Page, AZ
You may backpack to Rainbow Bridge across Navajo Nation lands. A permit from the Navajo Nation is required. You may write to: Navajo Nation, Parks and Recreation Department, Box 9000, Window Rock, Arizona 86515.
Driving Instructions
At the intersection of Hwy 98 and Coppermine Road (Big Lake Trading Post), take Hwy 98 east 51.1 miles to the Inscription House Trading Post turnoff (Indian Rd 16).
Take Indian Rd 16 25.1 miles on pavement and 5.4 miles on dirt to the Navajo Mountain Trading Post fork-bear right and drive about 8.5 miles past the Navajo Mountain Trading Post.
Along the main road, it is 3.7 miles past the trading post to a 4-way intersection with several structures including a stone warehouse.
Go straight through the intersection for 2.8 miles, the road forks here.
Take the straight fork (across earthen dam), road forks again after 0.4 miles.
Take left fork 1.6 miles until road ends at Cha Canyon.
Fork right by corral and park at the base of cliff. Trailhead (no signs) starts at end of the road.
Trail Description
The following information has been compiled from an NPS archival trail guide and a hike completed in January 2004. This is the slightly longer and more scenic route of the two trails to Rainbow Bridge. The trail follows the north slope of Navajo Mountain and exhibits extremes in temperature. Water is generally available, but drought can dry these sources. The trail is not marked, and in some places is hard to follow. The first half of the trail is crisscrossed with various livestock and wildlife trails and paths to summer hogans, and confuse the unwary hiker-be alert. This is a minimum two day round trip-three days recommended. Mileages are approximate:
Mile Trail Notes
0 The road to the trailhead is rough and rocky, high center or 4W vehicles are recommended. Know where you are going prior to going out there.
Trailhead- no water available, good camping areas. Beware-no trailhead sign. Trail enters canyon and continues on other side. Close gate behind you as you start down Cha Canyon.
1 Cha Canyon-Creek is usually running.
3.5 Bald Rock Canyon-Deep, good campsite, water (intermittent as in all
following streams). Interesting trail construction. Nice scenic view from top. Cave on right wall ¼ mile below stream crossing.
5 Pass an old hogan, go up a sandy hill behind small Navajo sweat house.
Hill is crisscrossed with many small animal trails. The main trail
becomes more apparent on top of the hill. As you go down into the
canyon, notice the bedrock was notched out like stairs. This was
done so pack mules wouldn’t slip and fall on the slick rock.
6.5 N’asja Creek-Good campsite, picnic table, and water available-you will pass an old sweat lodge ½ mile further, and then you’ll see Owl Bridge on your left side. Do not climb or walk on top of the bridge. Awesome views as you climb out of the canyon. You’ll pass another old hogan on the left on the way to Oak Canyon.
10 Oak Canyon-Water is available. Poor campsites except further
downstream. Take the trail heading up the hill, south, “not downstream”.
No water available approximately 3 miles from Oak Canyon.
11.5 Trail enters Bridge Canyon, via long, narrow downhill trek. Water and
campsites available further down the canyon. Can become very hot with
the heat reflecting off the canyon walls.
15 Bridge Canyon joins Redbud Creek. This is where the North trail meets the South Trail. Go to your right, downstream to Rainbow Bridge. Water and campsites are available.
Echo Camp-Nearest campsite to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Please close the last gate behind you.
17.5 Rainbow Bridge-Rainbow Bridge is considered sacred to local Indian
tribes. The NPS requests that hikers do not walk or sit under the bridge
in respect of these beliefs.
Source; NPS, Corie Marks
Stu Marks
Editor-in-Chief, Adventure-Space.com
Travel Editor, Adventure-Zone
Field Producer - Team Two