Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Image credit: picture by RuggyBearLA licenced under Attribution License.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is located in Utah, United States, and is situated within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is known for its awe-inspiring natural arch, Rainbow Bridge, which is considered to be one of the largest known natural bridges in the world. Stretching 290 feet high and 275 feet wide, this majestic sandstone formation is a sacred site for Native American tribes.

The monument is located in the remote and arid region of the southern Utah desert, specifically in the Navajo Mountain region. It was designated as a national monument by President William H. Taft in 1910, making it one of the first areas to receive such recognition. It holds significant historical importance due to its association with the Native American communities in the area.

Rainbow Bridge holds great cultural and spiritual significance for numerous tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Paiute, and Zuni. These tribes believe that the ethereal bridge connects the earth to the spiritual realm. This has made the area a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries, with the first recorded Anglo visitor being the legendary explorer John Wesley Powell in the late 1800s.

Visitors to Rainbow Bridge National Monument have the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the bridge up close. The monument can be reached via a scenic boat ride from either the Wahweap Marina or the Bullfrog Marina. Alternatively, a hiking trail is available, although it is more strenuous and requires proper planning.

Apart from Rainbow Bridge itself, the area offers several attractions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area provides opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking in its scenic surroundings. Lake Powell, with its azure waters and stunning red-rock cliffs, is a popular spot for boating and water sports. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, two iconic landmarks, are also located nearby and are worth visiting while in the region.

Overall, Rainbow Bridge National Monument in Utah is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the American Southwest. With its historical significance, breathtaking scenery, and nearby attractions, it offers a truly memorable experience for visitors.

Location

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is situated in the southern region of Utah within the United States. Nestled deep in the rugged terrain of Glen Canyon, this majestic natural wonder spans the border between Lake Powell and the Utah-Arizona state line. Located within the vast Colorado Plateau, Rainbow Bridge rises above a canyon filled with colorful sandstone cliffs, mesas, and buttes, providing a breathtaking backdrop to this iconic landmark. Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike through Navajo Nation land, the monument's isolation adds to its allure. Its geographic location underscores the significance of the surrounding desert landscape, as well as the natural forces that shaped this unique masterpiece of nature.

Address & Contact

c/o Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
PO Box 1507
c/o Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Page, AZ 86040
Driving Directions
Phone: 9286086200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument would be in either October or November. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 58°F to 72°F, with the average minimum temperature ranging from 38°F to 50°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation in October and November is 0.7 inches and 0.4 inches respectively. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, making them an ideal time to visit the monument.

Things to do and learn in Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Rainbow Bridge National Monument are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Hiking Boating Boat Tour

Topics

Learn about these topics at Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Animals Geology Night Sky Native American Heritage Canyons and Canyonlands Rock Landscapes and Features Unique Species Explorers and Expeditions

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Temporary Port Chicago Visitor Center

Important: The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial shuttle picks up visitors with reservations at the John Muir National Historic Site. Please know that all visitors for the memorial must have a reservation in order to visit the Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial. Directions to the John Muir NHS can be found below.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Temporary Port Chicago Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Rainbow Bridge National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Rainbow Bridge National Monument

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Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell

With a stay at Clarion Inn Page - Lake Powell in Page, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of John Wesley Powell Museum and Page Hospital. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 751 S Navajo Dr, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell

With a stay at Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell in Page, you'll be a 4-minute walk from John Wesley Powell Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Page Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 107 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Antelope Canyon Inn

Located in Page, Antelope Canyon Inn is a 4-minute drive from Glen Canyon Dam and 6 minutes from Lake Powell. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 75 South 7th Avenue, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Lake Powell Canyon Inn

A stay at Lake Powell Canyon Inn places you in the heart of Page, steps from John Wesley Powell Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Page Hospital. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 150 N Lake Powell Blvd, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell

Located in Page, Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Page Hospital and Glen Canyon Dam. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1126 North Navajo Drive, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Page Lake Powell Nightly Rental

With a stay at Page Lake Powell Nightly Rental in Page, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of John Wesley Powell Museum and Page Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 104/106 South 9th Avenue, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Westview Residences

Located in Page, Westview Residences is within a 10-minute drive of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. Featured amenities include multilingual staff, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 1125 Grandview St, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Desert Canyon Inn

Located in Page, Desert Canyon Inn is a 4-minute drive from Lake Powell National Golf Course and 5 minutes from Glen Canyon Dam. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 119 8th Avenue, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

The Bear's Den B&B

When you stay at The Bear's Den B&B in Page, you'll be near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of Golliard Park and John Wesley Powell Museum. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and a water dispenser. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 864 Driftwood, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

Oasis on the Rim

Located in Page, Oasis on the Rim is within a 15-minute walk of John Wesley Powell Museum and Golliard Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 904 Vista Ave, Page, Arizona 86040
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-06No dock access to Rainbow Bridge
At current lake levels, Rainbow Bridge docks do not reach the land. Dock-to-trail access to Rainbow Bridge will not be available until water levels rise again. Restrooms at the dock will remain open. This alert will stay up until the situation changes. Check the link for current lake information. More
2025-08-14Lake Powell Low Water Updates: Wahweap Main Launch Ramp Inoperable Aug. 18, Rainbow Bridge Dock Moving Aug. 25
Low water levels are prompting two important changes for visitors: Wahweap Main Launch Ramp will be inoperable starting Monday, August 18. Rainbow Bridge dock will be moved to deeper water on Monday, August 25. More
2025-06-18Navajo Mountain Fire Response Impacts Lake Powell – Visitors Advised to Use Caution
Due to fire operations nearby, boaters are advised as they are traversing from Dangling Rope to Rainbow Bridge, to remain toward the east wall of the canyon and to avoid Oak Bay. More
2024-08-30Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Due to an active monsoon pattern the fire danger has moderated and fire restrictions for all lands within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument have been rescinded. This is effective midnight tonight and until further notice. More
2023-09-14Vessel Anchoring Information for Glen Canyon NRA
As stated in our July 12, 2023 press release and on the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) website, the National Park Service (NPS) is reminding visitors that pin anchoring vessels is illegal in Glen Canyon NRA. More
2023-06-15Veteran NPS Manager Heidie Grigg Named Glen Canyon Chief of External Affairs
Heidie Grigg, a veteran NPS manager, has been named new Chief of External Affairs for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument by Superintendent Michelle Kerns. Heidie brings almost 25 years with the National Park Service (NPS). Experience with the U.S. Forest Service results in over 28 years of federal government service.  More