Rainbow Bridge National Monument, nearby recreation areas closed due to storm damage

Washout area on Rainbow Bridge Trail, Page, Ariz.., Sept. 12, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

PAGE, Ariz. – Rainbow Bridge National Monument, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is closed indefinitely due to a trail washout after heavy rains fell in the area over the last several days.

Crews survey the damage to Rainbow Bridge Trail, Page, Ariz.., Sept. 12, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Crews survey the damage to Rainbow Bridge Trail, Page, Ariz.., Sept. 12, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

The damage includes a complete loss of approximately 150 feet of trail between the dock and the first shade structure, with a 21 foot drop-off into Bridge Creek. Debris has collected at the mouth of the creek and will need to be removed from the dock area. Crews assessed the damage Thursday and plans are underway to develop a temporary trail until a more permanent access can be constructed.

The Chains area near Page, Ariz., is closed to vehicular traffic due to rains. Several feet of sand and mud were deposited on some areas of the road, while in other areas the water cut down through the dirt, making the road impassable. Visitors can still access the Hanging Garden Trail by walking in from the parking lot near the gate.

Lees Ferry also received heavy rains, but crews have been able to remove the boulders and debris from roadways and all lanes and facilities are open, with the exception of the parking area near Paria Canyon.

Throughout the storm event, visitors were evacuated when needed and no one was injured. This is a reminder that flash floods can happen very quickly and it is important to be aware of your surroundings and the weather forecast. More photos of the storm damage can be found here.

Submitted by: National Park Service

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Washout area on Rainbow Bridge Trail, Page, Ariz.., Sept. 12, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Washout area on Rainbow Bridge Trail, Page, Ariz.., Sept. 12, 2013 | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

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