This Terrifying Swinging Bridge In Wyoming Will Make Your Stomach Drop

Wyoming is full of natural beauty, but natural beauty can sometimes become an obstacle, especially if you're trying to get somewhere. This suspension bridge, located in Thermopolis, crosses over the Bighorn River in Hot Springs State Park. This somewhat unsettling swinging bridge in Wyoming has some interesting history behind it.

The original bridge was built as several ranches were isolated by the Snake River. The Snake River was somewhat of a natural barrier.

The only way the ranchers could cross over the river was on a swaying bridge that dangled from a 0.5-inch cable.

One day, the rancher's tractor broke down and there was no way to get it to the repair shop because it would not fit on the bridge. To solve the problem, he hired a mechanic to come to the ranch to fix the tractor. Once the mechanic realized the need for a wider, sturdier bridge, he decided to build a more practical and substantial bridge for $1,250. This new bridge in Wyoming would hold three tons.

He built an 8-foot-wide suspension bridge out of steel from the ruins of an old bridge and cables from the oil fields. The builder was not an engineer so he used a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge as his guide.

The current bridge is located just south of the original location.

This swinging bridge in Wyoming offers a unique perspective of the Bighorn River and mineral terraces.

Check out this YouTube video by Jennifer Cheney of the Thermopolis Swinging Bridge to see what it is like to actually walk across it.

Were you familiar with this swinging bridge in Wyoming? Would you walk across it? If you have, we'd love to hear all about your experience.