Bright Angel Trail - Most Popular Grand Canyon Hike

Most Traveled - Bright Angel Trail

 

Only about 1% of people visiting Grand Canyon National Park venture below the rim. Most of those do it via the beautiful Bright Angel Trail. If you are looking for an opportunity to become one of those 1% and dive into the Canyon, but want some key features like water, rangers and smooth terrain then hit this main Corridor trail!

Beginning with the recently constructed new trailhead, featuring interpretive signs, bathrooms and viewpoints, the trail quickly drops you down along the Bright Angel fault line and into the ancient coral reefs of the Kaibab Limestone! It will be hard to remember that what goes down must come up as you soon get views of Indian Garden campground and Plateau Point. This route follows an ancient trail and if you keep your eyes peeled near the first tunnel, you will see the evidence of past cultures passing through. You will also want to keep your ears open in order to hear the mosaic of languages commonly found up and down this popular trail. Practice some German or Japanese phrases and you might be the hit of the trip! The Bright Angel is pleasant during any but the mid-day hours of summer as there is usually plenty of shade to be found and each mile and a half presents water and shaded rest houses.


  • Getting there: The trailhead for the Bright Angel is found on the west end of The Village. It is hard to miss with the new signs, restrooms and beautiful rockwork
  • The Hike: wander down to the 1.5 or 3 mile Resthouses or for the more adventurous (and desert adapted) reach Indian Garden at 4.8 miles
  • Elevation loss/gain: 1100 feet to 1.5 mile Resthouse; 2100 to 3.0 mile Resthouse; 3000 to Indian Garden
  • Camping: None along the trail
  • Water: From spring to fall water can be found at each resthouse and Indian Garden. **Check in with the Park Service for pipe breaks or freezing conditions that may have the water turned off!**

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experi
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experienced guides, serving great food, and supplying our customers with the most modern equipment and gear. In addition we are a member of various environmental groups and do our best to take care of the Grand Canyon and our Earth.

Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiF

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.

Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm


Grand Canyon Oasis

We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair.
We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair. We have been busy painting, cleaning and improving the grounds to become a comfortable oasis for your family. Our location on US Hwy 89 is only a few miles from the breathtaking aspens of Lockett Meadow, the ruins of Wupatki National Monument and the lava flows at Sunset Crater. The park is a short drive to downtown Flagstaff, and on the way to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Moab and Durango. Stay the night or as long as you like! Drink in the hibiscus sunrises above the Painted Desert and relax into the long shadows of the San Francisco Peaks. Let us know if you want to borrow a telescope to explore the darkest night sky you have ever seen. We are so excited to share our home with you!
  • Spacious pull-through spaces
  • Full hook-ups
  • 30 and 50 amp available
  • Tiny home rentals
  • Free WiFi (Starlink)
  • 45 minutes to Grand Canyon
  • Monthly sites available
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Trail access to Coconino National Forest
  • Community fire pits
  • Covered patios
  • Community outdoor kitchen (May-October)
  • Complimentary morning coffee
  • Basketball court
  • Horseshoes, ladderball, games

Western River Expeditions

Discover the Grand Canyon, endless in scenic wonder, rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, Western River Expeditions' Grand Canyon tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience unlike any other. Discover hidden
Discover the Grand Canyon, endless in scenic wonder, rich in Native American history and loaded with fun and adventure, Western River Expeditions' Grand Canyon tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the Grand Canyon by river is an experience unlike any other. Discover hidden waterfalls and paradisiacal side canyons - areas of Grand Canyon National Park that are accessible only by river.

Wildland Trekking

Join The Wildland Trekking Co. on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

Grand Canyon Expeditions

The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, and what better way to see it than from its heart, on a Colorado river rafting trip? This unique trip down the Grand Canyon ranges from running world-class rapids to hiking and swimming in the side canyons to investigating the remains le
The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, and what better way to see it than from its heart, on a Colorado river rafting trip? This unique trip down the Grand Canyon ranges from running world-class rapids to hiking and swimming in the side canyons to investigating the remains left by the first inhabitants of the Grand Canyon. Let our experienced guides show you the wonders of the Grand Canyon. This is not a tour of the Grand Canyon, it's an adventure!