Ayres Natural Bridge Park

The approximately 0.6 km2 Ayres Natural Bridge Park is a protected area of ​​Converse County, Wyoming. It is located about 22 kilometers west of the city of Douglas, close to motorway I -25 at an altitude of about 1400 meters above the sea. Its main attraction is a 10 meters high, 15 meters wide natural bridge (English: Natural Bridge ) constructed of red sandstone on the LaPrele Creek.

Formation

The dominant sandstone here has its origins in the Pennsylvanian, that was formed about 300 million years ago. The Stone Bridge was created by the meandering river over. Such natural bridges can occur when a flow loop is located directly on the sandstone wall and the flow rate of the river is high. By entrained debris the wall at a location is slowly ground down to the river has finally created a breakthrough and his path straight ahead and continue this over time enlarges the hole. The park's name stems from the same rock, which comes from the original owner of the ranch in this area. Alvah W. Ayres moved around the year 1882. His son Andrew C. Ayers donated the park in May 1920 at the Converse County.

History

For the Indians who lived prior to colonization by European immigrants in the area, this place is a deadly place. A young warrior was when he was hunting in the canyon, fatally hit by lightning on the bridge. Then arose the legend that an evil spirit dwells under the bridge. Therefore Indians avoid the bridge and the surrounding area. This circumstance made ​​some settlers who moved to the approximately 2 kilometers away Oregon Trail heading west to use by making a break here, at least for this time to be safe from attacks by the Indians.

The concrete building at the park entrance was built by the North Platte Vally Irrigation Company in early 1900. This current should be generated to pump water from the North Platte River to irrigate the surrounding land high. The approximately 3 kilometers south of the building located LaPrele Dam should control the water for this. The company went bankrupt before the project could be completed.

Offers

Admission to the park is free, it is equipped with landscaped paths, parking lots, picnic areas with tables, a playground and public toilets. Furthermore, a small campsite is in the park. It is open from April 1 to September 30. Pets are allowed in the park.