St. George to Rainbow Bridge
The world's largest known natural bridge stands 290 feet tall in a remote canyon at the edge of Lake Powell. Sacred to Navajo people and spectacular to all who make the journey, Rainbow Bridge is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the American Southwest.
I-15 North → US-89 North → US-89 to Page, AZ → Lake Powell boat
275 miles
Distance
4.5 hours + boat
Drive Time
east
Direction
May through October
Best Time
3,700 feet (Lake Powell surface level) elevation
Driving from St. George to Rainbow Bridge
Route: I-15 North → US-89 North → US-89 to Page, AZ → Lake Powell boat
Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, pick up US-89 heading east through Kanab and the spectacular Glen Canyon region, continue to Page, Arizona. From the Wahweap Marina just north of the Glen Canyon Dam, board a tour boat for the 50-mile, 3-hour round-trip journey across Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge. Alternatively, depart from Bullfrog Marina on the Utah side for a longer but scenic approach.
About Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge National Monument protects the world's largest known natural bridge — a graceful arc of salmon-pink Navajo sandstone rising 290 feet above the canyon floor with a span of 275 feet. That span is wide enough to comfortably fit the United States Capitol beneath its arch. Located in a remote canyon tributary on the Utah-Arizona border, Rainbow Bridge was nearly inaccessible for most of human history and remains one of the most remote national monuments in the country.
The most accessible route today is by boat across Lake Powell, the massive reservoir created by Glen Canyon Dam in 1966. From Wahweap Marina near Page, Arizona, guided tour boats make the 50-mile journey one-way across the lake, threading through spectacular canyon walls before docking at the Rainbow Bridge landing. The 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the dock to the bridge passes through Bridge Canyon with sheer walls rising hundreds of feet overhead. For the Navajo Nation, the bridge is a sacred site known as Nonnezoshe — the Rainbow Turned to Stone — and visitors are asked to respect its spiritual significance by not walking beneath or over the arch itself.
Before Lake Powell filled, reaching Rainbow Bridge required a grueling 14-mile overland hike across Navajo land from the Navajo Mountain area — a journey that took multiple days. That route still exists for permit holders willing to make the commitment. Theodore Roosevelt visited Rainbow Bridge in 1913 and declared it one of the most impressive natural wonders he had ever seen. Today, the boat trip through Glen Canyon's drowned canyon country is a spectacular experience in its own right, with towering red rock walls, hidden coves, and the play of light on water creating one of the American West's most distinctive landscapes.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Kanab — 160 miles / 2 hr 30 min (gas, restaurants, hotels)
- Page, AZ — 275 miles / 4.5 hr (full services — fuel up here before the boat tour)
Weather & Climate
Page, Arizona is a desert town with hot summers (95-110°F June-August) and mild winters (35-55°F). Lake Powell water temperature ranges from 50°F in winter to 80°F+ in summer. Wind is common on the lake — afternoon gusts can make the boat ride rough. Monsoon storms (July-September) can develop quickly and cause choppy lake conditions and tour cancellations.
Best Time to Visit
May through October
Summer (May-September) sees the most boat tours operating with warm lake temperatures perfect for swimming. June and July are hot (100°F+) but the lake and canyon walls provide shade. September and October are the ideal months — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and dramatic light. Spring tours begin in April. Winter boat tours are limited and some services close. Book early for any summer weekend.
Things to Do in Rainbow Bridge
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Arizona.
Rainbow Bridge & The Monument
Rainbow Bridge
Included with boat tourThe world's largest known natural bridge at 290 feet tall and 275 feet wide. The salmon-pink Navajo sandstone arch frames a sky window of remarkable symmetry. The Navajo consider it sacred — visitors are asked not to walk beneath the arch out of respect for tribal religious practices.
Morning boat tours allow the best photography light on the bridge face
Bridge Canyon Trail
Free with boat accessA 1.5-mile round-trip trail from the boat dock to Rainbow Bridge through a stunning narrow canyon. The canyon walls rise hundreds of feet and the trail surface is sandy with minimal elevation gain. Rangers are stationed at the bridge during peak season.
Lake Powell Boat Tour (Wahweap)
$120-$160 per personThe primary way most visitors reach Rainbow Bridge. Tour boats depart from Wahweap Marina near Page, AZ, traveling 50 miles one-way through Glen Canyon's flooded canyon country. Full-day tours last 6-7 hours. Half-day tours are available in some seasons.
Book well in advance for peak season (May-September) — tours fill months ahead
Guided Boat Tours from Bullfrog
$150-$200 per personBullfrog Marina on the Utah side of Lake Powell offers a longer, more scenic boat journey to Rainbow Bridge. The 150-mile round trip passes through some of the most spectacular lake scenery including the Escalante River arms and Halls Crossing.
Lake Powell Exploration
Glen Canyon Dam
FreeThe 710-foot concrete arch dam that created Lake Powell. Located in Page, AZ, the dam offers free guided tours of the powerhouse and visitor center exhibits on the Colorado River system. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center provides panoramic views into Glen Canyon.
Antelope Canyon
$50-$80 per person for guided tourThe world-famous slot canyon is just 8 miles from Page and easily combined with a Rainbow Bridge boat trip. Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew) both require guided Navajo-led tours. Book far in advance for peak season.
Upper Antelope Canyon midday light beams occur March-October around noon
Horseshoe Bend
$10 per vehicleThe iconic 270-degree meander of the Colorado River is just 5 miles from Page. A 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking area reaches the rim of the 1,000-foot gorge. Sunrise and sunset are the most dramatic viewing times.
Wahweap Bay & Marina
Varies by activityThe hub for Lake Powell recreation near Page. Boat rentals, jet ski rentals, houseboats, and guided fishing trips are available. The marina also has a resort, restaurants, and the primary launch point for Rainbow Bridge tours.
Padre Bay
Requires boat accessOne of Lake Powell's most expansive and beautiful sections, with Cathedral Valley-like sandstone formations rising from the water. Accessible by powerboat or houseboat. Good swimming and fishing.
Overland Route (Advanced)
Navajo Mountain Trailhead
Navajo Nation permit requiredThe original overland route to Rainbow Bridge begins near Navajo Mountain on the Navajo Nation. The 14-mile one-way hike through canyon country requires a Navajo Nation permit and a guide in some areas. This is a remote, multi-day wilderness experience for experienced hikers only.
Contact the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation for current permit requirements before planning
Navajo Mountain
Navajo Nation permit requiredThe sacred 10,388-foot dome visible from much of the region is the spiritual and geographic anchor of the Rainbow Bridge area. The mountain is on the Navajo Nation and access requires a permit.
Page, Arizona Base Camp
Lake Powell Resorts at Wahweap
$130-$250/nightThe main resort complex at Lake Powell operated by Aramark, with hotel rooms, a marina, boat rentals, tour bookings, restaurants, and a pool. Conveniently located for both Rainbow Bridge tours and Antelope Canyon visits.
Birdhouse Inn
$80-$130/nightA popular budget option in Page with clean rooms and convenient location. Page is a small town with limited hotel options, so book early during peak season.
Big John's Texas Bar-B-Q
$$Page's most popular local restaurant featuring slow-smoked BBQ, homemade sides, and generous portions. A favorite of river guides, boaters, and park workers who call Page home.
Stromboliʼs Restaurant
$$Italian food in the Arizona desert — this Page institution serves solid pasta, pizza, and calzones. Popular with tour guides and a good option for carb-loading before an early morning boat tour.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Rainbow Bridge Drive
Book Rainbow Bridge boat tours months in advance — peak season (May-September) tours sell out fast
Arrive at Wahweap Marina at least 30 minutes before your tour departure — parking fills quickly during summer
Visitors are asked by the Navajo Nation not to walk beneath the arch of Rainbow Bridge — respect this request
Combine the boat tour with afternoon visits to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend for a full-value Page day trip
Lake Powell water levels vary significantly year to year — check current conditions as very low levels can affect access to the bridge dock
The boat journey is 3+ hours round-trip on open water — bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers as it can be windy even on hot days
Wahweap Marina has a full-service restaurant, gift shop, and boat rentals — arrive early and make a full day of it
For the best photography of Rainbow Bridge, position yourself with the arch framing the sky and shoot in the morning hours
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Rainbow Bridge
How do I get to Rainbow Bridge from St. George?
The most common route is driving approximately 275 miles (4.5 hours) to Page, Arizona via US-89, then taking a guided boat tour from Wahweap Marina. The one-way boat journey is about 50 miles and takes roughly 1.5 hours each way. Full-day tours depart in the morning. A much longer alternative departs from Bullfrog Marina in Utah.
How tall is Rainbow Bridge?
Rainbow Bridge stands 290 feet tall with a span of 275 feet, making it the world's largest known natural bridge. The United States Capitol building could fit beneath it. The bridge formed as a stream carved through a sandstone fin over millions of years.
Can I walk under Rainbow Bridge?
Visitors are asked not to walk beneath the arch of Rainbow Bridge out of respect for Navajo spiritual beliefs — the bridge is sacred to the Navajo people. The National Park Service supports this request. You can walk right up to the base of the bridge and photograph it from all angles, just not pass beneath it.
How much does the Rainbow Bridge boat tour cost?
Guided boat tours from Wahweap Marina typically cost $120-$160 per adult for the full-day tour. Prices vary by operator and season. Book directly through Lake Powell Resorts or through authorized Navajo tour operators. Some private boat rentals allow self-guided visits, but the tour experience provides context and convenience.
Can I hike to Rainbow Bridge without a boat?
Yes, but it is an extremely remote and demanding undertaking. The overland trail from near Navajo Mountain is approximately 14 miles one-way through rugged canyon country on the Navajo Nation. A Navajo Nation permit is required and guided trips are strongly recommended. This is a multi-day backcountry experience, not a day hike.
What else can I do near Rainbow Bridge on the same trip?
Page, Arizona is an ideal base. Antelope Canyon (8 miles from Page) is the world-famous slot canyon best visited by guided Navajo tour. Horseshoe Bend (5 miles from Page) is a spectacular Colorado River overlook. Glen Canyon Dam and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center are in town. Combined, these three attractions plus the Rainbow Bridge tour make for a perfect two-day trip from St. George.
Nearby Destinations from Rainbow Bridge
Lake Powell / Page
Nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, deep red canyons, and crystal-clear water make Lake Powell one of the most stunning reservoirs in the world. The nearby town of Page offers Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend
One of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the American West. The Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree horseshoe-shaped bend 1,000 feet below a sheer cliff overlook near Page, Arizona. A short hike and a lifetime memory.
Antelope Canyon & Page
The world-famous slot canyons of Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend are just over four hours from St. George. Combined with Lake Powell, Page, Arizona offers some of the most photographed landscapes on Earth.
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Rainbow Bridge
St. George to Rainbow Bridge — 275 miles, 4.5 hours + boat Drive
Rainbow Bridge National Monument protects the world's largest known natural bridge — a graceful arc of salmon-pink Navajo sandstone rising 290 feet above the canyon floor with a span of 275 feet. That span is wide enough to comfortably fit the United States Capitol beneath its arch. Located in a remote canyon tributary on the Utah-Arizona border, Rainbow Bridge was nearly inaccessible for most of human history and remains one of the most remote national monuments in the country.
The route from St. George, Utah to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Arizona covers 275 miles and takes approximately 4.5 hours + boat via I-15 North → US-89 North → US-89 to Page, AZ → Lake Powell boat. Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, pick up US-89 heading east through Kanab and the spectacular Glen Canyon region, continue to Page, Arizona. From the Wahweap Marina just north of the Glen Canyon Dam, board a tour boat for the 50-mile, 3-hour round-trip journey across Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge. Alternatively, depart from Bullfrog Marina on the Utah side for a longer but scenic approach.
Things to Do in Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge & The Monument: Rainbow Bridge, Bridge Canyon Trail, Lake Powell Boat Tour (Wahweap). Lake Powell Exploration: Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend. Overland Route (Advanced): Navajo Mountain Trailhead, Navajo Mountain. Page, Arizona Base Camp: Lake Powell Resorts at Wahweap, Birdhouse Inn, Big John's Texas Bar-B-Q.
Best Time to Visit Rainbow Bridge
Summer (May-September) sees the most boat tours operating with warm lake temperatures perfect for swimming. June and July are hot (100°F+) but the lake and canyon walls provide shade. September and October are the ideal months — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and dramatic light. Spring tours begin in April. Winter boat tours are limited and some services close. Book early for any summer weekend.
Travel Tips
Book Rainbow Bridge boat tours months in advance — peak season (May-September) tours sell out fast. Arrive at Wahweap Marina at least 30 minutes before your tour departure — parking fills quickly during summer. Visitors are asked by the Navajo Nation not to walk beneath the arch of Rainbow Bridge — respect this request. Combine the boat tour with afternoon visits to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend for a full-value Page day trip.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Lake Powell / Page, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon & Page.