rainbow bridge

A must-see attraction at Lake Powell. With current water levels, the monument is about a mile hike on a sandy trail. Flip-flops are okay, shoes or strapped-heel sandals are better. Read the signs to understand the history of Rainbow Bridge. If you are traveling by small boat (which most people do), it is best to go in the early morning or early evening to avoid the choppy main channel water during the day. Incredible site.

We arrived late in the evening so it had few visitors and was very quiet. Hiked around a bit. Read the history of it

We visited by houseboat in July. We left from bullfrog and made it there in 2 days but we did stop a few time. The water was really down so after you tie up at the dock it is a good mile walk. Once you get there though it is worth it! We took great pictures and talked with the 2 rangers who showed us the dinosaur prints.It was extremely hot when we went so if you go in the summer wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring extra water!

Pull in by boat. Tie up, swim across, climb the trail and there's an awesome cliff to jump from. A memory that won't fade.

You have to get here by boat, and we left from Bullfrog Marina and made several stops along the way.There's a dock to tie-up here, but when we arrived, it was pretty crowded, so we had to work pretty hard to find a space. There's a nice (for its location) restroom just off the dock. It's a bit over a mile hike to the bridge, a gradual up hill path that's paved in parts.Two rangers were at the Bridge site, and they delighted us with stories, histories, photographs and maps.If you go in summer, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring water.

It takes around two hrs by ship/boat from lake Powell resort. After getting down, we walked almost 2KM to reach rambow bridge. We went there in June and weather was hot and humid.Walking on sand up to some distance was really tough. We reached there after 20 to 30 minutes of walk and captured some memorable snapshots with family.

Rainbow Bridge is not that readily accessible. By that, I mean you do not just drive up and jump out of your car to see it. You can either indulge yourself in a long hike across Navajo land (permit required) or, as we did, hire a boat for the day from Page, Arizona, and head across Lake Powell. It is well worth the effort for this really is a wonder in rock. If you do adopt the boat option, then if the lake is low and you have to go the long way around, do not under-estimate the time it will take you to get to and from it by boat, allowing time to walk to the bridge and suitably admire it too. It WILL take all day. The cruise across the lake is spectacaular, with relatively unknown buttes and mesa soaring up above you as you follow the contours of the lake. Do not be distracted, however, as you need to follow the buoys and some of them are hard to see from a distance. You berth at a jetty until your return journey, and then the walk to the bridge is quite easy and short. But, it is all well worth the trip and you will be amazed at this wonder of Nature hidden from most of the world - thankfully!

Rainbow Bridge is truly amazing. Read the pamphlet you are given before going. It's full of fun facts and is terrific for kids. We went with kids ages 5-12 and it was awesome. There is a park ranger at the base of the bridge that has a photo book with the original pictures of the bridges discovery and it's unique history. It will take your breath away. Bring lots of water and good shoes. It's a mile hike to the bridge, not strenuous, but can be if it's hot. Go in the AM to avoid a busy trail.

First up, Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful place and you should go and see it! There's a ranger on site - knows a lot of stories about the place (anyway, the one we saw, did).We went there with the Aramark cruise and that's not a good option. As others have said there's a problem with the seating space and arrangements on the boat. On the way in everybody wanted to stay on the upper deck to take photos but since you are not allowed to remain standing some people were forced to go down (literally, by yelling at them!) It's extremely hot in July and after several hours in the sun and the hike to the bridge you really need some shade on the way back to the marina. Lack of seats makes this impossible. Clearly, Aramark doesn't care one way or the other!So, go to the bridge but rent your own boat.

We spent a week on a houseboat on Lake Powell. This was the most beautiful arch I have ever seen. Took some beautiful pictures which were blown up and hang on my wall. The whole trip was wonderful and I would recommend it as a great family adventure.

Recently traveled to Lake Powell and loved every minute of it. Rainbow bridge is awesome and well worth the trek! The Lake itself is beautiful and enjoyed every minute we spent out on the lake. This is for sure a place I would recommend to my family and friends!

First, if you have any boat driving experience, you must rent a boat on Lake Powell. We went 50 miles up to Rainbow Bridge and every second was spectacular beauty. Go up river to Buoy Marker 49 and watch for the small white floating sign for Rainbow Bridge on the right (boat facing up lake). Once inside the canyon, go left at the "go left sign". You will know why I put this here when you are in the canyon. Keep your eyes open on the left side for a very small bay with a shady arch where you can park your boat for lunch and swimming. Devine!

Depending on the lake level, you'll have a medium to short walk up to the Bridge itself, but regardless, I'd say the trip is well worth it. We took a young child and the walk up is fine. Be sure to wear sunscreen on a hot day and to take a drink with you, especially if you're carrying a child back down with you! Well worth the walk for the photo opportunity - taking a specific guide up there is probably overkill unless you're really interested in Native American lore.

Obviously this place is awesome! I always love coming here but I must admit not everyone that I've been here with feels the same way. Some people have thought that it's not worth the effort. I disagree! You gotta appreciate natural beauty to appreciate this place. With that said this posting isn't about the arch itself but more about tips to consider if visiting while houseboating at Lake Powell. This attraction is a haul from any of the houseboat rental locations. My advice is to make this your turn-around point during your houseboat trip. With that being said allow yourself at least a week. That will allow you time to meander up and down the lake to see this location without killing yourself. This canyon also can get very windy (as can the rest of the lake) and docking space is at a premium (tour boats get most of the good spots). If you have a run-about boat with you, take it to this arch instead of the houseboat. The last time I took our large rental houseboat back there the winds dealt me a fit. I also had to circle about over and over while waiting for a dock opening. Still not sure how I managed to keep the houseboat from running into the adjacent rock walls. It was an extremely stressful situation that prevented me from enjoying my last visit here. Also be prepared for crowds and heat! Other than that, enjoy! : )

Rainbow Bridge is spectacular. (Formal name is: Rainbow Bridge National Monument, situated near the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area [Lake Powell], Utah) It really is a "MUST SEE!" It is the biggest or largest naturally formed sandstone bridge (rock arch) that I know of or have ever seen. I have literally visited this site with various family and friends and new in-laws that have not seen it before, at least 16 times and it has never disappointed me. Depending on the water level of Lake Powell, the hike to the Rainbow Bridge can be relatively short (if high water levels are present) or over a mile or so more if the the water level of the lake is low. As a child, the hike was well over 2 miles when the Dangling Rope Marina used to be up inside of Forbidding Canyon (buoy or mile marker #49). The marina is not located there now (it has since been moved several miles west and south of Rainbow Bridge). YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN WATER! You need to stay hydrated for the relatively easy upward incline walk to the monument. But you do need water or Gatorade or something yummy to drink. You will be sweating in the sun walking the path to the attraction. Good walking shoes makes for an easier go of it as well. Flip flops will get you there, but not very well and you will fight them all along the way there. Must bring your camera too! Several places to take wonderful pictures. Other visitors there are more than happy to snap a picture or two of you with the arch in the background. There are usually National Park "Rangers" there and they have a few stories to tell about the place that is interesting to listen to and the children will have fun with the dinosaur footprint as well. Highly recommended--do not miss out on an opportunity to visit Rainbow Bridge. I know that I will be back again to visit soon!