Made a run up to Rainbow Bridge on Lake Powell this summer...

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I checked a bucket list item off for my wife with this one.

Quick short back story... I had spent time on Lake Powell years ago before I met my wife and she had never been. So a few years ago we started going and this was hopefully the trip for her to see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, it was something we talked about sooner but just never followed through. This summer, we decided to tow the boat up to Lake Powell and leave it in storage in Page while we would go back and forth throughout the summer. You get the idea.

So here we go... From Lake Havasu to Lake Powell with boat in tow.

 

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Several hours later, arrive in Page and fill up the boat and head up to Wahweap.

 

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Check in at the marina for our reserved boat slip and the Lake Powell Resort for the week.

Lake view room, not bad.

 

[BUDMAN]

More pics please.

 

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Each day we would use the Castle Rock Cut to get to our destinations for this week. I planned accordingly with the lake levels hitting just right.

 

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The journey to Rainbow Bridge would take us a couple hours. We planned to get started early before any summer boat traffic and knew we would want to stop along the way to take it the views. Another thought with the early plan that is worth mentioning is that once you arrive at the docks, parking could be limited. And another factor to consider is the heat, the hike isn’t too long (about a mile to the view point from the dock).

The boat ride up the lake is amazingly breathtaking!

 

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So when following the lake, pay attention to the markers. We would be headed to marker 49, that is where the entrance into Forbidden Canyon is. The canyon is a couple miles deep and is really cool with tall walls.

 

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I have found it helpful and important to make note of lake levels, as the last four years have seen lots of variations. On this trip (july’25) the lake level was around 3587’.

 

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Also equally important to be prepared for weather to change (expect it to, because it will)! You are on your own at Lake Powell. We did not see a single boat between Last Chance Bay and the entrance of Forbidden Canyon on the morning of this day trip.

 

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Near what looks to be the end of the canyon is a sign that points to a narrow passage. That passage leads to the docks and the trailhead.

 

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The views and feelings that run through you after that passage seem surreal. This top picture shows the first boat we saw that day after passing Last Chance Bay. They are seen here just after leaving the docks from around the next bend. I think this was around 9am Utah time and was just around 95 degrees. The jungle boat ride at Disneyland hasn’t got shit like this place!

 

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The docks are well maintained by the NPS. There are also bathrooms at this location.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Wow!! Such amazing photos. I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in person. Keep the photos coming!!!

 

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As I mentioned earlier, the hike is easy. Many even walk in flip flops, not me tho (I put some shoes on). It’s a relatively flat hike and well maintained, part of the trail is even concrete.

Things to consider, we selected to get there early for a few reasons.
Parking can be limited on weekends, holidays and summer months.
It’s hot, nobody enjoys hiking when its over 100 degrees.
Even when its hot, the morning shade in the canyon feels pretty good with a light down canyon breeze.
Thunderstorms in afternoon forecast. We want to get back before things change.

 

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First glance from a distance…

 

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Some cool things to see along the trail, don’t forget to bring drinking water with you. And pack it in, pack it out!!!

Getting closer…

 

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Boom, we made it! Pictures don’t even come close to how rad it is.

 

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There are two areas with shelter and benches near the viewpoint, again very well maintained by the NPS.

 

[hallett21]

Thank you for sharing!!!



Insane that it had water under it at one point

 

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The walk back to the docks doesn’t suck either (as long as you still have water). Found myself just not wanting to leave.

 

[Ducksquasher]

Awesome!

 

[ultra26shadow]

Is it easy in the narrow canyon if a boat is coming the opposite direction? Also I would assume no wake zone?

 

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Some fun facts...

Rainbow Bridge is NOT one of the seven wonders of the world. However it IS one of the largest natural arches in the world.

It has been estimated that up to 300k people visit each year.

The arch stands almost 300 fee tall, spans almost 300 feet wide across the river, it over 40 feet thick and is 30+ feet wide across the top.

Hiking distance will vary based on lake levels and the ability for the NPS to set docks.

 

[throttle]

Is it easy in the narrow canyon if a boat is coming the opposite direction? Also I would assume no wake zone?

Yes, the passage is narrow, but still wide enough for you and I to pass each other (I trust you tho, its the other guy that I don't know, I might just let him go first). The passage will also vary with water levels. There are larger tour boats that pass thru often, visibility is good in both directions. It does change to a no wake area too.

 

[D Mac]

Is it easy in the narrow canyon if a boat is coming the opposite direction? Also I would assume no wake zone?

We idle into canyons every time there. Sometimes some Ahole is coming the opposite way on plane or plowing. I get a little nervous around blind, tight corners but have never had any near misses. Plowing makes it rough for quite a while when it's tight screwing it up for the next guy.

 

[92562]

I love the sign about respecting a religious site. In the 80s and 90s Navajo merchants set up shop directly under it to sell souvenirs!

 

[BUDMAN]

Looks like a great trip. Wish the wife and I had the time and means to do stuff like this.
Love seeing all your adventures.
Thanks for sharing

 

[crzy2bealive]

We visited years ago with the kids on a tour boat.

Amazing place!

 

[Joe mama]

How long has it been since you could boat under the arch?

 

[Activated]

I had a picture from the early 90’s with water just under Rainbow Bridge…not sure if I have it still. You could motor your boat all the way back almost to it.

 

[mesquito_creek]

You used the cut? Were you able to use a depth finder? I have been pussing out and going around.

 

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You used the cut? Were you able to use a depth finder? I have been pussing out and going around.

I meant to mention the water level that day was around 3586 back in July. About 7-9 feet deep.

I have not used the cut since around aug 10.

 

[riverroyal]

Did this exact trip a few years ago
Havasu tow to wahweepe. Got a slip for 5 days.
Each day a destination.

One trip I sure wish I had the larger fuel tank.

In a cheesey type statement, it's sorta life changing. Hard to explain how amazing the sights are.

 

[crzy2bealive]

Did this exact trip a few years ago
Havasu tow to wahweepe. Got a slip for 5 days.
Each day a destination.

One trip I sure wish I had the larger fuel tank.

In a cheesey type statement, it's sorta life changing. Hard to explain how amazing the sights are.

I was a bit paranoid with the gas situation. Brought 10 extra gallons with me everywhere I went.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Did this exact trip a few years ago
Havasu tow to wahweepe. Got a slip for 5 days.
Each day a destination.

One trip I sure wish I had the larger fuel tank.

In a cheesey type statement, it's sorta life changing. Hard to explain how amazing the sights are.

Not cheesey in the least.
Each year my wife and I try to take at least one group out on our houseboat who have never been there before.

They all say the same thing afterwards.
It's truly an amazing place.