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.
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