Largest Natural Arches in the World

A natural arch is a geological structure created when cliffs or rock formations are gradually worn away by natural forces such as ocean waves, rivers, wind, and weathering. Over time, erosion removes sections of rock and leaves behind a curved opening that forms an arch.

Some natural arches contain flowing water beneath them, and these formations are often called natural bridges. However, the difference between a natural arch and a natural bridge is not always clearly defined. The Natural Arch and Bridge Society considers a bridge to be a type of arch mainly formed by water erosion, while some geological references describe a natural bridge as an arch that crosses an eroded valley.

Measuring these formations can also be complicated because different organizations use different methods to calculate their size. As a result, creating a completely accurate ranking of the world’s largest, longest, or tallest natural arches is difficult. New discoveries and possible record holders continue to appear around the world.

The deserts of Utah and Arizona in the United States contain some of the greatest concentrations of natural arches on Earth. In particular, Arches National Park in eastern Utah features more significant natural arches than any other known location. The park contains around 2,000 sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, along with many other extraordinary geological formations.

The following list highlights some of the world’s most remarkable natural arches based on information from the Natural Arch and Bridge Society.

Fairy Bridge (Xianren Bridge), China

Fairy Bridge, also known as Xianren Bridge, is considered the world’s largest natural arch, with a span of approximately 400 feet (120 meters). This impressive formation was carved through limestone karst terrain by the Buliu River.

The arch is located about 40 kilometers northwest of Fengshan in northwestern Guangxi Province, China. For many years, Fairy Bridge remained almost unknown outside the country.

The Natural Arch and Bridge Society discovered the formation in 2009 when a geologist using Google Earth noticed what appeared to be a massive natural bridge crossing a river. The discovery was later supported by photographs connected to Google Earth. After an unsuccessful first attempt, a NABS expedition successfully reached and measured the arch in 2010, confirming its enormous size.

Jiangzhou Immortal Bridge, China

Jiangzhou Immortal Bridge is situated approximately 2 kilometers east of Jiangzhou village in Guangxi Province, around 30 kilometers south of Fengshan. It is one of the main attractions within the Xianren Natural Bridge Tourism Area, part of the Leye-Fengshan National Geopark.

A paved road, a river, and several utility lines pass beneath this impressive natural formation.

The exact size of Jiangzhou Immortal Bridge remains debated because different measurements have produced different results. Estimates suggest the span may range from about 280 feet to 340 feet. If the larger measurement is accurate, it would rank as the second-longest natural arch in the world. If the smaller measurement is used, it would be comparable in size to Landscape Arch and Kolob Arch in the United States.

Landscape Arch, United States

Located in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park in Utah, Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural arches in the world. The formation stretches approximately 290 feet across, while its narrowest section is only about 6 feet thick.

Because of its extremely thin structure, Landscape Arch is considered to be close to the end of its natural lifespan and could collapse at some point in the future. This could happen soon or possibly after hundreds of years.

The arch has experienced several rockfalls over time. In 1991, a large 73-foot section of rock broke away from the underside of the arch. Although dramatic, the collapse likely reduced stress on the structure rather than weakening it. In 1995, additional sections measuring 47 feet and 30 feet also fell away. Because of these changes, park officials closed the trail that once passed directly beneath the arch.

Kolob Arch, United States

Kolob Arch is located in Zion National Park, Utah, and has a span of approximately 287 feet, only slightly shorter than Landscape Arch.

Hidden deep within Zion’s remote wilderness, Kolob Arch is difficult to reach and observe. Its isolated location has made it a challenge for hikers, explorers, photographers, and climbers for many years.

Throughout much of the twentieth century, many people believed Kolob Arch was the largest free-standing arch in the world. This belief led to numerous expeditions and debates as adventurers attempted to reach the formation and accurately measure its dimensions.

Aloba Arch, Chad

Aloba Arch is one of the most spectacular natural arches on Earth and is located in the Ennedi Mountains of the Sahara Desert in Chad.

Unlike a natural bridge, Aloba is classified as a large alcove arch. Its opening measures approximately 250 feet wide, but its greatest feature is its incredible height. Rising about 120 meters (394 feet), it towers above many famous arches around the world and is among the tallest known natural arches.

Morning Glory Natural Bridge, United States

Morning Glory Natural Bridge is located in Negro Bill Canyon near Moab, Utah. Despite its name, it is technically a large alcove arch rather than a true natural bridge.

The formation has a span of around 243 feet and stands about 75 feet high. Although it is only about 15 feet away from the surrounding cliff wall and may not appear as dramatic as some other arches in the region, it remains an impressive example of natural erosion.

Gaotun Natural Bridge, China

Gaotun Natural Bridge, also called Tiansheng Qiao, is a waterfall natural bridge located along the Fulu River near Liping in Guizhou Province, southern China.

It is one of the major attractions in the Bazhou He Scenic Area, a region developed for tourism. The arch spans approximately 240 feet and is admired for its combination of natural rock formations and flowing water.

Rainbow Bridge, United States

Rainbow Bridge is one of the most famous natural formations in the world, although it is sometimes incorrectly described as the largest natural bridge on Earth.

The formation spans approximately 275 feet and reaches a height of 246 feet. Some sources, including older records, have mistakenly listed it as the world’s tallest natural arch, but several other formations exceed it in height.

Rainbow Bridge is among the most accessible major natural arches. Visitors can reach it by taking a boat across Lake Powell from nearby marinas near Page, Arizona, followed by a short hike. Another option is a longer overland trail from the southern side of Lake Powell.

Sipapu Natural Bridge, United States

Sipapu Bridge is located in Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. Early measurements from 1908 recorded its span as 268 feet and its height as 167 feet. Modern surveys conducted in 2007 using updated techniques measured the span at approximately 225 feet and the height at about 144 feet.

The formation can be viewed from a roadside overlook, but the best experience comes from hiking down a trail to the base of the canyon. Since visitors can no longer walk beneath Landscape Arch and passing under Rainbow Bridge is discouraged because of Native American cultural beliefs, Sipapu is now the longest natural arch with an active visitor trail passing underneath it.

Stevens Arch, United States

Stevens Arch is located in Escalante Canyon, Utah, near the meeting point of Stevens Canyon and Coyote Gulch.

This impressive arch measures approximately 220 feet wide and 160 feet high. It dominates the surrounding landscape and creates a dramatic sight for hikers traveling along the canyon floor.

Other Remarkable Natural Arches Around the World

Many other extraordinary natural arches are not included in this list but deserve recognition. Shipton’s Arch, also known as Tushuk Tash, in China is considered one of the tallest natural arches in the world, reaching an estimated height of 1,200 feet.

Other notable examples include Hazarchishma Natural Bridge in Afghanistan with a span of about 211 feet, Outlaw Arch in Colorado measuring around 206 feet, and Snake Bridge in New Mexico with a span of approximately 204 feet.

These incredible formations demonstrate the powerful influence of erosion and time, creating some of the most breathtaking geological wonders found on Earth.