Dewey Bridge

Alex Cabrero
1 day ago
4 min read

Updated: 11 hours ago

Suspension bridge remains hang over calm water, reflecting the blue sky and rocky landscape, creating a serene and abandoned mood. — *What's left of Dewey Bridge*

(Moab) Some places you visit for what’s there. Others… for what used to be there. Dewey Bridge near Moab is one of those places.

Rusty bridge tower with cables set in a rustic landscape under a blue sky, surrounded by dry grass and bare trees. Plaque on red post. — *The Moab side of Dewey Bridge*

The first time I came across Dewey Bridge, I didn’t really know what I was looking at. I was just outside of Moab following the road along the Colorado River because, honestly, Highway 128 is one of the prettiest drives around. I didn’t really have a plan, I just wanted to see where the road went.

And then I saw it. Or at least… what was left of it.

Power line tower over a green river, surrounded by autumn trees. Clear blue sky and hills in the background create a peaceful scene. — *The towers that held the bridge are still standing*

There are two stone towers still standing on each side of the Colorado River, as well as some cables that stretch across the river. Hanging from those cables are some still wires and a whole lot of empty space in between. It didn’t make sense at first, so I pulled into the little parking area to check it out.

Plaque with a bridge sculpture on a reddish wall, set against a clear blue sky and dry bushes. Text reads "Dewey Bridge" with details. — *Dewey Bridge plaque*

There's a plaque near the towers, as well as an information panel, explaining what Dewey Bridge used to be. It was was built in 1916, and at the time, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in Utah. It served as an important crossing over the Colorado River for ranchers, travelers, and anyone trying to get through this part of the state. Before modern highways, this bridge was an important piece of infrastructure for the area. But standing there now, it’s hard to picture that.

Close-up of a rusted metal bolt and bracket against a blurred autumn landscape with brown grasses and blue sky in the background. — *Pieces of the cables and wires left behind*

In 2008, a fire burned the bridge down. It wasn't a lightning strike or some kind of accident. Instead, it was a kid playing with matches. The flames spread quickly across the old wooden deck, and in a short amount of time, the bridge that had stood for nearly a century was gone.

All that remains today are the tower, cables, and foundations. It's enough to remind you of what used to be there. The informational panel has pictures of what it looked like before the fire.

Suspension bridge over a blue river, set against rocky hills and a clear sky. White bridge labeled "Historic Dewey Bridge" at the bottom. — *What Dewey Bridge looked like before the fire*

You can visit both sides of the bridge and even walk right up to where it once stood. It's as if wandering is encouraged so you can just imagine what it was like. Plus, the area is so quiet, often you just hear a light breeze and the river slowly passing by.

A serene river scene with a bridge and rocky banks. Rusty metal rods hang over green water, reflecting clouds. Desert landscape in the background. — *The modern bridge in the background*

I’ve been back here several times over the years. It’s one of those places that always feels worth stopping at if you’re in the area. It might be a tad strange to look at something that isn't there anymore, but I find it fascinating.

Rusty metal cable across a dirt path with dry grass and leaves. Shadows cast on the ground, creating a rugged and abandoned mood. — *One of the bridge suspension cables on the ground*

Not far from the bridge site, there’s also what’s left of a small historic school. And by “what’s left,” I mean just a few foundation stones. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but it adds another layer to the place. This site is a reminder that this area used to be more than just a scenic stop along the river. People lived here, worked here, and went to school here.

On my most recent visit, I was on the Moab side of the river and wanted to get down closer to the water to take a picture looking up at the bridge. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The problem was it was really muddy. Getting down to river wasn’t too bad, but getting back up? I was grabbing branches to pull myself up, slipping and sliding, and eventually I went face-first into the mud bank. I couldn’t stop laughing. If anyone saw me, they probably would’ve been laughing too.

Man in red plaid shirt smiles in foreground. Background shows a scenic view with a blue sky, rocky landscape, river, and bridge. — *The picture before the face plant into the mud bank :)*

Dewey Bridge isn’t something that takes a long time to visit. You can stop, walk around, read the signs, take a few pictures, and be back on the road in 15 or 20 minutes. But for me, it’s one of those places that sticks with you a little longer than that.

Rusted, torn netting hangs on metal poles against a bright blue sky and distant desert landscape, conveying a sense of abandonment. — *Dewey Bridge*

Maybe it’s the history, the emptiness, or what life was like before modern technology and infrastructure. Or maybe it's just a stop along a beautiful stretch of river to wonder about what used to be. I think you'll like this place, especially with the drive from and back to Moab. It's gorgeous. If you keep going away from Moab, eventually you'll get close to Cisco (which is an interesting place on its own) and I-70. And if you decide to climb down to the riverbank for a better photo… just make sure it’s not muddy :)

Old metal bridge structure under a bright sun, with clear blue sky and scattered clouds. Desert landscape and shrubs in the background. — *What's left of the Historic Dewey Bridge*

LOCATION:

Historic Dewey Bridge There's a small parking lot on both sides of the bridge, but the Historic School Site and some bathrooms are on the Moab side of the Colorado River. There's also a nice campground, the Dewey Bridge Campground, on the other side of Highway 128.

Outdoor information board about Dewey Bridge Wildfire and Kokopelli's Trail in a rural setting, with a metallic bridge structure in the background. — *Information panel on the Moab side of the bridge*

Rusty bridge and red stone monument with plaque under a clear blue sky. Dry foliage and distant cliffs in the background. — *Plaque at the foot of the bridge towers*

Close-up of a rusted metal bolt and plates against a bright blue sky. Sparse tree branches visible in the background. — *Steel pieces of the bridge still hanging*

Outdoor restroom with wheelchair and gender signs, near a path. Background features a suspension bridge and desert landscape under clear blue sky. — *Bathrooms on the Moab side of the bridge*

Thick steel cables anchor into a rocky landscape with distant red cliffs. Blue sky and sparse vegetation create a rugged desert setting. — *Suspension cables*

Two notices on a red board, one with fundraising text, the other a map. Large yellow text below reads "DONATIONS NEEDED." Outdoor setting. — *Donations request before the fire*

Rusty metal pipe atop a concrete block by a greenish river. Bare trees with autumn colors in the background under a clear sky. — *Pieces of the bridge*

Close-up of rusted bolts and ropes on a weathered metal structure, set against a blurred grassy outdoor background in sunlight. — *Nuts and bolts*

Desert landscape with red rock cliffs, clear blue sky, and wooden picnic shelters on gravel. Sparse bushes and a fence in the foreground. — *Dewey Bridge Campground across Highway 128*

Desert road leads through red rock canyon under clear blue sky; sparse vegetation lines the road, creating a serene, open landscape. — *Beautiful Highway 128*

Dewey Bridge

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