Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Where Our Boat Docked after an exciting travel inside the canyon 

 Best Time of the Day To Visit: Afternoon Boat Tour to avoid facing the harsh sun photographing the Rainbow Bridge ( however, all shots here were facing the sun middle of the day because we did not have a choice :(, only one boat tour that left in the morning).

Our First Glimpse of Rainbow Brdige

To continue from my previous post on Lake Powell Boat Tour, after traveling 50 miles on the waters of Lake Powell from Wahweap Marina in Page, we reached our destination, The Rainbow Bridge National Monument. From where we docked, the hike to Rainbow Bridge National Monument was only 1.5 miles on an easy well maintained trail.

Rainbow Brdige is the world's largest known natural bridge which spans 275 feet. The Rainbow Bridge is considered sacred by Navajo Indian Tribes.  

The National Park system asks the visitors to honor and respect the cultures of the Navajo Indian Tribes. The neighboring Indian tribes travel to Rainbow Bridge to pray and make offerings near and under its lofty span. Special prayers are said before passing beneath the Bridge. In respect of these long-standing beliefs, the National Park system request the visitors cooperation in not approaching or walking under the Rainbow Bridge. - source: Rainbow Bridge National Monument Park site

Rainbow Bridge As Seen from The Trail

 If you click the picture above, you will see people in front of the bridge. That will give you a sense of scale how huge is this bridge.

 We got there about 10:00 am, and we were facing the harsh sunlight. We were told that the best time to visit the Rainbow Bridge for photography is in the afternoon, because photographing it would not be facing the harsh rays of the sun. However, because visitation to Page was low at the time of our visit, they only had one boat tour to the bridge, which was morning. In the summer, when the water level of Lake Powell goes higher from the melting of snow, the boat usually docks closer to the Rainbow Bridge. If you have seen photos of Rainbow Bridge reflected on calm waters of Lake Powell in this Canyon, it must be taken during the summer when the water level is higher. Of course, the only drawback with visiting during the summer and in the afternoon, is the heat. Because this is in the desert, summer temperature can go very high.

 Pink Bush I saw Lining in the canyons Going to Rainbow Bridge

( I wonder if they are dwarf red bud since they were too far for me to see)

The Rainbow Bridge can also be accessed through backpacking. Hikers have to apply permit from the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. It is 13 miles one way, over rugged terrains from Navajo Mountain to Echo Canyon to rainbow Bridge. The recommend at least 3 days backpacking for this hike. 

After one hour on land at Rainbow Bridge, we cruised back to Wahweap Marina in Page. More about Lake Powell and Wahweap Marina in my next post.

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