There are quite a few natural arches in Arizona to explore, and most of them are well known and documented. Gregory Natural Bridge, however, is an entirely different story. This 137-foot Navajo sandstone arch has been submerged beneath the waters of Lake Powell for over 50 years! Prolonged drought conditions have revealed it, and the result is truly stunning.

Part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is one of the most iconic vacation spots in Arizona and Utah.
Tony Sweet / DigitalVision Collection / Getty Images
A manmade reservoir, the lake is visited by about two million people each year, and it's the second-largest artificial reservoir in the U.S (although how long that will last is anyone's guess due to prolonged drought conditions).
Although the drought hammering Lake Powell is far from celebratory, it does have unintended perks.
YouTube/Kevin K
One of them is the revelation of natural wonders that were submerged in the flooding of Glen Canyon over 50 years ago.
Gregory Natural Bridge, a 137-foot Navajo sandstone arch, is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of these wonders.
YouTube/Kevin K
The bridge, which spans Fiftymile Canyon, has been hiding beneath the lake waters since 1969, only just revealing itself in the fall of 2021.

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The water has receded so much, you can actually paddle underneath the arch in a kayak or canoe.
YouTube/Kevin K
It's an incredible - albeit slightly unnerving - experience. The opening is pretty tight, so you may even feel the rock graze the top of your head.
While you pass through the arch, the surrounding canyons create awe-inspiring reflections on the water.
YouTube/Kevin K
This would be a great place to stop and soak up the scenery for a while.
On the other side, the vast landscape of Lake Powell opens up before you once again.
YouTube/Kevin K
Perhaps you'll discover even more treasures that have been buried underwater for decades - or maybe even longer. Who knows what else might have revealed itself?

Check out this YouTube video by Kevin K to watch someone paddle underneath the bridge.

The arch may not be around forever – sandstone is extremely porous, so erosion happens more quickly than with most other types of rock. That’s just one more reason to see it as soon as possible! Did you know about Gregory Natural Bridge? If so, have you seen it in person? What other hidden wonders do you think exist in Lake Powell? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

For more natural arches in Arizona, check out our previous article.

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Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA