Categories: Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; History & Heritage
Overview. Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world, stands 290 feet high, as tall as the nation's Capitol Building. Carved by Bridge Creek out of the canyonlands of southeastern Utah, the vivid salmon-colored span is 275 feet long. The afternoon sun catches subtle mineral variations in the rock, painting it swaths of color. It has been called one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the Navajo consider it a sacred place. Once accessible only by strenuous canyon trails, Rainbow Bridge may now be reached easily by boat from Lake Powell. What to see and do. Boat tours to Rainbow Bridge leave from Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing marinas, 50 miles from the monument via Lake Powell. A short trail leads from the courtesy dock to the bridge viewing area. Rangers are available at the site during summer and fall. Contact ARAMARK, Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas (800-528-6154) for additional information. Private boats are welcome to leave from both Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas, as well as from those at Halls Crossing and Hite. As Rainbow Bridge is a sacred religious site to many area tribes, among them the Navajo, Hopi, and White Mesa Ute, visitors are encouraged to view Rainbow Bridge from the viewing area at the end of the trail. The visitor center at Glen Canyon National Recreation Center (PO Box 1507, Page, AZ 86040) serves as the visitor center for Rainbow Bridge. It is open from 7 AM to 7 PM in summer, and from 8 AM to 5 PM the remainder of the year. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is open year-round. Seasonal Alert. The canyon climate is extreme. Temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and more are commonplace in the summer. In winter, they drop to around 40 degrees. Strong winds buffet the monument from February to May, and thunderstorms accompanied by flash floods are a constant threat in late summer. Dress according to weather conditions, carry plenty of water, and wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the desert sun. If you plan to hike into the monument, contact the Navajo Nation for updated trail conditions and permit processes.
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