Bright Angel Trailhead Tours

Bright Angel Trailhead showing a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Bright Angel Trailhead featuring a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
Bright Angel Trailhead
Bright Angel Trailhead
Bright Angel Trailhead


See jagged cliffs, flowing creeks, sandstone tunnels, native gardens and desert vegetation when hiking this Grand Canyon South Rim trail.

Bright Angel Trail is a long-distance hiking trail beginning at Grand Canyon Village. The well-maintained trail features extraordinary views of the region’s sandstone canyons and rugged landscape. Plan to hike sections of Bright Angel Trail in a day or stay in one of two camping sites along the track.

Begin your journey at the South Rim’s Grand Canyon Village. The trail then follows the course of Garden Creek, toward the Colorado River. On the first leg of the trail you will pass through two impressive sandstone tunnels. After the second tunnel the walk begins to get steeper. Take a short break at a rest house located 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) into the hike.

Indian Garden is about 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) from the beginning of the trail. With water and picnic tables, the garden is a great place to stop for lunch. Indian Garden covers a section of Garden Creek and features tall cottonwoods and other native plants. If you’re hiking a summer daytrip, the National Park Service highly recommends you turn back after resting at the garden.

From Indian Garden, take the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Plateau Point trail for striking views of the Colorado River. Indian Garden also features a continuation of Bright Angel Trail, leading toward Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the canyon. The main trail also features views of the Colorado River and beautiful cotton-tree-lined areas.

Water is available at the covered rest houses and at Indian Garden however, packing extra water is advised. The region is known for its extreme temperatures, so wear suitable hiking footwear and comfortable clothing. Before you embark on your hike, pick up a National Park Service backcountry permit, which is required for camping in the Inner Canyon campgrounds. Find the beginning of the trail at Grand Canyon Village, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Flagstaff, Arizona.

Bright Angel Trail has been designed with visitor safety in mind however, pack supplies and plan your journey appropriately to ensure an enjoyable and safe hike.

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Bell Rock Inn
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Reviews of Bright Angel Trailhead

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
424
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
132
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make a helicopter tour. The airport is nearby.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Syerp trail, hiked down, and back, to 3mile rest house. Only way to get a depth perception of the canyon. Leave plenty of time to hike.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful hike!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A little scary at the beginning but awesome.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Bright Angel Trailhead

Yavapai Lodge

Yavapai Lodge

3 out of 5
11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ
Yavapai Lodge
Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park

Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
202 South Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ
Maswik Lodge - Inside the Park
Bright Angel Lodge – Inside the Park

Bright Angel Lodge – Inside the Park

3 out of 5
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, AZ
Bright Angel Lodge – Inside the Park
El Tovar - Inside the Park

El Tovar - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, AZ
El Tovar - Inside the Park
Thunderbird Lodge - Inside the Park

Thunderbird Lodge - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
7 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ
Thunderbird Lodge - Inside the Park
Kachina Lodge - Inside the Park

Kachina Lodge - Inside the Park

2.5 out of 5
5 North Village Loop, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon, AZ
Kachina Lodge - Inside the Park
Grand Canyon Hotel and Suites

Grand Canyon Hotel and Suites

2.5 out of 5
226 Hwy 64, Grand Canyon, AZ
Grand Canyon Hotel and Suites
Red Feather Lodge

Red Feather Lodge

3 out of 5
300 State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ
Red Feather Lodge
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

4 out of 5
149 State Highway 64 - Tusayan, Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bright Angel Trailhead

At Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon Village, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including scenic hiking along well-marked trails, breathtaking sunsets, and guided tours to explore the stunning landscape. The trail beckons adventurers with its major attractions and offers a memorable sightseeing experience, making it a perfect spot for a nice hike amidst the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.

Shopping

At Bright Angel Trailhead, you can find unique gifts at Kolb Studio, located 0 miles away. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the Grand Canyon Village Market about 1 mile away for more souvenirs and local artisan crafts.

Recreation

At Point Imperial, 18 miles from Bright Angel Trailhead, you can immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. Enjoy hiking amidst breathtaking views, meditate in serene surroundings, and rejuvenate your spirit with fresh air and stunning vistas, all while embracing the peaceful energy that this recreational area offers.

Adventure

Experience the stunning views along the South Kaibab Trailhead, located 3 miles from Bright Angel Trailhead, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The South Bass Trail, 1 mile away, offers scenic hikes, while the Tonto Trail, 2 miles away, provides an adventurous trek through breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Bright Angel Trailhead is serene yet captivating, offering stargazing opportunities and guided night hikes. Nearby, Grand Canyon Village features cozy lodges with evening programs, and local bars provide a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploring the breathtaking canyon.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bright Angel Trailhead

The Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon Village offers a variety of attractions, including visitor centers, modern civic buildings, and historic sites. This area is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Nearby, you'll find hotels, such as those close to Bright Angel Lodge, making it convenient for your stay. Don't miss out on exploring the best attractions around Bright Angel Trailhead for an unforgettable experience.

  • Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent's Residence: This modern Civic Government Building, located 0.5 miles from Bright Angel Trailhead, offers a glimpse into the administrative heart of the park. With its contemporary design, it embodies the balance between functionality and environmental stewardship, making it a unique stop for those interested in park governance.
  • Hopi House: Just 0.4 miles away, Hopi House is a historic building that showcases the rich culture of the Hopi people. Its architecture and artisan crafts provide an immersive experience into Native American heritage, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
  • Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center: Located 0.3 miles from the trailhead, this visitor center is your gateway to adventure. It offers resources for outdoor exploration, perfect for families and adventure seekers eager to discover the canyon's hidden gems.

Best time to go to Bright Angel Trailhead

The best time to visit Bright Angel Trailhead can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bright Angel Trailhead falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bright Angel Trailhead falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.7°F (0.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.2°F (1.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April50.9°F (10.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
May59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
September66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
November42.8°F (6.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December33.4°F (0.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bright Angel Trailhead

To save money on your trip to Bright Angel Trailhead, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance and opting for a Sunday stay can lead to significant savings. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, combine hotel and flight bookings for discounts, and filter for eco-friendly options. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive deals and cash rewards for future stays. Lastly, explore free activities like hiking and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bright Angel Trailhead are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Bright Angel Trailhead about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bright Angel Trailhead is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Bright Angel Trailhead is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Bright Angel Trailhead with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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