The Bright Angel Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and descends all the way to the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River. It offers spectacular views of the canyon.
The trip all the way down and back up is an overnight trip, but there are a series day trips available that go part of the way down and then back up. These range in distance up to 12 miles roundtrip. The chart below gives distances to various points along the trail.
The trail is quite steep and challenging at points. There is water available May to September (but it is subject to pipeline breaks).
This trail should not be confused with Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim.
Destination
Distance (in Miles)
Elevation Feet
(Destination)
Services: W = Water; T =
Toilet/Restroom; E = Emergency Phone
To Destination
Round
Trip
Services
Notes
W
T
E
1st Tunnel
0.18
0.36
6708
Not too steep, good for view in the canyon.
1st Switchback
0.45
0.9
6560
Good turn-a-round point for small children. Will start
getting steeper trail.
2nd Tunnel
0.75
1.5
6240
Steep switchbacks after tunnel.
1.5 Mile Resthouse
1.5
3
5720
X
X
X
Water available seasonally only. Good
turn-a-round for first time canyon hikes, causal hikes and late starters.
2 Mile Switchback/Corner
2
4
5490
Trail sign marks location, trail will get steeper from
here.
3 Mile Resthouse
3
6
4760
X
X
Water available seasonally only. Great
turn-a-round point.
Indian Gardens
4.6
9.2
3800
X
X
X
Water available year round. Need to
get an early morning start and be in good condition.
Plateau Point
6.1
12.2
3770
Views of the river. NO shade. This hike is extremely
strenous due to the distance.
Colorado River
7.9
15.8
2400
Hiking to the river or Phantom Ranch
as a day hike is not recommended! The distance, temperature and
elevation change cause even the most experienced hikers to have difficulty.
This could result in the hiker needing medical help and can result
in death.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Colorado River. More Visitor Guides are available in Colorado. Click here to view them all!
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
Lake Havasu City
Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona
Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
ArizonaStart planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Fill out the form to request your free travel packet, which includes an Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide and an Arizona state highway map. The Arizona Office of Tourism ships domestically as well as the following countries only: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
Maverick Helicopters
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Chaffee County Central Colorado
Chaffee County
Central ColoradoMore than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
South Fork Southwestern Colorado
South Fork
Southwestern ColoradoAre you looking for a naturalist paradise with affordability? Then look no further South Fork is your destination. A world class golf course, gold medal fishing in the Rio Grande, and thousands of acres of National Forest to hike, bike, ATV, ski and snowmobile through. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
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