Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world's largest known natural bridges. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time--from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 85,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is located between Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Navajo Nation. There are no roads in the vicinity of the monument. Rainbow Bridge can be reached by boat on Lake Powell or by hiking one of two trails around Navajo Mountain on the Navajo Nation, by permit only. Boat tours are available. The entrance to Forbidding Canyon is located at buoy 49 on Lake Powell. Boaters should be familiar with the Aids to Navigation (buoy) system and use a navigational map.
- Boating
- Boat Tour
- Guided Tours
- Boat Tour
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Native American Heritage
- Animals
- Canyons and Canyonlands
- Geology
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Unique Species
Rainbow Bridge
Stand here and take in the majesty of Rainbow Bridge - the largest natural bridge in the National Park Service.
Aerial View of Rainbow Bridge
Seen from the air, Rainbow Bridge is a graceful curve over the dry stream bed.
A Crowd Views Rainbow Bridge From Its Shadow
In the desert heat after the rough walk up to Rainbow Bridge from the docks, you take shade where you can get it.
Rainbow Bridge Docks
The only way to access Rainbow Bridge is by a two-day hike across the Navajo Nation, or a fifty-mile boat trip up Lake Powell.
Jim Mike Returns to Rainbow Bridge
In 1974, Ute Mountain Ute Jim Mike, one of the guides who led the original expedition to Rainbow Bridge, returned to see how he had led the way for many more visitors.
Park Ranger at Second Observation Area
During the summer season, Park Rangers will be at the observation areas to answer your questions.