Rainbow Bridge by Boat

Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest natural bridges in the world, and Lake Powell is the practical way to reach it. The best way to go is a private boat day: a MasterCraft with a captain who knows the route, room for your whole group and shade for the long ride up the lake. Here is how the trip works, from the ride and the walk to the bridge to what to bring.

The Trip at a Glance

The Route

From Wahweap or Antelope Point, the ride runs up the main channel past Antelope Canyon and Navajo Canyon, across Padre Bay below Gunsight Butte, and on past West Canyon and Last Chance Bay. Near main-channel buoy 49, you turn into Forbidding Canyon and follow it into Bridge Canyon, slowing to wakeless speed as the walls close in. Navajo Mountain rises over the last stretch.

From Antelope Point it is about 47 miles one way. From Wahweap it is about 53, because when Castle Rock Cut is closed at low water, the route goes around Antelope Island through the main channel. See the route on our interactive Lake Powell map.

The Walk to the Bridge

Getting to the bridge always takes a walk of at least a mile from the boat, and how far depends on the lake level.

• At low water, the Park Service courtesy dock does not reach land. Boats beach where they can, and you walk through wet sand and mud to the start of the trail, at your own risk. The docks are reconnected to the trail when the lake rises to about 3,550 feet.
• The trail is sandy and rough in places, with some climbing, and has no shade. Wear sturdy shoes that can get muddy.
• Restrooms are only at the floating docks. There are none on the trail.
• Respect the bridge. Rainbow Bridge is sacred to Native American tribes of the area, and visitors are asked to view it from the viewing area rather than walk under it.

Private Boat or Jet Ski?

A private boat with a captain is the way most groups do Rainbow Bridge with us. Your captain handles the route, the timing and the fuel plan, and everyone gets shade, cooler space and a comfortable ride. Our MasterCraft boats seat 12 to 18 people. See boat rentals and guided tours.

By jet ski, the round trip is about 100 miles with no fuel along the way, which is more than one tank with a safe reserve. Jet ski riders should only go with a guide and a support plan. Call or text us before you plan it.

A Rainbow Bridge Day

1. Start earlyWe open at 7am. Early starts mean calm water on the long ride up the lake and a cooler walk to the bridge.
2. Ride up the lakeAbout 2 hours, with photo stops at Padre Bay and Gunsight Butte.
3. Walk to the bridgeAllow 1 to 2 hours for the walk in, time at the viewing area and the walk back.
4. Lunch and head backStop at a quiet cove to swim and eat, then return to the marina before the afternoon wind builds.

How to Book

1. Choose your boat onlinePick a MasterCraft for your group size, your marina and your date. Booking online is the fastest way to see open dates and live prices.
2. Add a captainAdd a captain right in the booking for the full day.
3. Tell us it is a Rainbow Bridge dayText us after you book so we can plan the start time and the route with you.
4. Meet our crew at the marinaYour boat is ready on the water with life jackets for everyone.

What to Bring

• Plenty of drinking water. In summer, plan on about a gallon per person.
• Lunch and snacks. There are no stores or restaurants up the lake.
• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. There is no shade on the trail.
• Sturdy shoes or sandals that can get wet and muddy.
• A dry bag for phones and cameras. Cell service is spotty up the lake.

Photos

Good to Know

• The monument is closed from sunset to sunrise, and there is no camping inside it.
• There is no fuel stop between the south-end marinas and the Bullfrog area since Dangling Rope Marina closed.
• Afternoon wind can build chop in Padre Bay and the main channel, so plan to head back by mid-afternoon.
• Drivers need to be 18 or older with a valid driver license. Passengers of any age can ride with a parent or guardian’s approval.
• You only pay Glen Canyon park entry for your own vehicle. There is no vessel fee for our boats. See entrance fees.
• Read more about the bridge itself in our Rainbow Bridge guide.

Along the Way

• Rainbow Bridge guide
• Padre Bay
• Gunsight Canyon
• West Canyon
• Lake Powell map
• Page, AZ boat and jet ski rentals