Utah's Least-Visited National Monument Is A Stunning Natural Bridge That's Worth The Trip

You might think the Rainbow Bridge in Utah would get more visitors. It's your classic stone archway, with its perfect curve and sturdy red-rock surface. Located near the shores of Lake Powell, a snaking reservoir in the southwestern desert, the site has photogenic rock formations, swimmable waters, and rugged hiking trails.

If you had to find the perfect image of Utah, Rainbow Bridge National Monument would be it: epic and beautiful, as if sculpted by a divine force. The moment you see this gateway rising out of the cliffs, you have little choice but to gaze in awe — and take a few hundred pictures. Just like in this popular U.S. national park, you can hike up to an incredible stone arch. And with a name like "Rainbow Bridge," who could resist a visit?

There's just one challenge: this particular national monument is shockingly hard to get to. No roads come this way, and the arid climate can be deadly in any season. In other words, there's no shortcut to the arch, so if you want to see this natural wonder up-close, be prepared to work (and pay) for it. But adventurous travelers will appreciate the chance to make the journey, not to mention thinner crowds when they arrive. This is a place where a dynamic waterway, remote deserts, and Indigenous lands all intersect, and getting there is half the fun.

As a physical feature, the Rainbow Arch looks like many spectacular sites around Utah. Indeed, the state claims more than 2,000 stone arches, which were sculpted over time from sandstone and geologic pressure. Yet the Rainbow Bridge is among the tallest arches in the world, with a prominence of 290 feet; the National Park Service mentions on its website that this is nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty. Unlike many locations, this monument has an "undiscovered" ambiance; there's no visitor's center, nor is there even a ranger's station nearby. You can walk the quieter sections and feel like you're the first human ever to come here.

To go, most people take a long boat journey from Page, Arizona. This town of about 7,300 residents is considered the gateway to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Lake Powell is a meandering reservoir with high cliffs and narrow channels; the many offshoots are popular among boaters and water sports enthusiasts, drawing about 3 million visitors each year.

Tour boats leave from Page and motor their way to the Rainbow Bridge Trailhead; the path to the monument is relatively easy to traverse and takes about 20 minutes. You should plan to commit seven hours to this tour, which runs from May to October. You're also welcome to bring your own watercraft and make your way to the Rainbow Bridge. There's no entry fee and visitors can spend a whole day here, any time of the year; just note that the grounds close from dusk till dawn. If you already know about Utah's Mighty Five Road Trip, Lake Powell is a fantastic add-on.

In theory, adventurous hikers could walk to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is a demanding route, which would require desert survival skills and impeccable navigation, but it can be done. A trail system connects to the Rainbow Bridge by way of nearby Navajo Mountain, and the full length is about 14 miles. The desert is a big hurdle, especially in summer, when temperatures can surge beyond 100° Fahrenheit, but another is bureaucratic: the lands to the south and east are all part of the Navajo Nation, and non-residents require a special permit to hike and camp here. If you want to pursue this challenge, contact the tribal government for the necessary paperwork and fees.

The vast majority of visitors to Lake Powell end up staying in Page, which has a good number of hotels and campsites. There are exceptions for folks who like to rough it, such as this scenic beachfront campground in Utah with unparalleled views and access to Lake Powell; just know that spending the night on the Rainbow Bridge site is strictly prohibited. If you put in your own boat, you're welcome to bed down on the water itself.

One last thing: don't confuse the "Rainbow Bridge" with "Little Rainbow Bridge." Like many descriptive monuments, these two sites are similar in nature — stone arches — and are both located in the state of Utah. However, Little Rainbow Bridge is also known as the Corona Arch, and it's situated outside of Moab, about four and a half hours by car from Page. Both are worth visiting and are associated with outdoorsy towns, but make sure to plug the right one into your GPS.