Though its "discovery" by the outside world was only a hundred
years ago, American Indians have known about Rainbow Bridge for
centuries. It is also quite likely that prospectors, ranchers,
and others happened across the bridge in their wanderings. The
story of the official recorded discovery of Rainbow Bridge is an
interesting one. Click on the link above to read about this
modern day exploration party. Did You Know? John Wetherill was
already the Superintendant of Navajo National Monument when he
was also given the same task for Rainbow Bridge National
Monument. He operated both monuments, provided tours and
supplies, and lived at his Kayenta, AZ trading post.