Natural Bridges National Monument was established as a national monument in southeastern Utah to preserve its unique geologic formations and significant archaeological resources. The monument is particularly famous for its three natural rock bridges: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo, which were formed by the continuous erosion of the sandstone over thousands of years. The designation of this area was driven by an increasing awareness of the need to protect such significant natural landscapes from development and degradation, as well as the rich cultural heritage tied to the land, including the remnants of ancient Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) habitation.

The site encompasses over 6,000 acres and serves as a living museum of geological and cultural history. Its peculiar formations demonstrate the powerful geological processes at work and offer visitors insights into the area's environmental evolution. Moreover, the area's archaeological resources include remnants of ancient dwellings and tool sites that are invaluable for understanding the lives of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region.

The establishment of Natural Bridges National Monument marked a significant moment in the conservation movement of the early 20th century, as more Americans began to recognize the importance of preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage. This designation set a precedent for future national monuments and parks that value both ecology and archaeology, which would shape America's conservation ethos.