Natural Attractions › Geology

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge is the world’s largest natural bridge. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time–from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. From its base to the top of the arch, it is 290 feet-nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty – and spans 275 feet across the river; the top of the arch is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.

Please visit Rainbow Bridge in a spirit that honors and respects the cultures to whom it is sacred. While Rainbow Bridge is a separate unit of the National Park Service, it is proximate to and administered by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Much archeological evidence has been lost as Lake Powell, along with thousands of visitors, arrived. The Glen Canyon Dam was authorized in 1956. By 1963, the gates on the dam closed and rising Lake Powell began to engulf the river and its side canyons. Higher water made access to Rainbow Bridge much easier, bringing thousands of visitors each year.

Plan Your Visit

Getting There & Details

Phone: 928-608-6404
Website: www.nps.gov/rabr/home.htm
Map: Get Directions →

Rainbow Bridge is accessible only by boat or by a 13 mile hike (with permit from the Navajo Nation). The public may access Rainbow Bridge by boat across Lake Powell. Trips to the bridge may be made in private, rental, or tour boats. A courtesy dock is available for short-term docking while people make the 1/2 mile (.8km) walk to the bridge. By boat, it is approximately 50 miles (80km) from Wahweap, Bullfrog, or Halls Crossing to Rainbow Bridge. You may also backpack to Rainbow Bridge across Navajo Nation lands. A permit from the Navajo Nation is required. You may write to: Navajo Nation, Parks and Recreation Department, Box 9000, Window Rock, Arizona 86515.

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