Hiking As you descend into a canyon you may get glimpses of hanging gardens on shelves in the canyon. The many shelves or benches in the canyon walls result from the different rates of erosion of the different layers of rock. The layers of mudstone and siltstone erode faster than the sandstone, promoting collapse, break up, and removal of the harder sandstone. This creates a stairstep effect of alternate cliffs and benches from mesa top to canyon floor. You will most likely see only such wildlife as small birds, rodents, and an occasional lizard.
Larger animals live here too, such as bobcats, coyotes, and mule deer.
Their senses are acute and unless you surprise them, they will detect your presence first and evade you. Spending a short time in the visitor center before you see the rest of the park can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this area. In the visitor center are free museum exhibits and a color slide program that present the history of the natural bridges area and sample the park's wildlife and plants. A ranger here can answer your questions, tell you about activities, and help you select trails you might enjoy hiking. You can walk down into the canyons by the trails near all three bridge overlooks.