Exploration along Bright Angel Trail
Exploring the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
The Bright Angel Trail, located near Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim, is a popular hiking destination in Grand Canyon National Park. This iconic trail, once private and costing just $1 (equivalent to about $40 today) to hike, offers a variety of experiences for hikers of different skill levels.
In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt ordered the evacuation of Havasupai Gardens to make way for the park. Originally known as "Indian Garden," this lush oasis was cultivated since 300AD by the Havasupai people, who were later forced to move onto a 518-acre reservation in Havasu Canyon in 1928. Today, Havasupai Gardens remains a vital part of the park, offering water, shade, and a campground for visitors.
For those seeking a shorter hike, the 1.5 Mile Resthouse, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935-1936, is a great option. Located 3 miles from the trailhead, this resthouse offers water (seasonal), restrooms, and an emergency phone. The hike to the 1.5 Mile Resthouse requires 1,100 feet of climbing and takes 2-3 hours.
For more experienced hikers, Havasupai Gardens is the recommended turnaround point for most day hikers. The hike to Havasupai Gardens is 9 miles long, requires 3,050 feet of climbing, and takes 4-5 hours. Visitors can book a tent site at Havasupai Gardens on Recreation.gov for camping on the Bright Angel Trail.
For those seeking the most challenging hike, Plateau Point, located 12.5 miles from the trailhead, offers the best panoramic views of the Colorado River. The hike to Plateau Point requires 3,200 feet of climbing and takes 6-7 hours. However, the return involves a very challenging 3,200 feet of elevation gain, making it suitable only for strong, well-prepared hikers.
Hikers should be aware of the potential for heat and plan accordingly. Leaving at sunrise is a great way to beat the heat and the crowds. It is also recommended to bring water, sun protection, comfortable footwear, trekking poles (optional), a snack and/or electrolyte drink, and a satellite-enabled phone or satellite communicator.
The trail is generally wide enough to hike comfortably and pass other hikers. Free shuttles are available from the Visitor Center to the Bright Angel Lodge. There is a parking lot next to the trailhead, and a bigger lot by the Backcountry Information Center, both of which are a short walk from the trailhead.
Snow and ice can linger on the upper sections of the Bright Angel Trail in winter, especially in the morning. The National Park Service does not recommend continuing below Havasupai Gardens as a day hike for most hikers. The trail follows the water pipeline, allowing for water refills along the way, but check the park page before going as the water may be turned off in some places.
In summary, for casual or moderate hikers, the 1.5 Mile Resthouse offers moderate effort with some amenities; Havasupai Gardens is the common recommended turnaround for experienced day hikers seeking a harder challenge; and Plateau Point is suited for long, strenuous day hikes with the best views.
Equipped with suitable gear such as comfortable footwear, trekking poles, and adequate water, hikers can embark on trekking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, with the trailhead located near Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim. For those seeking a shorter hike, the 1.5 Mile Resthouse, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is a great alternative, requiring 1,100 feet of climbing and about 2-3 hours to reach. For more experienced hikers, Havasupai Gardens, a lush oasis offering water, shade, and a campground, serves as a recommended turnaround point for most day hikers, with a 9-mile hike and 3,050 feet of climbing involved. However, for those seeking the most challenging hike, Plateau Point, 12.5 miles from the trailhead, offers the best panoramic views of the Colorado River, though it requires a strenuous 6-7 hours, including a very challenging 3,200 feet of elevation gain on the return trip.
