Bright Angel Trail - Grand Canyon, AZ - Long Distance Hiking Trails on Waymarking.com

The Bright Angel Trail links the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River, 4380 feet below, and continues to the Bright Angel Campground. The eight-mile section between the rim and the river averages a 10% grade, and is seldom out of sight of spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. This trail is generally regarded as the most accessible means of hiking from the rim to the river.

Popular turn-around points on the trail for a day hike are the first Rest House (1.6 miles one way, 1000 foot drop), the second Rest House (3 miles, 2000 drop), and Indian Garden (5 miles, 2900 feet drop). The Bright Angel Campground at the Colorado River (8 mile hike from this trailhead) provides facilities for overnight camping. From the bottom of the trail one can return to this trailhead (16 mile hike total) or hike up to Yaki Point on the east end of the South Rim. Note that there are shuttle busses that work the South Rim, so you can start here, hike down and then back up to Yaki Point, and then catch a bus back here to your vehicle. There is plenty of parking at both South Rim trailheads. The truly adventurous can hike from the campground up to the North Rim and back down before returning.

The trail is well maintained and is in excellent condition. However, in winter and spring you will encounter ice and snow, particularly where the trail is shaded by the canyon. Recall that this trail averages 10% grade. Take plenty of food (energy bars or whatever) and water on this hike. If you're camping you'll also need to bring your tent and camping supplies. On the bright side, the trail is in heavy use so you will seldom be out of sight of other hikers who can assist you if you encounter difficulties.

The upper part of the trail was originally built by the Havasupai people for access to the perennial water source of present-day Garden Creek. Forced out of the area by President Theodore Roosevelt to make room for a park, the trail was improved and extended to the bottom of the canyon by Ralph Cameron, who named the trail. Control of the trail finally fell to the National Park Service in 1928, who maintains it today.

Sources:

https://www.thecanyon.com/bright-angel-trail
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/brightangeltrail.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bright_Angel_Trail

Coordinates of the other end's trailhead: N 36° 03.160 W 112° 05.040 Recommended number of days to complete: 2.00 Distance in miles or kilometres: 16 (minimum) Shelters?: Yes Designated campsites?: Yes Number of designated campsites: 2 Permit Required?: No Trail Website: [Web Link] Best Season to Hike?: Summer / Fall Overnight parking fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Permit Fees?: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Overnight parking coordinates: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 1: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 2: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 3: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 4: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 5: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
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