Ayres Natural Bridge State Park

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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.