Arizona is home to some rather impressive bridges and other engineering marvels, if we do say so ourselves. For example, there’s Navajo Bridge at Marble Canyon that is one of the highest in the nation and Roosevelt Lake Bridge, which is often called the most aesthetically pleasing bridge in the country. But for all those impressive spans of metal, concrete, and wire, some end up abandoned.
One stunning example is the McPhaul Suspension Bridge, often referred to as the “Bridge to Nowhere.”
Kenneth/Wikimedia Commons
The bridge is about a 20-minute drive from Yuma, via US 95 and just before the start of the Gila River.
Google Maps
Spanning the Gila River, the McPhaul Bridge was built in 1929 and is just shy of 800 feet in length.
Don Barrett/Flickr The bridge is quite pretty, especially if you see it glowing in the setting sun. In fact, rumor has it this bridge was a model for San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Built as a safer method for crossing the raging Gila River—this was in the days before most of Arizona’s dams were erected and our rivers flowed freely—it was eventually closed in 1968.
Don Barrett/Flickr There was a growing concern from county officials that the bridge would not be remain sound with increased traffic and modern vehicles becoming heavier and faster, all of which could potentially end in disaster.
The bridge was closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and a replacement bridge was installed just a few hundred feet from the McPhaul Bridge, though the new one was far less impressive in terms of aesthetics.
Don Barrett/Flickr
You can still visit the McPhaul Bridge today, though you are unable to drive or walk across it due to its age and potential structural damage as it is no longer being maintained.
Finch Lake Customs/Flickr
We recommend checking out the bridge for photos by traveling to From The Farm, a farm and events venue that also has a delicious food stand that serves tacos and date shakes. You’ll be able to park here and walk to the McPhaul Bridge.
Kenneth/Wikimedia Commons
Google Maps
Don Barrett/Flickr
The bridge is quite pretty, especially if you see it glowing in the setting sun. In fact, rumor has it this bridge was a model for San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
There was a growing concern from county officials that the bridge would not be remain sound with increased traffic and modern vehicles becoming heavier and faster, all of which could potentially end in disaster.
Finch Lake Customs/Flickr
Want to check out another fascinating bridge found only here in Arizona? Read about the old London Bridge in Lake Havasu City in The History Behind This Arizona Bridge Is Truly Strange.
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Address: Yuma, AZ 85365, USA
