Travel Information, Tours and Lodging
Distance from Rainbow Bridge, UT to Grand Canyon
- Rainbow Bridge via Boat: The only way to get to Rainbow Bridge is by boat, or by a multi-day backpacking trip. You can take rental boats, private boats, or take a boat tour across Lake Powell to get there. Once you reach the dock it is a 1.5-mile walk (which varies with water levels) to get to Rainbow Bridge. The city of Page, AZ is the best place to access Rainbow Bridge. Learn more about Page and get driving distances here.
- Rainbow Bridge on Foot: It is possible to backpack to Rainbow Bridge, but you do need to get a permit from the Navajo Tribe before you set out. Learn more about hiking to Rainbow Bridge.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument Tour Options
The main activity at Rainbow Bridge National Monument is visiting the Bridge, but the area around the Monument offers boating, fishing and hiking, canyoneering and much more. You can see some recommended tours in Page, AZ and Lake Powell below if you want to go on a guided tour, or check Grand Canyon Tours if you're visiting the canyon during your vacation and want a complete guide to tourist attractions in Grand Canyon National Park.
Best Hotels near Rainbow Bridge
The closest thing you can get to lodging at Rainbow Bridge is a houseboat you brought out from one of Lake Powell’s Marinas. Most nearby lodging is in Page, AZ and you can some some popular hotels below. Backpackers who hike into the area, have the option of camping near the Bridge. Aside from the houseboats, hotels in Glen Canyon NRA are available at Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas, while Bullfrog, Wahweap, and Halls Crossing have RV parks and campgrounds. Outside of the NRA the town of Page has many lodging options as well as RV parks and campgrounds. Dispersed camping along the shores of Lake Powell and the NRA is free.
Area Car Rental Options
Rainbow Bridge Car Rentals: There are several car rental agencies in Page, Arizona which is the closest city of any size to Rainbow Bridge, or you can pick one up at any major airport you fly into. If you want to find a rental car go to our Car Reservations page.
Rainbow Bridge Shuttles: There are a few companies that offer shuttles to Page, but the only real shuttles to Rainbow Bridge are boat tours.
Closest Airports to Rainbow Bridge
The closest airport to this isolated area is in the city of Page, but the only way to get to the monument is by boat, or by foot. The Page municipal airport has flights to Denver and Phoenix, as well several companies that run scenic flights over Rainbow Bridge. The closest major airports are Phoenix and Las Vegas International Airports, both of which are about 5 hours away from Page. Flagstaff Arizona has a small airport with daily flights and a drive time of about 2.5 hours from Page. St George Utah also has daily flights and is a little over 3 hours away from Page.
Best Restaurants and Dining Options
There are no services available at Rainbow Bridge. The Lake Powell Marinas and hotels have basic shopping and restaurants. Additional shopping options are available in Page including a major grocery store and a Wal Mart.
Weather and Climate
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is hot and dry in the summer, but it’s a nice time to be on the Lake Powell if you're visiting by boat. Spring weather is unpredictable and strong winds can make boating difficult, but it can also offer some great weather. Fall has the best overall climate, especially for hiking the 2-mile trail to Rainbow Bridge. Winter is fairly mild with highs in the 40’s to 50’s and lows around freezing so if you travel via boat it can definitely get cold, and most of the commercial facilities are shut down.
