are simply beautiful. You are surrounded by beautiful red rock cliffs. There is a trail you can take which takes you to the top of the bridge. This trail is pretty steep with smaller rocks that can make it slippery if you don't put your foot in the right spot. The trail is definitely worth it if you like that kind of thing. The view at the top is very pretty.You might want to take some bug spray. The gnats started getting pretty bad and we couldn't swat fast enough. We packed a lunch, played some football, and walked the trail. We spent about 2 1/2 hours here. We had a lovely day and I would go again if in the area and had time. There are signs posted that pets are not allowed.

This is one of those off-the-beaten path destinations that is a "gem". Well-maintained (county) by local people who care about the premises. Camping is available as is picnicking and there is a playground for kids. The bridge itself is a beautiful example of the power of nature and time....and the premises are inhabited by hundreds of cliff swallows who must think "they died and went to heaven" with all the nooks, crannies, and overhangs. They is an old powerhouse on the way in and its eaves were loaded with mud nests!! Very very nice spot....

If you are in the area, it is worth the drive off the interstate. It really isn't that far, and it is so beautiful. I have always wanted to stop to see it, and I am so glad we did. We just loved it! There are restrooms, swings, and a park to eat. Take a lunch and enjoy the time there!

I'm such a city girl that, at first, the 5-mile drive on a 2-lane road off the Interstate toward the Laramie Mountains felt eerily remote -- would the Natural Bridge really be worth it? The answer is yes, yes it is. My mother and I didn't have nearly enough time to linger there, but if we had, I would have liked to spend an afternoon. The deeper into the canyon you get (on a winding road, past a deserted old power plant), the redder the rock becomes, until it's an almost unnaturally rich red. The LaPrele River (creek?) that flows through is clear and clean, the trees robust, and the cliff faces magnificent. This site has a ranger who takes care of it (on our first attempt to visit, he turned us around because of bear danger), plenty of parking, picnic tables, and benches. You can hike up to the top of the rock bridge (if you're healthy enough; it's steep!) but otherwise can simply enjoy the music of the cold stream and the beautiful rock bluffs almost surrounding the oasis. Be aware that the bathrooms are out-house style, no flush required, in case that bothers you. It shouldn't. This place was worth a second attempt! I only wish that, as remote as it is, I could fit it into the book I've been researching!

Not far north of Douglas, WY and a few minutes west of I25 this park offers neat rock formations and a nice place to picnic. Restrooms and a small playground are available. A small stream runs through the park and if you have a child like mine this will be a big hit as there is no shortage of rocks to through in the water. Worth a stop.

Ayres Natural Bridge Park is hidden in the foothills west of Douglas, Wyoming among a beautiful red rock formation about five miles off of the Interstate. It was worth the ride today just as it had been worth the one mile walk from the Oregon trail for the pioneers some 150 years ago. A sparkling clear stream races down this narrow valley sheltered by red and yellow rock cliffs that climb up to the sky on each side. Then, all of a sudden, the stream comes to a wall of rock and slides underneath it in a channel that has been enlarged over the eons. The setting gives one time to ponder why mother nature chose to allow this arch to be carved rather than have the stream cut a wedge out of the rock formation as is normally the case elsewhere. This is a quiet area; seemingly harbored from the wind. There is a caretaker, a small lot to park RVs, and plenty of softly flowing water for kids to wade in. The park is also blessed with nice open areas blanketed with a carpet of green grass for impromptu sports and a forest of trees that shade picnic tables. This would be a great place to have a picnic and spend a family weekend afternoon.....and many families were.

A wonderful place to explore and relax. Kids love playing in the creek, climbing rocks and exploring trails. Picnic shelters can be reserved for large groups. Wonderfully maintained and beautifully kept

This place is a natural wonder, one of the few natural bridges that have water flowing under it. Very scenic with its sheer red rock cliffs. then to top it off the county has built and maintained a beautiful park associated with it. Lots of picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds,etc. It was a wonderful day.