Exfoliation – the flaking off of layers due to expansion and contraction of rock – has shaped the bridge’s hard Navajo sandstone to symmetrical perfection. It is 290 feet from its base to the top of its arch—nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty—and spans 275 feet across the river. The top of the arch measures 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide.

Tucked among the rugged, isolated canyons at the base of Navajo Mountain, Rainbow Bridge was known for centuries by Native Americans who lived in the area. Ancestral Puebloan residents were followed much later by Paiute and Navajo groups who have long held the bridge sacred. Although the graceful stone arc has dominated beautiful Rainbow Bridge Canyon for eons, it was not rediscovered in modern times until August 14, 1909. On that day a group of 14 explorers and their Piute and Navajo guides, having begun their difficult journey in Oljeto, near Monument Valley, finally saw Rainbow Bridge for the first time.

On May 30, 1910 President William Howard Taft created Rainbow Bridge National Monument to preserve this extraordinary natural bridge and set aside 160 acres of its canyon realm to be administered by the National Park Service. After the initial publicity, a few more adventurous souls journeyed to Rainbow Bridge. Zane Grey and Theodore Roosevelt were among those early travelers who would make the arduous trek from Oljeto or Navajo Mountain to the foot of the bridge.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the finest photographic subjects you will ever encounter. Since the first photograph was taken here on August 14th 1909, thousands of visitors have traveled to Rainbow Bridge to experience the majestic beauty of this geological marvel. Photographs provide the opportunity for visitors to capture and share their experience at Rainbow Bridge.

Related Links:

• Colorado River
• Horseshoe Bend
• Glen Canyon
• Glen Canyon Dam
• Lake Powell
• Visit Spectacular Utah

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: Lake Powell Resort and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area visitor centers have exhibits and information about Rainbow Bridge. There is a viewing area about 200 feet from the monument. Outdoor exhibits and park staff tell more about the site. Summer ranger programs and year-round restrooms are available at Rainbow Bridge. Dangling Rope Marina, about 15 miles down lake near buoy 40, offers water, gas, food, supplies and boat repair services. A ranger station near the marina has emergency medical services.

Tours to Rainbow Bridge, an impressive and massive desert rock formation, can include airplane flights, helicopter landings, boat tours and plenty of ground exploration on foot.

NOTE: Dangling Rope Marina is open mid-March through mid November