The Rainbow Bridge was designated a National Monument in 1910. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you get to this giant arch two ways: by a backcountry trek of 50 miles, or by a National Park Service boat from Lake Powell’s Wahweap boat launch. I chose the latter.

The Monument connects us with many Native American cultures. Hopi, Kaibab Paiute, Navajo, San Juan Southern Paiute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Zuni people have words/history about this place — “shrine,” “sacred place,” “bent rock,” and a divine “rock rainbow to cross the canyon,” (which is how it got its name.) This place dazzles today’s travelers, too, when you see it and realize you could fit a 25-story building underneath it!

When you decide to visit by boat, book ahead on the Monument’s website. The boat ride I took was fast and scenic (as you saw in my “Glen Canyon – Lake Powell” video a couple of posts ago.) There and back took a good part of the morning and afternoon, but they served a box lunch and narration of the surrounding landscapes kept things lively and interesting. {Note: boat trips may be cancelled by high winds.}

If you enjoy the American Southwest’s Canyon Country, you will be pleased by Rainbow Bridge. It ranks up there as one of my favorite arches in the world.

Original music “Molto Allegro in E Harmonious Minor for Brass Quintet”