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Rainbow Bridge National Monument: A Natural and Sacred Wonder

Discover Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Awe-inspiring natural bridge and sacred Native American site in the heart of Lake Powell, Utah.

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Rainbow Bridge National Monument protects one of the world's largest natural bridges, a soaring sandstone formation revered by Native American tribes. Accessible primarily by boat on Lake Powell, followed by a short hike, the bridge offers a stunning testament to the power of erosion and a place of profound cultural significance.

A brief summary to Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Local tips

  • Respect the sacred nature of Rainbow Bridge by not walking under the arch and staying on marked trails.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, as the desert environment can be harsh.
  • Check Lake Powell water levels and boat tour schedules in advance, as they can vary seasonally.
  • Consider visiting in the spring or fall for more moderate temperatures.
  • If hiking, obtain required permits from the Navajo Nation and be prepared for a strenuous trek.
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Getting There

  • Boat Tour

    The most common way to access Rainbow Bridge is via a boat tour from Lake Powell. Several marinas, including Wahweap and Bullfrog, offer tours that typically last 7-8 hours. These tours involve a 50-mile boat ride each way, followed by a 1.2-mile hike to the bridge. Cost: Boat tours range from $145-$165 per adult. A Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is also required. Check with Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas for current pricing and schedules.

  • Hiking

    Experienced hikers can access Rainbow Bridge via two strenuous, unmaintained trails from Navajo Mountain. These trails, ranging from 14-18 miles each way, require permits from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. Cost: Hiking permits are required from the Navajo Nation, contact them directly for pricing. There are no fees for entering Rainbow Bridge, but there is an entrance fee for Glen Canyon Recreation Area.

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Discover more about Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument, nestled within the rugged canyons of southern Utah, safeguards Rainbow Bridge, one of the planet's largest natural bridges. This majestic arch, rising 290 feet high and spanning 275 feet, is composed of salmon-pink Navajo sandstone, sculpted over millennia by wind and water. For centuries, Rainbow Bridge has been a sacred site for numerous Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Paiute, who consider it a symbol of deities responsible for creating clouds, rain, and rainbows – the very essence of life in the desert. Known as Nonnezoshe, or "rainbow turned to stone," the bridge holds deep spiritual significance, and the National Park Service requests visitors respect this sacred heritage. In 1909, two expeditions, led by Byron Cummings and W.B. Douglass, publicized the bridge to the outside world, guided by Paiute scouts. President William Howard Taft designated Rainbow Bridge a National Monument in 1910. The construction of Glen Canyon Dam and the creation of Lake Powell in the 1960s dramatically altered access to the bridge, making it accessible by boat. Today, most visitors arrive by boat via Lake Powell, followed by a 1.2-mile hike to the bridge. While visitors once walked freely under the arch, the National Park Service now encourages viewing it from a distance to respect its cultural importance. Rainbow Bridge continues to inspire awe and reverence, connecting visitors to both the natural wonders of the Colorado Plateau and the rich cultural heritage of its Native American inhabitants.

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