Backpack to Rainbow Bridge

This incredible trip isn't only about Rainbow Bridge. Honestly, the Bridge is just icing on the cake.

The scenery is breathtaking along the way, changing and evolving as you pass through epic canyons and climb over rocky ledges to be rewarded with spanning vistas. It really is amazing. There's even a teaser bridge hiding in a canyon along the way.

A little bit of a logistical effort, this trip requires a Navajo permit (secured well in advance by snail mail), a several hour car shuttle from Wahweap Marina to the trailhead, the 17+ mile hike itself, and arrangements to be picked up by boat when you arrive to the bridge.

Be forewarned that this is not an easy trail, you'll have to work for your reward. In addition to being remote, there's a decent amount of AEG as you climb up and down through the canyons. The trail itself varies between a pleasant pathway, rocky footing, flat unmarked slickrock, and sand. Make sure you have a map, because the trail isn't always well marked.

Spring is the best time for this trip, allowing you to avoid the heat of the summer, the limited water in fall, and the snow of the winter. It's possible to do this in two days, but I recommend spending more than one night in the canyon. There are several places to camp along the two different trails and there is so much to explore and enjoy.

It's important to note that the arch itself is sacred. Most visitors come by boat and only ever see the front side of the bridge; they are not permitted up near or underneath it. When backpacking, however, you approach the bridge from the back and must pass beneath it to get to the marina where your shuttle awaits. It almost feels disrespectful, but it's pretty amazing to cross underneath the towering arch.

After a few days of hiking, you board the boat and enjoy the spectacular ride through Lake Powell on the way back to your car. If you're smart, you've left a cooler of beverages with the boat crew to crack open as you get underway.