How To Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument at Lake Powell
We’re sharing everything you need to know to see Rainbow Bridge National Monument at Lake Powell. I visited years ago during the summer on a private boat. It was an incredible experience and worth the trip.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a tucked-away sandstone bridge in the Utah desert.
It is known for being one of the largest natural bridges in the world, with dimensions reaching 290 feet tall and 270 feet across.
There are no roads to Rainbow Bridge. Those wishing to capture a glimpse of this desert gem must either visit by boat or take a 32-mile round-trip backpacking excursion through remote desert land, which requires permission from the Navajo Nation.
If visiting is on your bucket list, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to see Rainbow Bridge National Monument at Lake Powell.
Rainbow Bridge is a Sacred Place
Rainbow Bridge is sacred to five Native American Nations in the Southwest: Navajo, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, Kaibab Paiute, and White Mesa Ute.
When visiting, it is important to acknowledge and be respectful of the cultural significance Rainbow Bridge has on the Tribes of the Southwest.
In 1910, Rainbow Bridge became a National Monument. According to the National Park Service, the monument receives around 85,000 visitors a year.
Before Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell) was artificially created, Rainbow Bridge was only accessible via foot traffic.
Exactly How To Get Here
How do you get to Rainbow Bridge National Monument if there are no roads?
It is a remote spot at Lake Powell and can only be accessed via a 50-mile boat ride or a 32-mile round-trip hike.
Boating To Rainbow Bridge
When boating in, the entrance to the monument is at buoy 49, the mouth of Forbidding Canyon.
You can get there with your own private boat, rent a boat, or take a boat tour (link to Lake Powell boat tours).
- Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge is 50 miles away.
- Bullfrog Marina to Rainbow Bridge is also 50 miles away.
From both of these marinas, it will take about 3 to 4 hours with your own boat.
If taking a boat tour, depending on the nature of the tour, it could take anywhere from 4 hours to all day.
Backcountry Hike
If you don’t want to boat in, you can hike in.
There are two trails to hike in from, the Rainbow Bridge North Trail and Rainbow Bridge South Trail.
Backpacking in these parts of Utah are some of the most remote and least accessible places left in the U.S. To hike in, you’ll want to make sure you are well prepared for the desert backcountry.
Hiking to Rainbow Bridge from the backcountry is only recommended for experienced hikers and backpackers.
There are no services, including cell phone reception.
The hike is 32 miles (round trip) along a rugged and poorly maintained trail mainly marked with cairns. The National Park Service recommends bringing a map to avoid getting lost. I have not hiked in. I have only boated in.
The best times of year to hike are during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder.
Do not attempt to hike during the summer months.
How To Get Hiking Permits to Rainbow Bridge
Backcountry permits issued by the Navajo Nation are required to do this hike.
Permits can be obtained from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department located in Window Rock, Arizona.
Things To Do at Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Courtesy dock: Once you get to Rainbow Bridge from Lake Powell, there is a courtesy boat dock. It is called a courtesy dock because it is not managed or manned by anyone.
Short hike: There is a one-mile trail (depending on water levels) to the base of Rainbow Bridge. Walk around the area and enjoy the views.
Take lots of photos and admire this natural wonder.
Best Time of Year To Visit Rainbow Bridge
The best times of the year to visit overall are March through November.
Boating here is a great complement to lake activities during warmer months. Daily temperatures in the summer are easily 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are hiking in from the North or South Trails, it is recommended to hike during the spring (April-early Jun) and fall (September-October) only. The summers are scorching hot in Utah — trust me.
Are There Lake Services at Rainbow Bridge?
Rainbow Bridge National Monument does not have services or a Visitor Center, but toilets are available near the boating dock.
Be sure to plan.
Where Are the Nearest Services to Rainbow Bridge National Monument?
The nearest services are at Dangling Rope Marina, which is 10 miles from the monument by boat. Dangling Rope has gasoline, some supplies, and emergency services.
What Should You Bring?
Boating to this area of Lake Powell is highly remote, and there is practically no cell phone reception. Be sure you practice boating safety.
You’ll want to bring sunscreen, shade, sun-protective clothing, shoes you can walk to the bridge in, and all of your food and water.
Check the Local Conditions Before You Go
Be sure to check site conditions and water levels before your visit.
The water levels have been really low, and conditions change frequently.
My Experience
The best way to see the monument is by boat, especially if you have your own.
Boating through the canyons is such a memorable experience. In some places, the water is crystal clear and so blue you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean — no exaggeration.
Lake Powell is one of our favorite places to camp and paddle in the Southwest.
I hope this guide helps you plan a memorable trip. It truly is a special place.
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Always practice Leave No Trace and respect Tribal land.
Wow, what a remote gem. I imagine it attracts fewer visitors than more accessible natural places and as a result helps in its preservation. I can see that the boat ride would be a fascinating part of the trip.
Hi Anne – thanks for reading and commenting. We really appreciate your support!
Que lugar tan especial el Monumento Nacional de RainBrow Bridge.
Su significado Sagrado imagino muy importante para los nativos del suroeste
Indudablemente la belleza del lugar es atrapante, fuera de lo comun.
Hola mamá, gracias por leer y comentar. Realmente es un lugar especial. El puente es bastante cautivador.
I wouldn’t have considered going here on a boat before reading your post! That looks like an incredible way to see the area – thanks for the tip!
Hi Krista! Thanks for sharing. We usually hike into places but had an opportunity with a boat. It was fun!
What a cool place to visit! I will have to add this to our Utah bucket list. I admit to being glad it takes effort to get to it- limits the damage large amounts of visitors can do to such a culturally important site 🙂
Hi Tiffany – thanks for stopping by! It is nice to see you. Let us know when you visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument 🙂
Wow! This is so interesting. I didn’t even know we still had such remote areas left in the US. Boating to Rainbow bridge sounds spectacular. Thanks for the many safety tips and info about marinas, gas stations and cell phones.
Hi Ildiko – thanks for reading and commenting. You’ll have to visit sometime! It is such a special place.