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.

Main image

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
Rainbow Bridge
37.0775, -110.9643

Best Time to Visit Rainbow Bridge #

Weather & Climate near Rainbow Bridge #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 11°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 27°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
17° 34°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
21° 37°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
20° 35°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 29°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

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