
Ayres Natural Bridge
'Ayres Natural Bridge State Park' is a county park of
Converse County,
Wyoming in the
United States. It occupies 150 acres (0.6 km²) southeast of the town of
Glenrock. The park's name is derived from the rock formation of the same name.
Over the course of millions of years, a bend in LaPrele Creek (originally known as Bridge Creek) wore away at a wall of solid rock, creating a natural opening. The
creek eventually shifted course through the opening, forming a 30-foot (10 m) high and 50-foot (15 m) wide
arch, today known as Ayres Natural Bridge.
Located about a mile (2 km) south of the
Oregon Trail, the Natural Bridge was often visited by emigrants traveling west. It is considered one of Wyoming's first tourist attractions. In
1843, a pioneer described it as "a natural bridge of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular as tho' shaped by art."
The park is free to visit. There is a small campground in the park, as well as open picnic areas and covered tables. It is opened from April through September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with registered campers allowed to stay overnight. No pets are allowed in the park.
External links
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Converse County Recreation
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