Bright Angel Trail
The South Rim's most-used trail into the canyon, open to River Resthouse as of November 2026 but with its water stations off
- Admission
- No permit needed for day hikes
- Grand Canyon entrance fee applies ($35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot, 7 days; plus $100 per non-US resident 16+ without an annual pass, NPS 2026). Backcountry permit required to camp below the rim
- Hours
- Trail open 24 hours. As of October 26, 2026: open from the trailhead to River Resthouse; M...
- Where
- Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon & Kaibab Plateau
- Directions
- Directions
The Bright Angel Trail starts on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, at 6,860 feet, and drops 4,460 feet over 7.8 miles to the Colorado River. NPS calls it the most popular hiking trail in the park and a good first trip into the canyon, with resthouses, toilets and some morning and afternoon shade. It is also steep. Most of the elevation change comes in the first four miles of switchbacks, tucked into a side canyon along a fault, and NPS's warning is blunt: there are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon, and the climb out takes about twice as long as the walk down. More than 300 people are rescued from the canyon each year.
The route is old. Havasupai people built its upper part to reach the spring at what is now Havasupai Gardens, where they lived until they were forced out; the last left in 1928. In the 1890s Ralph Cameron, later a US senator, improved and extended the trail to the river and charged a $1 toll. The place long known as Indian Garden was renamed Havasupai Gardens in 2022 at the tribe's request.
NPS lists these day-hike turnaround points, measured round trip from the rim: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, 3 miles and 2 to 4 hours; Three-Mile Resthouse, 6 miles and 4 to 6 hours; Havasupai Gardens, 9 miles and 6 to 9 hours, to be discussed with a ranger first; and Plateau Point, 12 miles and 9 to 12 hours. Do not try to reach the river and come back in one day.
As of November 2026 the trail is open from the trailhead to the River Resthouse, after repairs to flood damage from the August 29 flash flood. The section between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens reopened to hikers on October 26 but stays closed to stock, and crews may hold hikers for short, unannounced closures. The water stations at Mile-and-a-Half, Three-Mile and Havasupai Gardens are off for the rest of the winter, so carry all your water and a treatment method. Water is available from a tank at the trailhead. Beyond the river, the Black and Silver bridges and Phantom Ranch remain closed with no reopening date, so there is no way across.
In winter the upper trail can be dangerously icy, and NPS recommends traction devices. In summer, avoid hiking between 10 am and 4 pm. Mules use the trail: step off on the uphill side, stand still and follow the wranglers' directions. Camping below the rim requires a backcountry permit.
Categories
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Hours & Fees
- Open
- Trail open 24 hours. As of October 26, 2026: open from the trailhead to River Resthouse; Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse to Havasupai Gardens open to hikers only, with possible short closures for repairs (NPS).
- Admission
- No permit needed for day hikes; Grand Canyon entrance fee applies ($35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot, 7 days; plus $100 per non-US resident 16+ without an annual pass, NPS 2026). Backcountry permit required to camp below the rim.
Hours and prices change, especially out of season. Check with the venue before you go.
Nearby Attractions
Other places to visit in Grand Canyon Village
Mather Point
The South Rim overlook a five-minute walk from the visitor center, with views 30 miles east and 60 miles west
From $20 National Parks · Natural Wonders
Desert View Watchtower
Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end of the South Rim, looking down on the Colorado River where Marble Canyon opens out
From $35 Architectural Landmarks · National Parks
Hermit Road
Seven miles of South Rim road west to Mary Colter's Hermits Rest, shuttle-only most of the year and open to cars only in winter
From $20 National Parks · Scenic Drives
Questions people ask
Quick Facts
No permit needed for day hikes
Grand Canyon entrance fee applies ($35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot, 7 days; plus $100 per non-US resident 16+ without an annual pass, NPS 2026). Backcountry permit required to camp below the rim.
Best Time to Visit
November through February is the least crowded time, according to NPS, but expect snow and freezing nights. Spring break, Memorial Day to Labor Day and holiday weeks are the busiest. Below the rim, NPS warns, summer temperatures in the shade routinely pass 100°F.