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Antelope Canyon › Things to do › Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Daylight access · Wahweap tour suspended

Updated October 26, 2026 Access and rules from NPS and Navajo Parks

Rainbow Bridge stands in southern Utah beside Lake Powell. You reach it by boat and a walk or a long backcountry hike across Navajo Nation land. It's open from sunrise to sunset with no monument entrance fee. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas has suspended its Wahweap cruise; Antelope Point advertises a private Rainbow Bridge expedition. The dock doesn't reach shore, so you need to settle landing arrangements before you book.

Rainbow Bridge, UtahLake Powell from Wahweap OverlookA side canyon of Lake Powell
Rainbow Bridge, UtahLake Powell from Wahweap OverlookA side canyon of Lake Powell
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Visiting

Rainbow Bridge: tickets, hours and rules

Access By boat, or on a trail of 14+ miles across Navajo Nation land; no road access.
Boat tours Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas' Wahweap cruise is suspended. Antelope Point advertises a private Rainbow Bridge expedition.
The lake level Below 3,548 feet of lake level, the dock doesn't reach shore. The Lake Powell page carries the live level; your landing still needs a separate assessment.
Fees $30 covers one private vehicle for 7 days in Glen Canyon; motorized boats need a separate vessel pass.
The walk Your landing point and the lake level affect the walk. Uneven ground and wading can be part of your route.

NPS · Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas · Antelope Point Marina

Rainbow Bridge at a glance

  • By private boat Beach landings may involve muck and quicksand.
  • On foot The backcountry trails run 14+ miles and aren't maintained; you need an advance Navajo Nation permit.
  • Instead Antelope Canyon boat trips and kayaking are alternatives.

Map

Where Rainbow Bridge is

How to get there

  • By boat from Wahweap Motorboats launch at Stateline Auxiliary and head north to Forbidding Canyon at buoy 49, then follow the canyon about 2 miles, or 4 km.
  • By boat from Antelope Point Antelope Point advertises a private Rainbow Bridge expedition. The public ramp is closed to motorboats; ask the marina about launch options for your own vessel.
  • On foot Navajo Mountain trails need a return plan. You can't rely on a pickup from the suspended Wahweap cruise.

The monument

What you find at Rainbow Bridge

The archThe arch

The bridge stands 290 feet high and spans 275 feet. You see it from trail overlooks.

The side canyonsThe side canyons

The approach narrows inside Forbidding Canyon. Keep your boat slow to avoid making waves.

Know before you go

Know before you go

Sacred ground

Stay on the trail to respect neighboring tribes.

Water and shade

Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Shade is scarce.

Trail access

The shore approach isn't suitable if you have limited mobility.

Monument rules

Pets and camping aren't allowed; swimming and fishing are prohibited.

Good to know

People also ask

  • Where is Rainbow Bridge National Monument located?

    Rainbow Bridge is in southern Utah near Navajo Mountain, with water access from Lake Powell. Page is the nearest town for planning your visit, though you can't drive to the monument itself from any direction.

  • How do you get to Rainbow Bridge?

    You arrive by boat and walk from shore. The dock doesn't reach land, so your landing needs an assessment. The land route crosses Navajo Nation land and requires an advance backcountry permit. You can't drive to the monument.

  • Can you take a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge?

    Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas has suspended its Rainbow Bridge cruise from Wahweap. Antelope Point advertises a private Rainbow Bridge expedition. Its shore walk can require uneven footing and knee-deep water. The dock doesn't reach land, so you need to settle your landing arrangements before booking.

  • How long is the walk to Rainbow Bridge?

    The NPS trail from the courtesy dock runs about 1 mile, or 1.6 km, each way. Its length changes with the lake level and where you land. Uneven ground and wading can slow you down. Ask the operator about the shore approach before booking; a fixed distance won't tell you whether you can manage it.