Hiking

Bright Angel Trail

Walk down through two billion years of geology into the Grand Canyon.

Arizona
14.5 km
2 min read

Distance: 14.5 km · 9.0 mi
Elevation gain: +930 m · 3,050 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time needed: 6–9 hours round trip
Route type: Out & back
Permit: Not required
Best season: March–May and September–November

Bright Angel Trail guide: the day hike to Havasupai Gardens, resthouses, water, heat safety, mule trains and how long the climb back up really takes.

The Bright Angel Trail starts right next to the lodges of Grand Canyon Village and zigzags down a natural break in the cliffs that people have used for centuries. Each switchback takes you past older rock layers, and the views open up as the rim towers above you.

Resthouses at 1.5 and 3 miles offer shade and, in season, drinking water. Havasupai Gardens, a green oasis of cottonwood trees 930 meters below the rim, is the farthest you should go on a day hike. The park strongly warns against trying to reach the river and return in one day.

Stops along the way

1

Bright Angel Trailhead (South Rim)

The trailhead is right beside the Kolb Studio. Two short tunnels at the start frame the view.
2

1.5-Mile Resthouse

The first resthouse is a good turnaround point for a short but memorable hike, about 2–3 hours round trip.
3

3-Mile Resthouse

Big views and seasonal water. A popular goal for strong day hikers; plan 4–6 hours round trip.
4

Havasupai Gardens

A shady oasis with a ranger station, water and toilets. Rest well here: the climb back up is the hard part.

Good to know

Plan twice as much time for the climb back as for the descent.
In summer, avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are dangerous.
Eat salty snacks along with water to prevent hyponatremia.
Mule trains have the right of way: step to the inside of the trail and follow the wrangler’s instructions.