Rainbow Bridge National Monument at a glance
Rainbow Bridge National Monument protects a giant arch of red sandstone near Lake Powell. There are no roads to it. You get there by water, followed by a short walk, or on a long hike across Navajo land. The monument itself has no entry fee, but the lake access, boat and permits are separate costs.
The bridge is sacred to several Indigenous peoples. Visit quietly, stay on the trail and read the section on respect below before you go.
Lake Powell and canyon tours from Page
Boat trips, kayak tours and canyon tours around Page, with live prices and availability.
Reaching Rainbow Bridge by boat
The classic way is a boat trip from the marina at Wahweap, a long ride up Lake Powell. That Rainbow Bridge tour is currently suspended until further notice, so you cannot count on it. Private boats and any other operators need their own current information, and the lake ramp situation changes often. Our Lake Powell guide explains the launch options.
At current lake levels the courtesy dock at the monument does not reach the shore. Boaters must land on the bank and walk through mud to the trail, at their own risk. The walk varies with the water level: a rough guide is about 2 miles round trip, which is about 1 mile each way at some water levels. Do not plan on a fixed distance.
Ways to get there compared
What each route asks of you in 2026.
| Route | Distance on foot | What you need | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wahweap boat tour | About 2 miles round trip | Ticket | Suspended until further notice |
| Private boat | Varies with lake level | Park entry, Vessel Pass, working ramp | Ramps change, check first |
| Land hike on Navajo land | About 14 miles one way | Navajo backcountry permit in advance | Multi-day effort |
| Driving | None | None | No road |
For most visitors, the realistic choice is a boat trip when one runs again, or a different Lake Powell outing from Page. The land hike is a serious backcountry project for experienced hikers, not a day trip from Page.
Hiking to Rainbow Bridge
Two long trails reach the arch overland.
Length and permit
The land route is more than 14 miles, with two trails of about 14 miles each way. A Navajo backcountry permit is required in advance. Do not treat it as a short hike from town.
Water and navigation
Length, water supply and route finding make this a self-reliant trip. Plan for heat, carry enough water and know the route before you start.
No phone signal
Expect no cell phone coverage at the monument. Tell someone your plan before you leave.
Rules and respect at the monument
The National Park Service asks visitors, out of respect for the religious meaning of the bridge for several Indigenous peoples, not to walk up to the bridge or underneath it. Stay on the trail. That is a request, not a legal ban, and it applies to every visitor.
- No camping inside the monument and no pets.
- No swimming inside Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
- Drones may not take off, land or fly from land or water inside Glen Canyon and Rainbow Bridge unless the park superintendent has given a written exception.
- Getting to the lake costs separately: the Glen Canyon entrance fee is $30 per car for 7 days (2026). Private motorized boats up to 26 ft also need a Vessel Pass, $30 per week or $60 per year.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other ways to see the lake while Rainbow Bridge access is limited.
Lake Powell guide
Ramps, boat tours and swimming spots near Page.
Tours from Page and Las Vegas
Canyon, lake and overlook trips compared.
Things to do in Page
Viewpoints, canyons and the lake.
More background on the lake is in the Lake Powell guide on Adventures Arizona.
Rainbow Bridge: frequently asked questions
Can I drive to Rainbow Bridge?
No. There are no roads. You arrive by boat across Lake Powell with a walk, or by a long hike across Navajo land.
Is the Rainbow Bridge boat tour running?
The Wahweap marina tour is unavailable until further notice. Other options depend on the operator and the lake level, so ask before you plan.
Is there an entrance fee?
The monument has no entry fee. You pay for lake access separately, $30 per car for 7 days in 2026, plus a boat or tour, and the Navajo permit for the land route.
How long is the walk from the water?
It depends on the lake level. Around 2 miles round trip is a rough guide, and the dock currently does not reach the shore, so expect a muddy landing.
Can I walk under the bridge?
Please do not. The National Park Service asks visitors to stay on the trail and not approach or pass under the arch, out of respect for its sacred meaning.
Is this the official monument website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the official website of the National Park Service, the City of Page or the Navajo Nation.