Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point

Trail overview

Bright Angel drops from the South Rim through a series of switchbacks past the 1.5-Mile and 3-Mile Resthouses to Havasupai Gardens (about 4.8 miles down), then follows a spur out to Plateau Point and its overlook of the Colorado River — roughly 6 miles and 3,080 feet below the rim each way.

Shorter turnarounds at the 1.5-Mile or 3-Mile Resthouses make excellent hikes in their own right and are far safer in warm weather.

The number one canyon safety rule

Going down is optional; coming up is mandatory. The NPS records heat-related rescues here every year because hikers underestimate the return climb. Plan for the ascent to take twice as long as the descent, and never attempt rim-to-river-to-rim in one day.

Hike early or late, rest in shade during midday, and drink water with electrolytes — plain water alone can cause problems on a long, hot climb.

Water and season

Seasonal water is available at some resthouses and Havasupai Gardens, but pipelines break — check current water status at the visitor center and carry enough to be self-sufficient. Summer inner-canyon temperatures routinely exceed 100°F, so spring and fall are the sane seasons for a long descent.