About
Length (round trip)0.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain50 ft up
Typical time15 min
TrailheadNorth Rim, near the lodge site
SurfacePaved with steep drops both sides
Best seasonSouth Rim year round; March to May and September to November are best. The North Rim opens mid-May to mid-October.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views

The most popular hiking trail into Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail lets hikers walk in the footsteps of the canyon's Indigenous peoples, miners, and early tourists, as they descend into the canyon's depths. Offering outstanding views, morning and afternoon shade, resthouses, vault toilets, and drinking water during the summer, this trail offers an excellent first trip into the canyon. *Note that all trails into the canyon are steep and difficult. Where to Park If you are not able to find a parking spot near Bright Angel Trailhead, continue driving around the Village Loop Drive to Parking Lot D - a large lot by Maswik Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center . From Lot D, it is about a 0.4 mile/0.65 km walk back to the canyon's rim and Bright Angel Trailhead. If you park at the Visitor Center, the Village (Blue) Route shuttle will bring you to Hermit Road Interchange . From there it is just a short walk uphill to Bright Angel Trailhead. Know Before You Go Before heading down into the canyon, consult the signs at the trailhead, and scan the QR code for trip planning, current weather, water availability, and trail information/closures . (or visit our Key Hiking Messages webpage). Trail Status and Future Closures CURRENTLY OPEN : (updated June 26, 2026) South Kaibab Trail from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch. The Black Bridge crossing the Colorado River. Tonto Trail from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens. Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point. Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Trailhead to River Resthouse. The River Trail east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction. The Silver Bridge. The entire North Kaibab Trail. FUTURE CLOSURES - Beginning October 15, 2026: North Kaibab Trail from the Redwall Bridge (approximately 2.5 miles north of Manzanita Rest Area) to the northern end of Cottonwood Campground. NOTE: Traditional "Rim-to-Rim" hiking (North Rim to South Rim OR South Rim to North Rim) will not be possible beginning October 15, 2026. Bright Angel Trail - Day Hike Destinations First Tunnel 0.1 miles (0.2 km) roundtrip / 20 minutes Second Tunnel 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip / 1-2 hours / 590 feet (180 m) elevation change Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip / 2-4 hours / 1,120 feet (340 km) elevation change Water station is on. (updated 4/13/2025) Three-Mile Resthouse 6 miles (9.6 km) roundtrip / 4-6 hours / 2,120 feet (645 m) elevation change Water station is on. (updated 4/13/2025) Havasupai Gardens - Check with a park ranger before attempting as a day hike. 9 miles (14.4 km) roundtrip / 6-9 hours / 3,040 feet (925 m) elevation change Water station is on. Plateau Point and Trail 12 miles (19.6 km) roundtrip / 9-12 hours / 3,080 feet (940 m) elevation change Consult a park ranger before heading down to the Colorado River. Destinations below Havasupai Gardens are not recommended day hikes due to the long distance, extreme temperature changes, and an approximately 5

Tips
Steep unfenced drops on both sides of the path for much of its length. The Dragon Bravo Wildfire in 2025 destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge and changed the whole North Rim visitor experience - check what is open before you drive up.
Location

North Rim, near the lodge site

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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