Rainbow Bridge
Arch Natural sandstone arch sacred to Native Americans
Reached by boat on Lake Powell or by long hikes, Rainbow Bridge is a large natural sandstone arch; visitors come for boat trips, desert hiking, and photography beneath the span.
Rainbow Bridge is a large natural sandstone arch in southern Utah located near the northern reaches of Lake Powell. It is regarded as one of the largest natural bridges known and is protected within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The arch is a focal point for boat excursions on Lake Powell and for backcountry hikers who travel long trails into the Bridge Canyon area. Views from the lake level place the arch against a high canyon wall and provide close photographic access by water.
The bridge was formed by natural erosion of sandstone over long geological time. It has long held cultural and spiritual significance for several Native American groups in the region and was later documented and protected by U.S. authorities.
Rainbow Bridge sits on the Colorado River corridor at the northern end of Lake Powell in southern Utah near the Utah-Arizona border, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and adjacent federal lands.
- Access: Accessible either by boat on Lake Powell to the base of the arch or by a long, strenuous backcountry hike from surrounding desert roads
- Significance: Recognized as one of the largest known natural bridges in the world and protected within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Best Time to Visit Rainbow Bridge #
Weather & Climate near Rainbow Bridge #
Rainbow Bridge's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.