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Bright Angel Trail

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nmagann
nmagann
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Editor Pick

Bright Angel Trail

  • September 11, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by callen60 from Ozarks, Missouri
Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel Point reaches into the Grand Canyon for about three miles, gradually narrowing as it heads further south. Siting the Grand Canyon Lodge here was a terrific decision—from its balconies, Sun Room, and Dining Room there are terrific views south into the Canyon.

But there's even better ones not far away. The Point rapidly narrows just south of the Lodge, turning into one of the many thin, tall rocky fins pointing towards the Colorado far below. A paved, fenced trail heads out to the southernmost tip of Bright Angel Point, providing you with the sensation of having the Canyon truly all around you.

We arrived here in early evening, after our expedition to Toroweap and stops in the Kaibab National Forest for overlooks of Marble Canyon off to the northeast. We parked the car, and nearly sprinted for the trailhead. After missing it by heading too far to the east, we regrouped and started down the path.

There were a lot of people here, and I imagined that the number would only grow as sunset approached. The natural colors of the rock were already enriched by the low angle of sunlight, and deciding to whether to stop along the way at one of the benches carved into the rock or keep going to the end was a tossup.

The trail was a little more of an adventure than I assumed. It weaves among and alongside large pieces of the rocky fin, and is so narrow in places that two people can barely pass shoulder-to-shoulder. It generally traces the fin's eastern edge, right on the edge. There are railings and fencing throughout, but those with fear of heights will want to stay close to the rocks on your right as you head out. Having my kids with me kicks my fear of heights into high gear; it obviously didn’t do the same for the parents of the 10 or 12 year old kids who kept sprinting up and down the path and wedging past people at high speed.

Out at the tip, the view was tremendous. The Canyon stretched all around us, and we felt that we’d arrived at a great time. Given the number of people who also wanted a chance at the relatively small observation point, it was hard to take too much time there. But this was the only place where we felt any pressure from crowds at the North Rim.

It was now after 7pm, and our 8pm dinner reservations were coming up quickly. After a full day, we were ready for a good meal—and we still had to check in to our cabin and clean up a little. We hiked back up the trail, thinking we’d make several more trips out here. We didn’t, much to my surprise, and I can’t come up with a good explanation. Given how easy it is to reach Bright Angel Point from the cabins, I’m sure it won’t be as deserted at sunrise as Point Imperial. Next visit, I’ll find out.

From journal On the Plateau, Part IV: The Grand Canyon's North Rim

Editor Pick

Bright Angel Trail

  • April 3, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by btwood2 from Rodeo, New Mexico
Bright Angel Trail

9 miles round trip, elevation change 3060 feet descent and ascent. Easy down, difficult up.

Bright Angel Trail has an interesting history. The trail itself is an old one, used for centuries by Havasupai Indians to reach their gardens. It was named Bright Angel after the creek and canyon named by intrepid Colorado River runner John Wesley Powell.

In the 1890s miner Ralph Cameron improved the trail, gained control of it, changed its name to Cameron Trail and began charging $1 toll. Alternate trails such as Kaibab Trail (east) and Hermit’s Trail (west) were developed to avoid the toll. After lengthy legal battles, the trail was wrested from Cameron by Coconino County in 1928. It was renamed Bright Angel in 1937.

The hike to Indian Gardens and back on Bright Angel is one hefty and memorable hike. Bob and I, younger and more foolish in 1988 during our first visit to the Grand Canyon, hiked down to Indian Gardens from the South Rim, starting early morning. The popular Bright Angel trail, though grooved, dusty, and manured by heavy mule use, was a breeze to descend, with wonderful vistas around every bend. The elevation at Indian Gardens is 3,800 feet, still about 1,400 feet above the Colorado River, but almost three quarters of the way to the canyon floor.

After arriving at Indian Gardens, still full of energy, we were tempted to hike out to Plateau Point. But we wisely changed our minds, wandering around the campground and picnic area, visiting the small ranger station, and watching mule trains come and go. It was pleasant to sit and eat our packed lunches under the cottonwood trees next to Garden Creek. We felt well-rested and ready for the uphill climb, though the weather was warmer than we realized beyond our shady oasis.

But hiking back up under the brutal summer sun that afternoon was no picnic, especially that excruciating last mile. Step after exhausting step, it seemed like we’d never reach the trailhead. We did, though, and promptly staggered into our camper and fell soundly asleep for the rest of the day, that whole night, and most of the next morning.

We’d been careful to wear wide-brimmed hats, wet bandanas, and good hiking boots. We brought enough water and refilled our canteens at the rest houses along the trail. In spite of our precautions, I was actually nauseous at our hike’s completion, and we were both about as wore out as we’d ever been.

Once we’d recovered enough to converse with one another, we agreed that if we ever went down into the Canyon again, we’d hike down but ascend by mule. Several groups had passed us as we were struggling uphill, looking so comfy just sitting in their saddles while the mules did all the work. Of course that’s not the way it works: it’s not quite as easy as it looks, and if you want to ride mules up, first you have to ride them down.

From journal Lure of the Canyon

Bright Angel Trail

This is a perfect trail for anyone visiting Grand Canyon. You can go as far as you want reaching the bottom of the canyon to the Colorado River; however, it is not recommended to try it in one day.

There are stops along the way to get water/toliets and to rest. Remember, it's easier going down than coming up. It is very steep in places. You must stay hydrated! Especially if the weather is warm.

Check out the petroglyphs on the cliff walls after the first tunnel. Wonderful to see the cultural/historic remnants are still in place for all to enjoy.

From journal Grand to say the least!

Bright Angel Trail

  • July 29, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by digitaldan1 from Deptford, New Jersey
Bright Angel Trail

We picked this trail for our hike out of the canyon since it wasn't as steep as the way we took down and also because it would show us a different part of the canyon. (The South Rim shuttle service would take us back to the car once we got back up to the rim.)

Hiking out of the canyon is much harder than the hike down. Besides the obvious, uphill requires lots more energy than downhill, you also lose the energy boosting experience of the canyon's amazing views.

Weighted down with a heavy pack, the hike back up tends to focus your gaze on your shoetops as you plod up switchback after switchback. This is where you really pay the penalty for every extra ounce of gear you've elected to take along.

Stop frequently to pace yourself. When you do dtop, turn around and look back into the canyon for more of those amazing views. This hike takes you through a lusher, greener part of the canyon than the South Kaibab trail does and there's lots to see here.

Just like the South Kaibab, this is a well maintained trail. Both trails are wide enough that there's no sensation of vertigo, so even hikers with a modest fear of heights will generally feel safe, especially since most of the trail is carved against one side of the canyon wall.

If you have the time and the physical ability, this hike can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!

From journal Grand Canyon NP

Bright Angel

  • July 1, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by hopson from raleigh, North Carolina
Nice walk with good views. I love the canyon. In the summer make sure you carry plenty of water. On a clear night you can see the lights of Las Vegas.

From journal North Rim

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