(This hike is 9.65 miles)
From the Bright Angel Trailhead, zigzag your way down 3,195 feet to Indian Garden, an oasis smudged into a crease in the canyon wall. From the rim, nearly 100 switchbacks snake down the canyon, etched into the red rock, cutting a thin ribbon of matted red dirt. Resthouses, complete with shade, water and an emergency telephone, are spaced in 1.5 mile intervals along the trail.
At Indian Garden, veer left and head out into the canyon to Plateau Point. The point, a spectacular overlook with views of the Colorado River, and the inner canyon’s depths, is worth every bit of sweat. To return, simply make a U-turn and head back up the canyon to the South Rim and one of the best ice cream cones ever, at the Bright Angel Lodge.
Caution: Summer temperatures can soar into the hundreds so always carry water, and start early to beat the midday heat. Also, don’t forget it is much easier to descend into the canyon than climb back up. Expect to spend at least double the amount of time climbing than descending.
*Mapped by Chelise Simmons
TO TRAILHEAD: From Flagstaff, take I-40 W/Purple Heart Trail to exit 165. Turn right onto AZ 64 N toward Grand Canyon National Park. In 54.7 miles, turn left onto Center Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn left onto Village Loop Dr. and park in lot on right. Walk across lot to access trailhead.
DIRECTIONS + WAYPOINTS: helping you find your way
Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail
Distance 9.65 mi
Position Format: Datum:
Point Name: GCP001: Directly next to the Kolb Studio, begin descending into the depths of the Grand Canyon along the Bright Angel Trail. Location: 36.05795°, -112.14236°
Point Name: GCP002: Unlike most hikes where the trail is hidden by ridgelines, valleys, and canyons, this out-and-back is mostly visible, snaking thousands of feet below in a small ribbon of matted red dirt etched into the canyon wall. Location: 36.05776°, -112.14529°
Point Name: GCP003: Hiking into the Grand Canyon is a geology lesson. The top layer, roughly 250 million years old, is known as Kaibab Limestone and is sandy to the touch. Location: 36.05819°, -112.14653°
Point Name: GCP004: Continue left @ 3-way junction. Immediately to your right is the 1.5 Mile Resthouse with water, bathrooms and an emergency telephone. At this point the trail has dropped 1,065 feet into the canyon. Location: 36.06031°, -112.13909°
Point Name: GCP005: Descending down the nearly 100 switchbacks to Indian Gardens, it is impossible to not be overwhelmed with the size and sheer beauty of the deteriorating red rock walls. Location: 36.06212°, -112.14015°
Point Name: GCP006: On the left is a large rock shaped like a shark’s tooth. Location: 36.06126°, -112.14175°
Point Name: GCP007: Three-Mile Resthouse: Water, shelter and an emergency phone are available starting in May. Indian Gardens, the next opportunity to get water, is now only 1.6 miles below. Optional: Follow the small path behind the resthouse for a stunning view of the canyon. Location: 36.06544°, -112.13625°
Point Name: GCP008: Depending on the time of day, donkey trains may pass on the trail. To allow safe passage, stand on the uphill side of the trail and do not agitate the animals (or riders for that matter). Location: 36.06682°, -112.13556°
Point Name: GCP009: As the trail begins to flatten out, the rock walls transition from Mauv Limestone to Bright Angel Shale. Depending on the time of year, spring wildflowers may also line the trail. Location: 36.06764°, -112.13380°
Point Name: GCP010: An oasis in the middle of the canyon, Indian Garden has shade, water, and a rest area. Location: 36.07460°, -112.12880°
Point Name: GCP011: Continue straight @ 3-way junction. The trail to the left leads to Indian Garden Campground. Location: 36.07602°, -112.12862°
Point Name: GCP012: Shade and water can be found here. Location: 36.07701°, -112.12837°
Point Name: GCP013: Veer right @ Y-junction; bathrooms and benches flank the trail. Location: 36.07740°, -112.12809°
Point Name: GCP014: Turn left @ 3-way junction and cross over a small stream. The trail winds through more vegetation. Location: 36.07842°, -112.12703°
Point Name: GCP015: During springtime, pink and yellow cactus flowers dot the landscape adding a splash of color to the otherwise dusty, red rock. Summer Point is also visible jutting up to the northeast. Location: 36.08377°, -112.12482°
Point Name: GCP016: Veer right @ Y-junction, heading northeast toward Plateau Point. The Bright Angel Trail is visible to the right a few hundred feet below. Location: 36.08615°, -112.12434°
Point Name: GCP017: Fill up your water bottles here before the final push to Plateau Point. Location: 36.09313°, -112.11649°
Point Name: GCP018: Plateau Point: From this vantage point deep inside the heart of the canyon, views extend across the Colorado River to distant mesas and plateaus. After basking in the view, turn around and retrace the trail to the canyon’s rim. Depending on the time of year, the heat can rise into the hundreds, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Location: 36.09327°, -112.11600°
