Rainbow Bridge Celebrates Its Centennial by:Mike Finney
Higher than the nation's capitol and nearly as long as a football field
, Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest known natural bridge at 290 feet tall and 275 feet wide is celebrating 100 years this May 30th, 2010. Years before it was designated as a National Monument, Rainbow Bridge was a sacred symbol to the Navajo. Rainbow Bridge, or "Nonnoshoshi" in the Navajo language meaning rainbow turned to stone, is a sacred place with a deep spiritual significance to the Navajo People. In Navajo culture a personified rainbow is the guardian of the universe. It symbolizes deities responsible for the creation of the clouds, rainbows, and rains that are essential for life in the desert. Rainbow Bridge has been millions of years in the making; from the buildup of sand dunes to extreme climate changes that hardened the rock, to the landscape lifting upwards, to the erosion by the streams and washes flowing from Navajo Mountain to the Colorado River. Its spiritual and cultural significance should be respected and visitors are asked not to walk beyond the viewing area.August 14th, 1909 was the day that Rainbow Bridge was officially "discovered" and publicized to the outside world by a dozen men from University of Utah, a federal survey group, and local guides. When John Wetherill, Bryon Cummings, William Douglas, and their discovery team arrived, they didn't just want to prove its existence, they also wanted it preserved as a national monument. Other significant finding that were discovered at Rainbow Bridge was a fossilized dinosaur footprint which is still preserved at the viewing area of the bridge, ancient rocks, and charred wood from a fire pit carbon dated to 540AD. Less than a year later, President William Howard Taft established Rainbow Bridge as a national monument on May 30th 1910.
2010 marks 100 years of Rainbow Bridge National Monument. There are many significant Centennial activities planned including: guest speakers on select dates from February to May. Forever Resorts and Antelope Point Marina are offering special 4-7 day houseboat packages with a private guided tour to Rainbow Bridge and a slot canyon, a group photo at Rainbow Bridge, and a keepsake Rainbow Bridge coin and book. With lots of centennial activities and great package deals, 2010 is the year to visit Rainbow Bridge!
Located in a secluded area Rainbow Bridge can be accessed by boat, on foot, or by horseback. Hikers and horseback riders are required to obtain permission from the Navajo to travel from Navajo Mountain to Rainbow Bridge, a 16-18 mile trip. The best way to see Rainbow Bridge is to go with a personal Navajo tour guide who will not only show you the way to the bridge but also give you the cultural and archeological information about the unique formation. You can visit the bridge by boat with only a fourth of a mile to three mile hike depending on water levels. Today, thousands of people visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument every year.
For more information visit: http://www.discovernavajo.com
http://www.nps.gov/rabr/planyourvisit/events.htm
About the author
Combining creativity with sound business skills, Mike Finney has achieved a significant record of success in public relations, hospitality operations, marketing, and development. He serves as president of AZ Communications Group which he founded in 1996 to provide domestic & international tourism marketing and public relations services for communities and private sector businesses. Arizona's Verde Valley Wine Trail by:Mike Finney Renewing Pass Ports Online In The Convenience Of Your Home by:Ben Pate Be a part of India splendor with Luxury Tours by:Jenny Franklin Le Meridien Delhi by:Anjela Rock Paradise Cove Hawaii by:Sang Moon Tokyo Nightlife: Night Clubs by:Lek Boonlert Zurich Nightlife: The Rote Fabrik by:Lek Boonlert Accident Claims Helpline - Holiday Accidents Golden Triangle Tours of North India: Royal Legacy of Medieval India by:Aalia Khan Learning About White House Tours by:Wright Jackson Places Of Tourist Interest In Spain Murcia Mumbai Delhi Cheap Air Tickets - Special Delivery Lowest Airfare by:Alivia Martin Reasons to Live in Asheville's Kenilworth Neighborhood by:Nora Hall