A Bird’s-Eye View of the Iconic Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge

Looking into taking a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour? Before you takeoff, it is a great idea to get a better understanding of some of the breathtaking sights you'll experience along the way. That being said, there is arguably no bigger sight along the tour than the Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge. You've most likely seen the monumental landmark before, but do you actually know about it? The following article will help get you prepared for your helicopter tour by giving you a better perspective of the historical significance of Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge.

Located at the base of Navajo Mountain, Rainbow Bridge has been recognized as a Native American religious landmark for many centuries. What was once named Nonnezoshe, or “rainbow turned stone,” the bridge was initially known as a sacred marker for Ancient Pueblo societies, as well as for Paiute and Navajo groups, who came along much later.

It was not until 1909 that the first-ever publicized account of Rainbow Bridge surfaced. Shortly thereafter, two exploration parties (headed by Byron Cummings and W.B. Douglass) began searching for the legendary site. After weeks of enduring the treacherous conditions of the canyon and its surroundings, the groups decided to join forces and, along with the help of their Paiute guides, they ultimately found their way to Rainbow Bridge on the afternoon of August 15th, 1909.

By the next year, President W.H. Taft used his presidential proclamation to designate Rainbow Bridge as a US National Monument. Shortly thereafter, soon-to-be President Teddy Roosevelt and author Zane Grey were among the first visitors to make the trek to the bridge. Though the bridge experienced some increased tourism with the popularity-rise of river running in Glen Canyon, it wasn't until the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam that access to Rainbow Bridge became much more practical for tourists.

Today, roughly 300k people visit the landmark each year; the vast majority of whom travel by tour boat or private vessel to get there. However, by taking a helicopter tour, visitors no longer have to worry about the numerous travel complications associated with visiting the isolated location, such as travel time and overall safety. Also, when you visit Rainbow Bridge via helicopter, you are sure to receive a breathtakingly unique view of the bridge and its surroundings as you fly over – so be sure to have your camera ready!

Rainbow Bridge is undoubtedly one of the more recognizable natural monuments in the United States, if not also, the entire world. Don't miss your chance to experience it by booking a helicopter tour on your next visit to the Grand Canyon.