Hiking

Trail to Rainbow Bridge From Boat Dock

Begins at Courtesy Boat Dock and ends at Observation Area
Approximately 1.5 mile (2.4 km) one way depending on lake level.
No restrooms available after the dock. Pack out what you bring in.
Visit the Maps page

Bring water, wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, and enjoy breaks. There are two shade shelters along the way providing great spots for rest and reflection.

Hikers can continue on trail around east side of the bridge which ends at the boundary fence. Hiking beyond this point requires an advance permit from Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation.

 

A ranger surveys Redbud Pass on the Rainbow Bridge South trail.

Backpacking to Rainbow Bridge from the Navajo Nation

Hiking on Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation land requires advance backcountry permits.

Trails Overview

Rainbow Bridge National Monument can be reached by way of two hiking trails whose trailheads are located in the vicinity of Navajo Mountain. The two trails are located on Navajo Tribal Lands and terminate at Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The trails traverse rough canyon country and are not recommended for the beginning, casual or careless hiker. In summer, the trails are hot and dry; in winter, elevations make them subject to severe cold and high winds. Portions of both trails are subject to flash flooding during thunderstorms. Neither trail is maintained. Be prepared! Search, rescue and evacuation can be time-consuming and expensive. Neither the National Park Service nor the Navajo Nation is responsible for search and rescue operations that may need to be carried out on this trail system.

Few trail signs exist. The trails are mostly marked with small stone cairns. These can be washed away during flash floods, so carry the appropriate 7.5’ quad maps.

It is important to note that both trails lay almost entirely upon Navajo Tribal Lands. Utmost respect must be paid to homes, hogans, sweat lodges, and archeological sites along the way. It is preferred that vehicles not be left at the trailheads. Do not harass horses or livestock. Practice Leave No Trace backcountry ethics at all times: pack out all trash, build fires in established fire rings only, do not bury human waste near water sources, and most importantly, stay on the established trail.

 

Before You Begin

• Check weather reports. Do not attempt the hike if rain is in the forecast.

• Arrange drop-off and pick-up in advance. If hiking one-way to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, you can contact the Glen Canyon NRA Concessioner Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas directly at their Boat Tours desk: 928-645-1064 to arrange paid boat transportation out if they are currently offering tours. Your pickup/dropoff is subject to their schedule.

• Contact Navajo Parks for permits to hike upon Navajo Tribal Lands. Do not attempt the hike without acquiring permits.

• Contact the Navajo Mountain Chapter for current trail conditions.

• Obtain 7.5’ USGS topographic maps. These are available at the Glen Canyon Conservancy Flagship store in Page, AZ.

  • South Trail maps are: Chaiyahi Flat and Rainbow Bridge

  • North Trail maps are: Chaiyahi Rim NE, Navajo Begay, and Rainbow Bridge

 

Trail Guides

North Trail (PDF)
South Trail (PDF)