Grand Canyon National Park Travel and Visitor Guide

Bright Angel Trail At South Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Hikers approaching the First Tunnel on Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon South Rim

Bright Angel Trail Tunnel. © Chris Luckhardt

The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon South Rim's most popular hiking trail and one of the world's most iconic day hikes. Beginning near Bright Angel Lodge in Grand Canyon Village, the trail descends through dramatic canyon layers with spectacular overlooks, shaded rest areas and seasonal water stations. Whether you plan a short walk to the First Tunnel or an ambitious hike to Plateau Point, understanding the elevation changes, hiking times and desert conditions is essential. This guide explains the best turnaround points, trail distances, hiking tips and important safety information to help you enjoy a memorable Grand Canyon adventure.

Trail Overview
Turnaround Points
Helpful Hiking Tips
Best Time To Hike
What To Bring
FAQ

Trail Overview

Trailhead: Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon Village
Location: Grand Canyon South Rim
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate to extremely strenuous depending upon turnaround point
Maximum Recommended Day Hike: Plateau Point
Water: Seasonal at Rest Houses and Indian Garden
Restrooms: Available at selected locations
Pets: Not permitted below the rim
Best Seasons: Spring and Fall

Best Time To Hike

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking temperatures and are considered the best seasons for most visitors. Summer temperatures inside the canyon frequently exceed 100°F, making early morning starts essential. Winter hiking can be outstanding, but snow and ice often make the upper switchbacks slippery, requiring extra caution and proper footwear. Regardless of season, always carry plenty of water, monitor weather conditions and never underestimate the difficulty of the return climb.

What To Bring

Plenty of drinking water
Electrolyte replacement drinks
High-energy snacks
Wide-brim hat
Sunscreen
Good hiking shoes or boots
Trekking poles
Lightweight rain jacket
Trail map
Small first aid kit

Options For Day Hikers

Entrance to Bright Angel Trail near Bright Angel Lodge at Grand Canyon Village

Although this trail leads to the Phantom Ranch, even the most experienced day hikers should not proceed past Plateau Point which is a 12.2 mile round trip. Depending upon available time, physical condition and hiking experience, there are several turnaround points along the trail. The Bright Angel Trail offers great views all along the trail making it very easy to loose track of how far down you have hiked. Additionally, the steepness of the trail is very misleading on the way down. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down.

Panoramic view from Bright Angel Trail overlooking the Grand Canyon South Rim

Turnaround Points

First Tunnel. Hiking to this point is a 0.36 mile round trip. The elevation is 6,700 feet so there will be negligible temperature drop. The hike portion is not very steep.

First Switchback. A 0.9 mile round trip. The trail begins to get steep at here, so it is an ideal turnaround spot for those with younger children.

Second Tunnel. A 1.5 round trip and an elevation of about 6,240 feet. Very steep switchbacks begin here along high cliff edges.

1.5 Mile Rest House. A 3.0 mile round trip. Drinking water is available during the season only. All hikers should carry 1/2 to a quart of water per hiking hour. There is a restroom and telephone located at this point. The elevation drops to about 5,700 feet so the temperature will be noticeably hotter. This the ideal place for first-time canyon hikers, casual hikers and late starters to turnaround and begin the return hike.

2 Mile Switchback Corner. A 4.0 mile round trip. The elevation is 5,490 feet. The trail will now become much steeper until it reaches the Tonto plateau.

3 Mile Rest House. A 6.0 mile round trip. The elevation is about 4,760 feet. Water is only available during the season and there is an emergency phone but no restrooms.

Havasupai Gardens. A 9.2 mile round trip. The elevation is about 3,800 feet and will become very noticeably hotter, particularly during the summer months. As a summer day hike, do not hike beyond this point. There is a campground at Indian Garden, but overnight campers must have a permit issued by the Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information Center.

Plateau Point. A 12.2 mile round trip. Enjoy a great view of the Colorado River here. There is no shade at all at this point and at an elevation of about 3,700 feet where the heat becomes more intense.. Hiking to this point is very strenuous because of the distance. No matter how experienced and no matter how well-conditioned, day hikers should never proceed beyond this point. The return trip to the top of the trail head is 6.1 miles up some very steep inclines. The return hike will take twice as long as the trip down.

Scenic canyon landscape viewed from Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park

Helpful Hiking Tips

Check with the Visitor Center for trail water status.
Uphill hikers have the right of way.
Mules have the right of way. Step uphill away from the edge. Stay still, quiet and do not move until the mules are past by 50 feet.
Begin hikes at sunrise to beat the heat of the day.
Dress in proper hiking attire with good hiking boots.
Read these Summer Hiking Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Bright Angel Trail?

The trail ranges from relatively easy near the rim to extremely strenuous farther into the canyon. The return hike is considerably more difficult because of the continuous elevation gain.

Can beginners hike Bright Angel Trail?

Yes. Many first-time visitors hike to the First Tunnel, Second Tunnel or the 1.5 Mile Rest House before returning.

How much water should I carry?

Carry enough water for the entire hike and verify seasonal water availability before departing. Hydration is critical, especially during warmer months.

Is there shade on the trail?

Shade is limited over much of the trail. Temperatures increase significantly as hikers descend deeper into the canyon.

Can you hike to Phantom Ranch in one day?

The National Park Service discourages most visitors from attempting a round-trip hike to Phantom Ranch in a single day because of the extreme distance, elevation gain and heat.