We found out that the Natural Bridge Trail was open. They close it in the spring because Bridge Creek has spawning trout that attract bears. Sadly, this means that we missed the spawning trout.

We used the trail at Bridge Bay Campground. The trail starts as packed dirt, but it changes to a “paved 30 years ago” trail midway, when it joins the main trail. Along the side of the trail was a Ruffed Grouse sitting very still. It was probably hoping that we did not see it. It flew away when some other hikers walked by too close.

Hikers going the other way suggested that we take the left route up. We went left looking for it, but there were “Closed Due to Bears” signs on the trail. At the base of the right route, the sign taught us that natural bridges are made by water and arches are made by wind blown sand.

We also learned that this natural bridge is tiny, but it looks impressive from below.

Going down the other side, we realized we walked right past the entrance to the easy trail. The trail name had been removed from the sign leaving just the “No Bikes” symbol.

On the way back, we met the King of the Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels.

It is also possible that the stump is just a ground squirrel vault toilet. Hey, it is still a throne, of sorts.

We also ran across more Green Comma Butterflies. They are as plentiful as the Canada Geese in the park.

We have seen this one before, but I have never photographed the top of the wings to identify it.

Afterwards, we drove up to the north rim of canyon to look for the Clarke’s Nutcrackers. When we hike the north rim trail, they must smell cats or something. They fly up near us and complain loudly before flying away. We did get a decent picture this time.

After this, we went to Dunraven pass to look for the Bald Eagle and nest, but it started to rain. We ended up heading back home without seeing them, but we are not positive that there is a nest.