Background

Agate Bridge: A Petrified Forest Marvel

Witness a 225-million-year-old petrified tree forming a natural bridge in Petrified Forest National Park, a testament to time and preservation.

4.6

Agate Bridge is a 110-foot petrified log spanning a gully within Petrified Forest National Park. Once a popular spot for photos, it's now reinforced with concrete supports, a testament to early conservation efforts and a reminder of the park's ancient history.

A brief summary to Agate Bridge

Local tips

  • Bring water and wear sunscreen, as the high-altitude desert environment can be harsh, especially during the summer months.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
  • Remember that removing petrified wood from the park is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Agate Bridge is located approximately 10 miles from the southern entrance of Petrified Forest National Park. From Interstate 40, take either Exit 311 (eastbound) or Exit 285 (westbound) and follow the signs to the park's entrance. Once inside the park, drive along the main park road (Petrified Forest Road) for about 10 miles. Agate Bridge will be on your right, with a small parking area nearby. The entrance fee to the park is $25 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Credit or debit cards are the only accepted forms of payment.

  • Walking

    After parking, a short 125-foot paved path leads to the Agate Bridge overlook. The bridge is visible from the parking lot, but the path offers a closer view. Please note that walking on the bridge itself is prohibited to protect the fragile structure.

Unlock the Best of Agate Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Agate Bridge

Agate Bridge, located in Petrified Forest National Park, is a captivating example of the area's unique geological history. This 110-foot petrified log stretches across a 40-foot wide gully, creating a natural bridge that has fascinated visitors for over a century. The log itself is a remnant of the Late Triassic Epoch, approximately 225 million years ago, when towering trees thrived in a lush environment. Over time, these trees fell and were buried, their organic material replaced by minerals, transforming them into the colorful petrified wood that characterizes the park. As water eroded the softer sandstone beneath the log, a gully formed, leaving the petrified log suspended like a bridge. In the early days of the park, visitors would often pose for photographs while standing on the bridge. However, concerns about its stability led to the construction of masonry pillars in 1911 to support the fragile structure. These were later replaced by a concrete span in 1917. Today, Agate Bridge stands as a monument to both natural processes and human intervention. While visitors can no longer walk on the bridge, they can still admire its impressive size and unique setting from a nearby path. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the park's colorful sandstone formations. Although the concrete supports detract from the bridge's natural appearance, they serve as a reminder of early conservation efforts and the ongoing challenges of preserving geological wonders. The National Park Service's current philosophy is to allow natural forces to continue shaping the landscape, acknowledging that the bridge will eventually collapse, even with the supports.

Popular Experiences near Agate Bridge

Popular Hotels near Agate Bridge

Select Currency