May 25, 2022
Bridge design and purpose are wide ranging. A few well known bridges combine function (crossing a gorge, arroyo, river or waterway) with beauty (Golden Gate, 1.7 miles long; Brooklyn, 1.2 miles long; Royal George, 1/4th of a mile, and the Chesapeake Bay-an astonishing 17.6 mile bridge/tunnel).
As of May 20, 2022 the Garden’s Piñon-Juniper Woodland (PJW), from the generosity of an anonymous donor, now proudly displays its own “modest” (20 feet x 4 feet wide) bridge, which itself combines function and beauty. This is the Garden’s third, but possibly not last, steel pedestrian bridge.
This bridge, located in the far northeast corner of PJW, carries visitors respectfully over and above, instead of over and on, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail ruts. This avoids foot traffic from damaging the Trail and ruts, and once an interpretive panel is in place, will provide every guest with a bit of significant history regarding America’s oldest capital city, Santa Fe.
Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway, 1,203 miles long (1,936 km), connecting Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The long trail passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri and took eight to ten weeks to travel through by wagon. When the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad reached Santa Fe, New Mexico in February 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was abandoned as a long distance route. The bridge will protect this historic landmark for visitors to experience for many years to come.
As for beauty, we agree that it’s best left to the “eye of the beholder”. But, we can’t help but notice that the bridge’s design and placement enhance the northeasterly views of the Sangre de Cristo range, towering 12,632 feet at Santa Fe Baldy Peak, located a mere 30 minute drive from the Garden.
Facing north and south on the bridge provides one a view of two 1930s gabions constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp, with the south gabion being the “big brother” of the two.
So, on your next visit to the Garden’s beautiful and serene Piñon-Juniper Woodland, located just over 2 miles from the downtown Plaza, mosey on out to catch the views from the new bridge.
