articulate
Expedition Leader
It's back! The botched plan for Rainbow Bridge last Spring has been on my mind for months. I'm going in October to see this sandstone wonder on the Navajo Nation. Do you want to come along?
Fun Facts: Rainbow Bridge is the Earth's largest free-standing rock arch at 290 feet tall - almost the size of the Statue of Liberty. She spans the river by 275 feet, and makes her home on the Navajo Indian Reservation as a sacred site to Native Americans. Backcountry permits from the Navajo Nation are required, and as a sacred site there is no camping at the Bridge. This region hosts several incredible canyons that are worth the hike alone, so we'll take in much more than Rainbow Bridge. I have permits ready to be filled out.
The Plan: 2 nights and 3 days on the trail
Friday eve/night: Drive to Rainbow Lodge (requiring 4wd); which is just the trailhead, and no longer a working lodge.
Saturday: Hike to a camping spot in Cliff Canyon, a few miles from the Great Sandstone Wonder. This is about 7-8 miles from the trailhead.
Sunday: Day trip to the bridge early, and explore some canyons on the way back to camp.
Monday: Hike out and make our weary way back to civilization.
The hike to Rainbow Bridge is about 13 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 2600 feet. I like the idea of day-tripping to the Bridge, but if you're a stout hiker, you could totally do this in 2 days and 1 night on the trail, but it'd be a hell of a first day. You can't set up camp at the bridge, so you'd have to trek back to Cliff Canyon. The camping is reportedly better in this canyon system anyway.
So, who is interested? Here is an arial view as well:
I've done all the leg work, except for the hiking part, SO LET'S GO.
Mark
