Rainbow Bridge National Monument | Natural Rock Arch (2024)
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the largest natural bridges in the world standing 290 feet high and spanning 275 feet across. The top of the arch is 42 feet wide and 33 feet thick. To put its monumental size into perspective, the U.S. Capitol building would fit under the bridge with ease. The majestic monument was carved out during the glacial period and has been standing tall ever since. As a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary as of 2018, Rainbow Bridge is an amazing location to witness the wonders of the night sky with up to 15,000 stars in view.
While Rainbow Bridge is still a relatively new discovery for the modern world, found in 1909 by the Cummings-Douglas Expedition, the Native Puebloan people knew about it for centuries. The Bridge holds sacred significance for the ancient inhabitants of these lands. The name, Rainbow Bridge, originates from the Puebloan people’s name for it, Nonnezoshe, which translates to “rainbow turned to stone.”
The monument can be reached by either taking an eight hour boat tour across Lake Powell from Wahweap Marina followed by a 1.25-mile (1.8 km) hike from Bridge Canyon wharf or by taking two hiking trails available through Navajo lands. The two hikes are respectively 14 miles (26 km) and 13 miles (24 km) and require a permit from Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. The permit can be acquired by calling 602-871-6647. The utmost respect for the people, lands, homes, livestock and archaeology sites are requested while hiking. The trails cover rough canyon terrain and are not recommended for beginner hikers.
Please note that Rainbow Bridge National Monument does not offer any lodging, food, services or facilities and is considered backcountry. The closest services are 10 miles south at the Dangling Rope Marina, with boat, gas and limited food options. Come prepared with plenty of food, water, maps, first aid and other supplies. Rainbow Bridge is open year-round. Check weather reports before hiking as the area can be prone to flash floods, severe cold temperatures, and high winds.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the largest natural bridges in the world standing 290 feet high and spanning 275 feet across. The top of the arch is 42 feet wide and 33 feet thick. To put its monumental size into perspective, the U.S. Capitol building would fit under the bridge with ease.
Rainbow Bridge is only accessible by boat on Lake Powell or by land over a 14+ mile trail from the Navajo Nation. There are no roads to Rainbow Bridge. See the map to understand the monument's remote location.
It is 290 feet tall from its base to the top of the arch, and spans 275 feet across the creek channel. The top of the arch measures 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.
Crossing the bridge takes around 15 minutes, but count at least 15 minutes to pass through customs at each end (more at busy times). The pedestrian walkway is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world's largest known natural bridges. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time--from the neighboring Native American tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the thousands of visitors from around the world who visit it each year.
This bridge is a mythical overpass said to connect heaven and Earth — and, more to the point, a spot where grieving pet owners reunite for good with their departed furry friends.
After the 710-foot dam was completed in 1963, 46 feet of water collected beneath Rainbow Bridge when Lake Powell reached full pool, in 1980. The bridge survived, but the new lake brought a sudden ease of access — and, with it, a loss of the sense of adventure required to reach the site.
Rainbow bridge is the route you will take when crossing the border and you can either drive or walk across the bridge. What is this? Crossing as a pedestrian from NY to Canada is free and the reverse route costs $1 but make sure you have cash; there is a machine to get the change from if needed.
Most recently, Rainbow Arch fell sometime in 2018 at Arches National Park. The arch, which spanned just above the visitor's center of the park, went unnoticed after it crumbled, as observation of the arch halted in 2017 after not much change was detected.
Neighboring Native American tribes believe Rainbow Bridge is a sacred religious site. They travel to Rainbow Bridge to pray and make offerings near and under its lofty span. Special prayers are said before passing beneath the Bridge: neglect to say appropriate prayers might bring misfortune or hardship.
Having been circulated widely around the world, the prose poem's original authorship was uncertain. Among those who have claimed authorship are: Paul C.Dahm, a grief counselor in Oregon, US, claimed to have written the poem in 1981, and published it in a 1998 book of the same name (1981, ISBN 0-9663022-0-6).
Get to know this 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near June Lake, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 58 min to complete.
Highlights. Your Rainbow Mountain hike is like no other because of the mountain's rich colors. The hike is about 2 hours long and is challenging because of the Rainbow Mountain's altitude and the terrain you hike over.
In all, the trail runs for 18 miles from Timp Point on the south end to Parissa-wampitts Point up north. Those are two of the five major points that jut into the Canyon from the western edge of the Kaibab Plateau.
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