By STEVE CHRISTENSEN
Contributing Writer
Rainbow Bridge is one of the smallest national monuments, and one of the most remote. It lies within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The monument consists of just 160 acres. It was established to protect one of the most impressive natural features in the world.
Rainbow Bridge is one of Earth’s largest natural bridges. It is a classic natural bridge, being formed by running water. Over millions of years the stream wore away the sandstone. Other erosional processes occurred, as well as rock falls, eventually leaving what we know today as Rainbow Bridge. The terms “arch” and “bridge” are often used interchangeably, the only difference being how the feature is formed. A bridge is formed by running water (stream). An arch is formed by other erosional processes.
Rainbow Bridge is huge. The open span is 234 feet (revised from an original estimate of 275 feet) and the bridge is 290 feet tall. The bridge at the top is 42 feet thick.
Although Utah is famous for its sandstone arches and bridges, these natural phenomenon occur all over the world. The arch with the greatest span is Fairy Bridge, in China, with a span of about 295 feet. The tallest arch is Shipton’s Arch, also in China, at an estimated 1,200 feet.
There are hundreds of bridges and arches in Utah, mostly found in Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Escalante-Staircase National Monument. Two of the most famous arches are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, both located in Arches National Park, which has the largest concentration of natural arches in the world. What all arches and bridges have in common is that they will eventually fall. The same forces that created the awe inspiring geologic features will eventually be their demise.
Human beings live such a short period that most geologic features seem to change little or not at all. In fact, in all of human history few geologic features have changed perceptively. While humans count time in years and decades, Geologic time is measured in hundreds of thousands or even millions of years.
Short float, long hike
Even though Rainbow Bridge seems remote, it is actually one of the most accessible of the large natural bridges in the world. It can be reached by boat or hike. You can take your personal boat or during last spring, summer, and early autumn you can take a commercial boat trip from Wahweap Marina.
The commercial boat ride is about two hours. Once you reach the location, it is necessary to hike approximately 1.5 miles from the lake to the observation area. People wishing to go on a commercial trip need to contact Aramak, the Recreation area’s concessioner. Boat tours from Bullfrog Marina are no longer offered. Tours may resume in the future, but according to the an Aramak spokesman, there is no plan to do so at this time.
Getting to Rainbow Bridge on foot is a daunting undertaking. There are two hiking trails, each requiring a permit from the Navajo Nation. Each hike is over 17 miles. Remote camping (backpacking) is allowed along these trails but have restrictions. People who wish to undertake such an endeavor should contact the Navajo Nation for permits and information.
Author’s note: Information in this article is provided as general information only. With the varying levels of Lake Powell, things tend to change often and quickly. People wishing to visit Rainbow Bridge should do their own research. Some of the information for this article came from the National Park Service and from Wikipedia.