A Sacred and Remarkable Natural Bridge.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
One of the world's largest natural bridges.
Elevation:
3,529 Feet
Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Page, Arizona is an iconic natural bridge located in southern Utah, near the Arizona border. It is one of the most impressive and recognizable landforms in the United States, with its sheer size and grandeur making it an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The monument stands 290 feet high, spans 275 feet across, and is composed of sandstone and limestone that has been gradually eroded by wind and water over millions of years.
For the Navajo people, Rainbow Bridge is a sacred site with deep spiritual significance. The bridge's name was derived from the story told by their ancestors who believed that it was created by two rainbows, which met at its peak to form a bridge to the heavens. For many years, the Navajo have held Rainbow Bridge in high reverence, making pilgrimages there to perform ceremonies and prayers for healing.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming from all over the world. The area surrounding the monument consists of deep canyons, sculpted cliffs, and stunning red walls, providing a breathtaking backdrop for any adventure. With its unique natural beauty, Rainbow Bridge National Monument is an ideal place for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
For the Navajo people, Rainbow Bridge is a sacred site with deep spiritual significance. The bridge's name was derived from the story told by their ancestors who believed that it was created by two rainbows, which met at its peak to form a bridge to the heavens. For many years, the Navajo have held Rainbow Bridge in high reverence, making pilgrimages there to perform ceremonies and prayers for healing.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming from all over the world. The area surrounding the monument consists of deep canyons, sculpted cliffs, and stunning red walls, providing a breathtaking backdrop for any adventure. With its unique natural beauty, Rainbow Bridge National Monument is an ideal place for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
geology
Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Page, Arizona is composed of a mixture of sandstone and limestone, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Its back-to-back arches stand 290 feet high, spanning 275 feet across. Visitors to the monument will find several trails that offer different perspectives of this impressive landform.
history
The monument was first discovered by two separate exploration parties in 1909 and quickly gained notoriety, with President William Howard Taft officially creating the area as a National Monument in 1910. Since then it has become an important national landmark, preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.
Rainbow Bridge remains an important spiritual site for many Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi. For centuries, these tribes held annual pilgrimages to Rainbow Bridge where they would conduct ceremonies and offer prayers for healing. Today, visitors can still experience this spiritual essence while visiting the monument, making it a truly special place.
Rainbow Bridge remains an important spiritual site for many Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi. For centuries, these tribes held annual pilgrimages to Rainbow Bridge where they would conduct ceremonies and offer prayers for healing. Today, visitors can still experience this spiritual essence while visiting the monument, making it a truly special place.
Wildlife
The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is home to a variety of wildlife, from bald eagles and ravens soaring high in the sky to majestic elk and mule deer roaming the canyons below. The monument is also home to a number of endangered species including the Mexican spotted owl, desert bighorn sheep, and peregrine falcon. Visitors may also encounter a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the western whiptail lizard and the yellow-blotched salamander.
Access
Rainbow Bridge can be seen from the air, reached by boat, or on foot. There are 3 trails to the bridge - two rugged trails from Monument Valley (North and South) and a very short hike from the shores of Lake Powell. This boat access has made visitation to this magical sacred place possible for hundreds of thousands of people annually. The closest marina to Rainbow Bridge is Dangling Rope. Due to low water levels, marina availability may be limited. See here for closure information.
Private Boat
Approximately 50 miles (2 hours) of water travel and a variable hiking length (around a mile) dependent on Lake Powell water levels. There is a dock for boats and a restroom in the monument area.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are offered out of the Wahweap Marina. They involve a short hike from the boat dock to Rainbow Bridge. Boat tour availability can be impacted by low water levels.
Hiking
Before 1980 when Lake Powell was finished, the 30 mile, multi-day (3-4 day) hike from Monument Valley was the only access to Rainbow Bridge that there was. Hikers today still enjoy these challenging hikes through this beautiful desert land to the sacred Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It is some of the most remote and rough adventure through the iconic Wild West.
Air
Flight tours are offered over the stunning geology of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, and Rainbow Bridge.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO RAINBOW BRIDGE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument is an awe-inspiring experience filled with adventure and natural beauty. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are cooler and wildflowers are in full bloom. When planning your trip, it is important to note that the monument is open year-round and requires a permit for entry. Rangers are available at the entrance station to provide information about safety and other regulations.
Once you arrive at the monument, there are several trails ranging from easy to strenuous, offering both short and long hikes with incredible views of the and its surrounding area. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for your trek. Don't forget your camera—rainbow Bridge offers a picture-perfect backdrop for any photograph!
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is an incredible place with a rich history and cultural significance. From its breathtaking views to its abundant wildlife, this monument is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of Rainbow Bridge!
Once you arrive at the monument, there are several trails ranging from easy to strenuous, offering both short and long hikes with incredible views of the and its surrounding area. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for your trek. Don't forget your camera—rainbow Bridge offers a picture-perfect backdrop for any photograph!
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is an incredible place with a rich history and cultural significance. From its breathtaking views to its abundant wildlife, this monument is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of Rainbow Bridge!
lodging/camping
Camping is allowed at Rainbow Bridge National Monument with a backcountry permit. Visitors looking for more luxurious accommodations can find hotels and resorts nearby, in the towns of Page and Kanab, Utah. For those wanting to experience the natural beauty of the monument from a different perspective, there are also boat tours available on Lake Powell.
dining
Page and Kanab both offer a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional southwestern cuisine to casual fast food. For visitors who are looking for something more unique, there is also an abundance of local restaurants serving up delicious international dishes. No matter what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.
Fees/permits
There is no fee for entering Rainbow Bridge but there is an entrance fee for Glen Canyon Recreation Area. For more information about fees and permits, visit the national monument website for all amounts for Rainbow Bridge.
Seasons
Many visitors of Lake Powell visit Rainbow Bridge in the Summer. Like many locations in Utah’s desert, spring and fall are the most ideal times to visit both because of less crowds and more pleasant temperatures. For hiking from Monument Valley, it is not recommended to hike in the summer because of the high temperatures, flood risk, and scarcity of water.