North Rainbow & Rainbow Lodge Trails
“Rainbow Bridge is one of the world's largest known natural bridges.”
The Rainbow Bridge Hike is a remote backcountry route in primitive terrain on the slopes of Navajo Mountain. This hike requires obtaining a backcountry permit from Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation before your trip.
Difficult
North Rainbow Trail: 29.8 miles (48 km)
Rainbow Lodge (South) Trail: 24.5 miles (39.4 km)
Hiking
The Rainbow Bridge Hike is a remote backcountry route that requires obtaining a backcountry permit from Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation before your trip.
Rainbow Bridge is one of the world's largest known natural bridges. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time – from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 85,000 people from around the world who visit it each year. 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. Few trail signs exist. The trails are mostly marked with small stone cairns. Both trails lay almost entirely upon Navajo Tribal Lands.
A Guide to the Rainbow Trails - Navajo Trails Task Force, Navajo Nations Park & Recreation
Rainbow Bridge general & hiking information - National Park Service (NPS)
North Rainbow Trail information - National Park Service (NPS)
Rainbow Lodge (South) Trail information - National Park Service (NPS)
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Directions
YOU MUST OBTAIN A PERMIT FROM NAVAJO NATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS HIKE!
Rainbow Bridge is only accessible by boat on Lake Powell or by land over a 14+ mile trail from the Navajo Nation (advance permit required).
By Hike: You may backpack to Rainbow Bridge across Navajo Nation lands. A permit from the Navajo Nation is required.
Pack out what you bring in. There are no facilites or trash receptacles along the trail to Rainbow Bridge in any direction.
Trail Details
Trailhead Coordinates: Contact Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation for permit
Trail Access: Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Backcountry Permit required. Permits are required from the Navajo Nation for those wishing to backpack to Rainbow Bridge.
Trail Surface: Slickrock, sand, earth, stone
Trail Condition: Minimally developed; not maintained
Trail Use Type: Hiking
Best Season: March-May or October-November
Parking at Trailhead: No
Restroom / Water: No
Pet Friendly: No
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Out and back
Trail Length:
North Rainbow Trail: 29.8 miles (48 km) out and back, 12.69 miles (20.4 km) one-way;
Rainbow Lodge (South) Trail: 24.5 miles (39.4 km) out and back, 12.77 miles (20.6 km) one-way
Elevation Gain / Loss:
North Rainbow Trail: 1,405’ descending;
Rainbow Lodge (South) Trail: 2,492’ descending
Elevation at Trailhead:
North Rainbow Trail: 5,132’
Rainbow Lodge (South) Trail: 6,343’
Cell Service: No
Land Manager: Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, National Park Service (NPS) - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA); Rainbow Bridge National Monument
