Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking

BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL (GRAND CANYON)

If you want to hike the greatest canyon in the world... also known as the Grand Canyon, this is the hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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.  

RATING

Be Aware of: Outrageous elevation changes, extreme temperature changes. Mules. If you are camping you need a back country permit from Grand Canyon National park

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.

DETAILS

Elevation change: A monster 4400 ft !

Distance: 9.3 miles one way to the Bright Angel Campground.

Time: This is a full day hike one way. 

Time of year: All year (SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER TIMES!)

Solitude: This trail is in the Corridor area of the grand canyon. Translation: lots of people use this trail (though most of them will not go past 3 miles from the top).  Expect to meet 50-200 people this day.   

Backcountry permits from the National Park Service must be acquired prior to this hike. See www.nps.gov for details. You can reserve up to three months in advance.

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) house, 3 mile (from the top) house, Indian Gardens, and Bright Angel Campground. If you enjoy this hike, you might want to try the South Kaibab trail next.

This is the most popular hike 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 a canyon, down Pipe springs canyon, to the river. Crossing the suspension 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..."

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER TIMES:

[The trail to lookout point]

[Bright angel as seen from the trail]

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