Built in 1862 by Calvert Vaux
Stone arch vehicle bridge (Manhattan schist)
Carries the 72nd Street entrance to the park over the bridle path to connect to West Drive. One of Central Park’s “natural” arches. Calvert Vaux’ aim was to build a natural-setting bridge instead of one using brick and mortar. The bridge has brick supports, but these are concealed by boulders, shrubs and trees. Riftstone is one of the least-seen arches in the park, since most pedestrian and auto traffic crosses on it on 72nd Street on its way into the park. The bridle path beneath it is does not have many riders on it anymore, so not many know about it.