Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge is a natural stone arch in a side canyon of Lake Powell, roughly 50 boat miles northeast of Wahweap Marina. At 290 feet tall and 275 feet across, it is one of the largest natural bridges in the world — roughly the height of the Statue of Liberty. The arch is made of Navajo Sandstone, the same rock that forms the walls of Antelope Canyon, and it sits in a narrow canyon at the base of Navajo Mountain.

The bridge is sacred to the Navajo people, who call it Nonnezoshi — "rainbow turned to stone." It features in Navajo origin stories as a symbol of deities responsible for rain and life in the desert. Because of this, the National Park Service asks visitors to view the bridge from the designated observation area and trail rather than walking up to or through it. A newer section of trail, completed in 2017, allows visitors to walk around the bridge to see it from multiple angles without passing underneath.

Reaching Rainbow Bridge requires effort. There is no road. The practical way in is a 50-mile boat ride from Wahweap Marina followed by a hike. The alternative is a 14-plus-mile backpacking route across Navajo land that requires a permit and multiple days. Most visitors choose the boat tour, which is a full-day commitment — roughly six to eight hours round-trip, with 60 to 90 minutes at the bridge itself.

How to Get There

By Boat (The Practical Way)

Almost all visitors reach Rainbow Bridge by boat. You have three options:

Guided boat tour from Wahweap Marina: This is the most common choice. The tour is operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas under National Park Service contract. It is currently the only commercial boat tour to the bridge.
Private boat: If you have rented a powerboat or houseboat on Lake Powell, you can navigate to Rainbow Bridge yourself. The route follows the main channel northeast to the mouth of Forbidding Canyon, then turns into the canyon for several miles to the dock.
Guided boat tour from Bullfrog Marina: Bullfrog, on the Utah side of the lake, also offers boat tours to Rainbow Bridge. The distance is shorter from Bullfrog than from Wahweap, but most visitors staying in Page will find Wahweap more convenient.

The boat ride from Wahweap to Rainbow Bridge covers roughly 50 miles each way. At cruising speed, that is about two to two-and-a-half hours of travel time per direction, plus time in Forbidding Canyon. The total trip, including the hike from the dock and time at the bridge, takes six to eight hours. There is no mid-lake fuel stop — Dangling Rope Marina, which once served this route, is closed indefinitely due to wind damage. Bring a full tank of fuel and any food or water you need for the day.

By Foot (The Backcountry Way)

Two long-distance hiking routes reach Rainbow Bridge from Navajo Mountain, both on Navajo Nation land. These are not day hikes. The North Rainbow Trail is roughly 29.8 miles round-trip with 1,405 feet of elevation change. The South Rainbow Lodge Trail is roughly 24.5 miles round-trip with 2,492 feet of descent. Most backpackers need three to four days, and the trails are minimally marked, not maintained, and cross remote terrain with limited water sources.

You need a backcountry permit from the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department. The NPS recommends hiring a local Navajo guide for transport to the trailhead and pickup afterward, since leaving a vehicle at the remote trailheads is not advised. Cell service is nonexistent. This route is for experienced backpackers with navigation skills, not casual visitors.

The Boat Tour: What to Expect

The guided tour from Wahweap Marina costs approximately $145 for adults and $105 for children ages 3 to 12. The price does not include a box lunch, though some tour descriptions mention lunch and drinks — confirm what is included when you book. The tour schedule is limited and changes seasonally. In peak season, tours typically run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. In winter, tours run only if a minimum of 15 passengers books 48 hours in advance. Call (888) 896-3829 or (928) 645-2433 within 48 hours of departure to confirm the trip is running.

The boat is a large, covered tour vessel with outdoor viewing decks. The ride up Lake Powell's main channel passes through some of the reservoir's most dramatic scenery — red sandstone cliffs, narrow side canyons, and the transition from open water to the enclosed canyon of Forbidding Canyon. The pace is slow and steady, with narration about the geology and history of the area.

At the end of Forbidding Canyon, the boat reaches a courtesy dock near the trailhead. Here is where current water levels matter: at the current lake elevation, the dock does not reach dry land. You will need to step off the boat onto a sandy or muddy shore and walk to the trailhead. The National Park Service warns visitors to proceed at their own risk — the footing can be uneven and slippery. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet or muddy.

The Hike from the Dock

From the dock, a rough trail follows Bridge Creek upstream toward the bridge. The length varies significantly depending on Lake Powell's water level. At high water, the trail can be as short as 0.5 miles one way. At current levels, expect closer to 1.2 to 1.5 miles each way. The trail gains elevation as it climbs the canyon, and the footing is uneven — sand, rock, and occasional stream crossings.

The trail ends at a designated observation area with a view of the bridge. In 2017, the National Park Service completed an extension that loops around the bridge, allowing visitors to see it from the opposite side and visit two commemorative plaques honoring Nasja Begay and Jim Mike, who guided the 1909 expedition that officially documented the bridge to the outside world. This extended section adds 20 to 30 minutes to the hike and involves a steep, narrow stretch of slickrock. Take extra water if you plan to do the full loop.

There are no restrooms, water fountains, or shade structures at the bridge itself. The only facilities are floating restrooms at the dock. Bring at least one liter of water per person for the hike, plus sunscreen and a hat — the canyon is exposed and temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer.

Is It Worth It?

This is the question most travelers wrestle with. The boat tour costs roughly $145 per person and consumes an entire day — six to eight hours for roughly 60 to 90 minutes at the bridge. Most of that time is spent cruising on the boat, which is scenic but slow-paced. If you are prone to motion sickness, the long ride on open water may be uncomfortable.

Go if: You want to see one of the largest natural bridges on Earth; you have a full day to spare; you enjoy boat travel; or you are working through a national parks bucket list. The bridge is genuinely impressive in person — photographs do not convey its scale.

Skip it if: You have only one or two days in Page and have not yet seen Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend; you get seasick; you are traveling with young children who will not tolerate a six-hour boat ride; or you are primarily interested in photography and would get more value from a shorter Lake Powell canyon cruise or a visit to Alstrom Point.

An alternative for independent travelers: rent a powerboat for the day and drive yourself. This gives you control over the pace and allows you to stop in side canyons on the way. However, a 100-mile round-trip boat trip is a long day for inexperienced boaters, and fuel costs add up quickly.

Practical Information

Entrance fee: There is no separate entrance fee for Rainbow Bridge National Monument. You pay the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee ($35 per vehicle for 7 days) or use your America the Beautiful pass.
Visitor center: None at the monument. Passport stamps are available at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam and other Glen Canyon NRA visitor centers.
Camping: Prohibited within the monument boundaries. If you are on a houseboat, you can camp on nearby beaches in Glen Canyon NRA.
Hours: The monument is open sunrise to sunset. Overnight stays are not permitted.
Pets: Not recommended on the boat tour. If you bring a pet on a private boat, it must stay on the boat or on a leash during the hike.
Accessibility: The boat tour is not wheelchair accessible. The trail from the dock is rough, uneven, and involves elevation gain. There is no ADA access to the bridge.
Weather: Summer temperatures at the bridge average 100°F. Spring and fall are moderate, around 75°F. Winter is cold and the trail can be icy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Rainbow Bridge?

By boat from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marina, or by a 14-plus-mile backpacking hike on Navajo Nation land that requires a permit. The boat tour from Wahweap is the practical option for most visitors.

How tall is Rainbow Bridge?

290 feet from its base to the top of the arch — nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty. The span is 275 feet across.

Can you hike to Rainbow Bridge without a boat?

Yes, but it is a serious backcountry undertaking. Two trails from Navajo Mountain — the North Rainbow Trail (~29.8 miles round-trip) and the South Rainbow Lodge Trail (~24.5 miles round-trip) — require a Navajo Nation backcountry permit, multiple days, and route-finding skills. Most backpackers hire a local Navajo guide for transport and pickup.

How long does a Rainbow Bridge boat tour take?

Approximately six to eight hours round-trip from Wahweap Marina, including roughly two to two-and-a-half hours of boat travel each way and 60 to 90 minutes at the bridge for the hike and viewing.

Is Rainbow Bridge worth visiting?

Yes, if you have a full day to spare and want to see one of the world's largest natural bridges. The six-to-eight-hour time commitment is significant, so prioritize Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend if you have limited time. Skip it if you get seasick or are traveling with young children who cannot handle a long boat ride.

Do you need a permit to visit Rainbow Bridge?

No permit is required for the boat tour or private boat access. The backpacking routes on Navajo land require a backcountry permit from the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department.

Can you walk under Rainbow Bridge?

The National Park Service asks visitors not to walk up to or through the bridge out of respect for its sacred significance to the Navajo people. A designated observation area and a 2017 trail extension allow viewing from multiple angles without passing underneath.

What is the best time of year to visit Rainbow Bridge?

March through May and October through November offer the most comfortable temperatures and reliable tour schedules. Summer is hot — average 100°F at the bridge — and winter tours may be cancelled due to low demand.

For boat tour booking, visit Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. For Lake Powell rentals and houseboats, see our Lake Powell guide. For other things to do in the area, visit things to do in Page.

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