- Hikes in Arizona
- Grand Canyon / Marble Canyon
- Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon)
Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon)
Location
From Flagstaff, take HWY 180 north towards the Grand Canyon. Once you enter the park, you'll head towards the Grand Canyon Village. The trailhead is well marked. Many facilities exist in the Village.
Hike details
30 yr old Recommendation: This hike is Strenuous. We're in the Grand Canyon baby!
Kids in good shape can make this hike with adult experience and supervision. Grandma can hike on it a little while, but then it's back to the nice Ranger talk at the rim about geology.
Season
- January
- February
- March
- April
- September
- October
- November
- December
- June
- July
- August
For Winter Hiking: Remember that the South Rim is damned cold in the winter. Snow and Ice will cover the trail for the first few miles. Crampons recommended.
For Summer Hiking: Get an early start and don't hike during the heat of the day. Remember that the bottom of the canyon will be MUCH hotter than the top.
Solitude
Difficulty
Skills
Permits
Hike the Bright Angel trail in Grand Canyon national park, Arizona
This is a well hiked and well maintained trail in the Grand Canyon. Bring a camera, as the views are always impressive. There is lots of water on this hike: At 1.5 mile (from the top) rest house, 3 mile (from the top) rest house, Indian Gardens, and Bright Angel Campground. There are also bathrooms at the 1.5 mile rest house and Indian Gardens. If you enjoy this hike, you might want to try the South Kaibab trail next.
This is the most popular trail to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It's a steep descent from the top to Indian Gardens. The crowds will thin out significantly after three miles in.
Indian Gardens is the half way point of this hike and is a good spot to camp if you want to break your ascent into two days.
If you have time, you can walk the one way 1.5 miles from Indian Garden to Plateau Point for a killer view of the river.
From Indian Gardens, the trail winds through Garden creek canyon, down Pipe springs canyon, to the Colorado river. Crossing the suspension bridge (Silver Bridge) will get you to Bright Angel Campground.
We have to share this hike with mules. When a mule train approaches, move to the side and wait for them to pass. Wave to the nice guides and sore bottomed people as they admire your amazing stamina in hiking the Grand Canyon.
Spend a few days in the canyon before climbing back out. You'll be glad you did.
Be sure to enjoy the looks of awe from the dressed up tourists taking a few tentative steps on the trail...
Tourist: (walking at the top of the rim) "Where did you start hiking?"
You: "At the river"
Tourist: (expression of amazement and awe) "wow..."
