Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge is a natural sandstone arch rising from a remote canyon system in southeastern Utah near Navajo Mountain. The span emerges from layered rock walls and sits within a landscape of red cliffs and narrow waterways.

The natural arch first came to outside attention in 1909 when exploration parties entered the remote canyons guided by Paiute people and John Wetherill. The discovery led to its recognition as a remarkable natural monument.

The Navajo, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, Kaibab Paiute, and White Mesa Ute tribes consider this sandstone formation a sacred place. For these peoples, it holds deep spiritual meaning and remains a site of reverence.

Access is primarily by boat from Wahweap or Bullfrog marinas across Lake Powell, or by hiking routes that connect to the area. The location is remote, so visitors should arrive well prepared and arrange access in advance.

The site earned International Dark Sky Sanctuary status in 2018, offering exceptional stargazing because of minimal light pollution in this isolated location. Visitors can view the Milky Way and countless stars with striking clarity across the night sky.

Location: San Juan County

Inception: May 30, 1909

Operator: United States National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/rabr

GPS coordinates: 37.07722,-110.96417

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:33