Bright Angel Trailhead is the most popular gateway into the Grand Canyon’s inner gorge. Steps from Bright Angel Lodge, it drops through 4,380 ft (1,335 m) of geologic time to the Colorado River via the historic Bright Angel Trail. Reliable…
Great walk along the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We especially loved the rocks along the path marking the age of the layer of rock for each area. My 9 year old was very into the fossils walk run by the park rangers along the bright angel trail too. We highly recommend doing that ranger talk.
We had originally planned to hike from Phantom Ranch to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail, but the access to Phantom Ranch is closed until October to expand the water or something. We still want to hike the Bright Angel Trail instead of ascending the same way we came down (South Kaibab Trail). So we crossed the Tonto Trail from the Tipoff Point to the Havasupai Gardens and went up Bright Angel from there. It is supposed to be less steep than South Kaibab, and I’m sure it is, but it is still steep! But it’s a very beautiful trail that is well maintained and having a water break every 1.5 miles makes it even better!
We just completed the Bright Angel Trail to the 1.5-mile turnaround point, and it was such an awesome experience! I hiked it with my 12, 14, and 17-year-old kids, and we all loved it. The trail is well-maintained and full of stunning canyon views the entire way down and back. The weather was perfect, which definitely made it doable and enjoyable—we couldn’t have asked for better conditions.The 1.5-mile resthouse is a great goal for families—it’s a rewarding distance with plenty of beauty along the way. Just be warned: the hike back up is no joke, so take your time. And bring plenty of water—you’ll need it more than you think!Such a great memory made together. Highly recommend this hike if you’re looking for something active but manageable on your Grand Canyon visit!
We spent a few hours hiking this legendary trail. The trailhead begins at Grand Canyon Village and we descended 1100 feet to the 1.5 mile station where restrooms and water are available. The trail provides views of the Grand Canyon that are simply not available from the rim and immerses the hiker in the beauty of the place.We brought trekking poles which made navigating the trail safer and easier. This is a must do activity for those who are physically able. Definitely recommend!
This trail is strenuous, but extremely well kept. The sights along the way are second to none. It is not recommended for someone other than an experienced hiker to attempt doing the trail to the river and back, as per the warning sign. Be prepared, but do not fear. It's doable and so so worth it.
Bright Angel Trailhead is the most popular gateway into the Grand Canyon’s inner gorge. Steps from Bright Angel Lodge, it drops through 4,380 ft (1,335 m) of geologic time to the Colorado River via the historic Bright Angel Trail. Reliable water, resthouses, and frequent ranger patrols make it the safest corridor route, but the hike remains physically demanding.
Cut into the canyon’s Coconino Sandstone in 1891 by the Havasupai Tribe and later improved by the Santa Fe Railroad, the Bright Angel Trail begins at this rim‑side trailhead. Two short tunnels lead hikers onto a well‑engineered path featuring resthouses every 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and shade at Havasupai Gardens. Despite its amenities, the trail’s 9.5‑mile (15.3 km) one‑way length to the river and steep 10% average grade demand preparation.
Trailhead: Just west of Bright Angel Lodge on the Rim Trail. Parking: Lots C & D (Backcountry Information Center) are the closest long‑term lots; 5‑ to 10‑minute walk. Limited 30‑minute spaces near the lodge for drop‑off. Shuttle: Village Route (Blue) stops at Bright Angel Lodge every 10–15 min year‑round. Early‑morning Hikers’ Express bus (Mar–Oct) stops at Backcountry Information Center.
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
It is 9.5 miles (15.3 km) one‑way with an elevation change of about 4,380 ft (1,335 m).
The National Park Service strongly discourages rim‑to‑river day hikes because of heat, distance, and elevation gain. Most hikers turn around at Havasupai Gardens or Plateau Point.
Yes—year‑round at the trailhead and Havasupai Gardens; seasonal (approx. May–Oct) at Mile‑and‑a‑Half and Three‑Mile Resthouses. Always carry backup treatment.
No. Pets are only permitted on the paved Rim Trail and must be leashed.
The Village (Blue) Route stops at Bright Angel Lodge year‑round. The early‑morning Hikers’ Express also stops at the nearby Backcountry Information Center.
Use Lots C or D near the Backcountry Information Center. Rim‑side spaces near the lodge are short‑term only and fill before 9 am.
Hours may change. Please call ahead to confirm before you visit.
Dial 911 (if cell service) or use emergency phone at trailhead / resthouses
National Park Service Bright Angel Trail page – https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htmGrand Canyon Backcountry Office – +1 928‑638‑7875South Rim Shuttle Schedules – https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htmAllTrails overview – https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/bright-angel-trail
Discover attractions, viewpoints, restaurants and experiences within a short distance.
Centered on Bright Angel Trailhead · showing places within 1.9 mi
Establishment0.1 miThe restroom sits beside the stone retaining wall that marks the start of the Bright Angel Trail. Built in the Park Service’s…
Transit_station0.1 miHermits Rest Transfer is the South Rim’s primary hand‑off point between the Village (Blue) Route loop and the scenic Hermit Road (Red)…
Transit_station0.1 miThe Village Route Transfer (also called the Hermit Road Transfer Station) is a covered, open‑air platform built of native stone and timber…
Viewpoint0.1 miKolb Studio clings to the Kaibab Limestone rim at the head of Bright Angel Trail. Inside, interpretive panels, original Kolb cameras, and…
Scenic Location0.1 miHermit Road is a scenic drive that provides access to some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. It is…
Viewpoint0.1 miNamed for the Pima people, this overlook sits at 6,600 ft / 2,012 m on the South Rim. A short spur from the Rim Trail leads…
Viewpoint0.1 miPerched on the very edge of Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Lookout Studio functions as a hybrid: part observation station, part retail shop.…
Lodging0.1 miBuckey’s Cabin (Buckey O’Neill Cabin) Quick Facts Type Historic Cabin – Lodging (part of Bright Angel Lodge) Location South Rim, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA…
Restaurant (food)0.2 miLocated on the ground floor of Bright Angel Lodge, Harvey House Café operates as a cafeteria‑style diner with counter ordering and table delivery.…
Restaurant (food)0.2 miOperated by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, the stand opens before sunrise so hikers can fuel up and closes at 6 PM,…
Lodging0.2 miThe Bright Angel Lodge Shuttle Stop is a vital part of the Grand Canyon's shuttle system, providing easy access to various amenities…
Lodging0.2 miSteps from the Bright Angel Trailhead, it offers budget‑friendly rooms, historic log cabins, multiple dining venues, and unmatched canyon views—all within walking…
Restaurant (food)0.2 miArizona Steakhouse (formerly the “Arizona Room”) is Bright Angel Lodge’s showcase restaurant, designed to “tell the story of Arizona on a plate.”…
Establishment0.2 miVictor Hall provides basic, affordable housing for Xanterra employees working on the South Rim. The three‑story brick structure contains roughly 100 double…
Park0.2 miSitting at ~7,000 ft (2,134 m) elevation, it provides numerous viewpoints along a 32-mile (51 km) rim drive, ranger programs, lodging, dining,…
Park0.2 miGrand Canyon stretches 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and over 6,000 ft (1,829 m) deep.…
Establishment0.2 miBuilt in 1906 by the Fred Harvey Company, the Mule Barn first served as a livery stable for horse‑drawn carriages serving El…
Lodging0.2 miStaying with Grand Canyon Lodges lets guests wake up steps from the South Rim, enjoy exclusive dining venues, and access park shuttles…
Hotel0.2 miFamily‑friendly rooms, some with partial canyon views, make it one of the most convenient in‑park stays.
Hotel0.3 miMaswik Lodge is the South Rim’s largest lodging complex, spread across two areas: Maswik South (90 standard rooms & 30 kitchenettes, completed…
Store0.3 miMaswik Gift Shop occupies the ground floor of Maswik Lodge’s main building in Grand Canyon Village. The bright, climate‑controlled retail space stocks…
Restaurant (food)0.3 miOriginally part of Maswik Lodge’s 1960s cafeteria, the Pizza Pub was fully revamped during the lodge’s 2021 renovation. Today it serves as the South…
Restaurant (food)0.3 miOperating on a food‑hall concept, Maswik Food Court lets guests choose dishes from multiple counters, pay at a central register, and seat…
Establishment0.3 miBlink’s dual‑port Level 2 station lets visitors top up while exploring the South Rim. Located in Maswik Lodge’s south parking lot, it…
Parking0.3 miThe lot is free, open 24 hours a day, and often has spaces available when larger Lots A & B are full.…
Parking0.3 miParking Lot D sits beside the Backcountry Information Center (BIC) on the South Rim. It is the park’s go-to overflow lot, with…
Viewpoint0.3 miNestled between El Tovar Hotel and Kachina Lodge, this section of the Rim Trail features a low sandstone wall built by CCC…
Hotel0.3 miKachina Lodge features 49 contemporary guest rooms arranged in a long, low profile that mirrors the canyon’s horizontal layers. All rooms include…
Establishment0.3 miAlthough the building is not open to park visitors, its exterior is easily viewed from Village Loop Drive. Colter Hall remains an active…
Gas Station0.3 miParking Lot A serves as Grand Canyon Village's most dependable parking option, strategically positioned near Park Headquarters to offer visitors a peaceful…
Restaurant (food)0.3 miSet on the stone terrace of El Tovar Hotel, the Grand Canyon Beer Garden offers a casual, open-air atmosphere where hikers, families,…
Hotel0.3 miEl Tovar blends early 20th‑century luxury with National‑Park‑Service rustic architecture. Cedar‑shingled roofs, Oregon pine beams, and Navajo‑inspired décor create an atmosphere that…
Restaurant (food)0.3 miEl Tovar Cocktail Lounge Quick Facts Category Cocktail Lounge / Sports Bar Inside Historic El Tovar Hotel, South Rim Village Address 1 El Tovar Rd, Grand Canyon Village,…
Visitor Help0.3 miLocated in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, the center is the first stop for anyone intending to camp below the…
Viewpoint0.4 miTrailview Overlook offers breathtaking views of Grand Canyon Village, the Bright Angel Trail, and the canyon below.
Train_station0.4 miXanterra Garage—often called the Public Garage—is operated by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges (Xanterra Travel Collection). Located behind the historic railroad depot,…
Tourist_attraction0.4 miHopi House was conceived by architect Mary Colter for the Fred Harvey Company as a living marketplace where Native artisans could demonstrate…
Church0.4 miEl Cristo Rey serves park employees, residents, and millions of visitors who seek worship or reflection at the canyon’s edge. Officially established in 1960,…
Visitor Help0.4 miInside three compact exhibit rooms, interpretive panels, artifacts and multimedia displays tell the canyon’s human story. Visitors can stamp National Park passports,…
Establishment0.5 miGrand Canyon Unified School District #4 was established in 1911 to educate the children of park rangers, concessionaire employees, and residents of…
Tourist_attraction0.6 miOperated by Grand Canyon Lodges (Xanterra), the Grand Canyon Kennel provides a temperature‑controlled haven for pets while owners explore the canyon. Each…
Car_repair0.6 miRV Master Technicians specializes in on‑site RV diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs. The service van carries OEM parts for major brands (Forest River,…
Museum0.8 miCompleted in 1999, the Grand Canyon Museum Collection is the National Park Service’s dedicated repository for the canyon’s tangible heritage. Specimens range…
Trailhead0.9 miTracing the very lip of the Grand Canyon, the South Rim Trail links visitor‑favorite overlooks—Mather, Yavapai, Hopi, Mohave, Powell, and Hermits Rest—along…
Viewpoint1.0 miMaricopa Point offers a stunning 180-degree view of the Grand Canyon, making it a prime location for photography and sightseeing. The overlook…
Visitor Help1.0 miLocated in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, Emergency Services is the park’s primary hub for medical and rescue operations. Staffed by…
Cemetery1.1 miGrand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery Historic cemetery on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Overview Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery—also known as…
Church1.1 miGrand Canyon Baptist Church is an independent Southern Baptist congregation founded in 1984 to minister to Grand Canyon National Park’s employees, residents, and millions of annual visitors.…
Establishment1.1 miThe Shrine of the Ages is a one‑story limestone and timber structure completed in 1970 to serve as Grand Canyon’s first inter‑faith…
Viewpoint1.2 miPowell Point juts into the canyon between Maricopa and Hopi Points, offering an unobstructed look down Bright Angel Canyon and across to…
Visitor Help1.2 miOpened in 1957 under the Mission 66 program, the headquarters building originally served as the South Rim Visitor Center before administrative functions took…
Visitor Help1.3 miLocated in the Mather Business Center at Market Plaza, this United States Postal Service (USPS) facility has served park visitors, employees, and…
Visitor Help1.3 miEstablished in 1932, Grand Canyon Community Library serves residents, park employees, and millions of visitors. Housed in a former 1920s schoolhouse within…
Store1.3 miGrand Canyon Outfitters sits inside the Canyon Village Market complex on the South Rim. The store carries tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, trekking…
Gas Station1.3 miMarket Plaza Parking – Lot B stands as the beating heart of Grand Canyon Village's visitor services, offering the most comprehensive parking…
Visitor Help1.3 miBuilt to serve the high‑traffic Market Plaza hub, this restroom is the go‑to facility for hikers stocking up on supplies, families grabbing…
Store1.3 miLocated in Market Plaza, the Village Market & Deli has served park visitors since the late 1960s as the South Rim’s 'general…
Establishment1.3 miHopi Point is the fourth overlook west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. Because private vehicles are restricted for most of the…
Establishment1.3 miThe SRM office is primarily a working facility for park scientists and partner researchers. Public walk‑ins are not typical. Researchers, university partners,…
Visitor Help1.3 miMarket Plaza Parking – Lot B anchors the commercial heart of Grand Canyon Village. Built to relieve congestion near the canyon rim, the paved lot…
Viewpoint1.3 miBecause the overlook faces due west, it is widely considered the premier sunset location in the park, while its unobstructed eastern view…
Campground1.3 miOpened in the 1960s and named for first NPS director Stephen T. Mather, the campground contains 327 reservable sites plus a small…
Visitor Help1.3 miMather Campground maintains multiple modern restroom buildings so campers never walk far for necessities. According to AllFamousFAQs, “There are bathrooms located throughout…
Lodging1.3 miOpened in 1958, Yavapai Lodge is the largest accommodation inside Grand Canyon National Park. The East section—often listed as “Yavapai E” or “Yavapai East”—contains…
Hotel1.3 miOpened in 1958 as part of the National Park Service’s Mission 66 program, Yavapai Lodge offers 358 guest rooms split between East (air‑conditioned,…
Visitor Help1.4 miLocated beside the Mather Campground registration office, this stop is one of 13 on the Village (Blue) Route. Buses run year‑round and connect…
Park1.4 miPositioned just west of the main Mather Point overlook, this stop lets visitors step off the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route and follow a…
Restaurant (food)1.4 miLocated inside Yavapai Lodge, the tavern provides a casual refuge after canyon adventures. Order at the bar, grab a pager and settle…
Visitor Help1.4 miLocated in front of Yavapai Lodge East, Building 1, this station provides three Tesla connectors (up to 8 kW) plus three J1772…
Viewpoint1.4 miPerched at 6,600 ft / 2,012 m, The Abyss sits on a fault line that allowed erosion to carve a vast amphitheater…
Trailhead1.5 miCreated in 2010, the Trail of Time transforms a section of the Rim Trail into an outdoor geology museum. Starting at Yavapai…
Lodging1.5 miOpened in the early 1980s, Yavapai Lodge East consists of six two-story motel-style buildings; #5 sits closest to the Market Plaza grocery,…
Establishment1.5 miSet on the north side of the Yavapai Point parking lot, this masonry building provides men’s and women’s restrooms with flush toilets,…
Viewpoint1.5 miGreat Mohave Wall Viewpoint sits between Hopi Point and the Abyss on the South Rim’s historic Hermit Road. The overlook takes its…
Parking1.6 miThe small lot is the quickest way to reach Mohave Point, one of the South Rim’s premier sunrise & sunset overlooks. From…
Viewpoint1.6 miBuilt in 1928 as the Yavapai Observation Station, the stone-and-glass building was designed by National Park Service architect Herbert Maier to blend…
Establishment1.6 miCompleted in 2011 as part of an eight-building modernization project, Brandt Hall helps the National Park Service and concessioners house the workforce…
Viewpoint1.6 miNamed for the Mojave people, Mohave Point sits 6.6 mi/10.6 km west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. Guard‑railed overlooks perch at ~7,000 ft (2,130 m),…
Visitor Help1.6 miPositioned 50 feet east of the famed Mohave Point Overlook, this covered shelter serves hikers, cyclists, and sightseers exploring Hermit Road. From March through…
Camping1.7 miOperated by Delaware North, Trailer Village RV Park offers 123 paved sites that fit rigs up to 50 ft (a few up to 65 ft).…
Visitor Help1.8 miParking Lot 4 is one of four main visitor lots surrounding the South Rim Visitor Center Plaza. It offers free, first-come parking…
No places match this filter.
This Grand Canyon helicopter tour over the North Canyon sets off from the South Rim. Soar over the Grand Canyon National Park’s most astonishing rock formations and…
Tour Duration:
Departure:
Destination:
Go Buck Wild over a Grand Canyon Sunset with our evening tour. This experience builds upon the 2 hour Signature Tour by adding more exposure to the Grand…
Tour Duration:
Departure:
Destination:
The Grand Discovery Air Tour is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders Grand Canyon has to offer with a scenic flight starting from…
Tour Duration:
Departure:
Destination:
