Hiking Trail Known as Bright Angel: A Trek Worthy of Note
The Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking experiences, each with its unique charm and challenges. Here's a breakdown of the recommended turnaround points, their distances, climbing elevations, estimated times, and difficulty levels.
1.5 Mile Resthouse - Total Distance (round-trip): 3 miles - Total Climbing: 1,100 feet - Estimated Time: 2-3 hours - Difficulty: Moderate
This turnaround point is ideal for moderate-level hikers with limited time. Along the way, you'll encounter pictographs, tunnels, and breathtaking views.
3 Mile Resthouse - Total Distance (round-trip): 6 miles - Total Climbing: 2,100 feet - Estimated Time: 3-4 hours - Difficulty: Hard
The 3 Mile Resthouse offers iconic canyon views and is suitable for those seeking a more challenging hike.
Havasupai Gardens - Total Distance (round-trip): 9 miles - Total Climbing: 3,050 feet - Estimated Time: 4-5 hours - Difficulty: Hard
Havasupai Gardens, previously known as "Indian Garden," is a Grand Canyon oasis. It is recommended as the farthest turnaround for most day hikers due to the availability of water and shade. This destination is safer and more manageable, making it a popular choice for many.
Plateau Point - Total Distance (round-trip): 12.5 miles - Total Climbing: 3,200 feet - Estimated Time: 6-7 hours - Difficulty: Hard
For the most adventurous and experienced hikers, Plateau Point offers one of the best panoramic views. However, it demands more time, energy, and an early start due to the significant elevation gain.
The National Park Service and hiking guides generally recommend Havasupai Gardens as the farthest turnaround for most day hikers. For those feeling more experienced and fit, continuing to Plateau Point offers a rewarding experience but requires careful planning and preparation.
Elevation gain is a crucial factor to consider when hiking the Bright Angel Trail. The trail descends into the canyon, and hikers must climb back to the rim, making the return strenuous. Early start times and carrying sufficient water are critical considerations.
The Bright Angel Trail, a popular destination for hikers, has a rich history. It was once private and cost $1 (equivalent to $40 today) to hike in the 1890s. The Havasupai, who have lived in the area for hundreds of years, worked as laborers, creating much of what is seen at Grand Canyon National Park in the early 1900s.
The Havasupai were forced out of the Bright Angel area and onto a 518-acre reservation in Havasu Canyon in 1928 by the Parks Service. Rest houses along the Bright Angel Trail, including the 1.5 Mile Resthouse, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935-1936. The National Park Service was able to end private control of the Bright Angel Trail by 1927.
Havasupai Gardens was the site where Theodore Roosevelt ordered the Havasupai who lived there to leave in 1901 to make way for the park. The area has been cultivated since 300AD, and the Havasupai people are known as "people of the blue-green waters," referring to the color of the Colorado River.
In summary, the Bright Angel Trail offers a variety of hiking experiences, each with its unique charm and challenges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there's a turnaround point on the Bright Angel Trail that suits your needs. Always remember to plan ahead, start early, and carry enough water. Enjoy your hike!
[1] National Park Service. (n.d.). Bright Angel Trail. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/bright-angel-trail.htm [2] Grand Canyon Hiking. (n.d.). Bright Angel Trail. Retrieved from https://www.grandcanyonhiking.com/bright-angel-trail [4] The Complete Guide to Hiking the Bright Angel Trail. (2021, February 2). Retrieved from https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/hiking/the-complete-guide-to-hiking-the-bright-angel-trail-in-grand-canyon-national-park-az/1133867943
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