Hikers who are looking for both an easy hike and a challenge should try the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon National Park. Originally a trail used by the Havasupai Indians, the Bright Angel trail was improved by miners in the late 1800’s. Ralph Cameron, a prospector realized that the tourist trade would likely be more profitable than hunting for gold bought out his partners and took control of the trail. He extended the trail and charged a rate of $1.00 to use the trail. Shortly afterward, the Park Service gave Mr. Cameron a bit of competition by opening the South Kaibab trail and offering free usage for tourists. The National Park Service was finally able to purchase the Bright Angel Trail from Mr. Cameron in 1928.
Today the Bright Angel Trail along with the South Kaibab trail are considered the superhighways of the Grand Canyon. If you’ve never hiked the Canyon before the Bright Angel trail offers a great deal of customization to allow you to make your trek as easy or challenging as you wish.
Offering a great deal of shade in comparison to the other trail, water and rest houses throughout, and campgrounds for longer hikes the Bright Angel Trail begins near the Bright Angel Lodge. When planning your hike you may want to consider the distances and elevations involved.
For example the Indian Garden is 4.6 miles one way, when you reach Indian Garden you will have been gradually decreasing in elevation from 6860 feet at the rim of the canyon to 3800 feet. This makes the hike down pretty easy, but depending on how far you head down into the canyon the hike back up can be grueling. The Colorado River at the bottom of the Canyon has an elevation of 2400 feet. Which means you would be climbing back up 4460 feet to get to the rim again.
The beauty and natural wonder of the canyon surrounds you when hiking the Bright Angel Trail. You will see the Bright Angel Fault, towering rock formations, wildlife and petroglyphs, and amazing views. The presence of water and rest houses along Bright Angel Trail make it a favorite for hikers who enjoy conveniences along with their challenges. For a simple one day hike Indian Gardens is recommended as your turning point, for longer hikes and camping you can continue on to Plateau Point, Colorado River, Bright Angel Campground, and Phantom Ranch or even all the way across the canyon to the North Rim.
No matter how long you plan to be at the Grand Canyon plan to hike at least a short hike on the Bright Angel Trail to get up close and personal with the wonder of this amazing canyon.
