[citation needed] This natural bridge was first documented by David Gowan, a Scotsman, in 1877 while hiding from Apache tribe members.

When deputy sheriff Jim Kline on his regular two week's visit, couldn't locate Gowan at his little cabin, he looked around and secured the help of a posse, which found David's body in Deer Creek.

Their lodge building survives to this day and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

It was announced in early 2010 that the park was scheduled to close on June 3, 2010 because of budget cuts and to allow for repairs to the historic lodge.

[5][6] Three groups eventually donated funds to allow the park to stay open until the end of September 2011.