Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail

Imagine hiking down into the Grand Canyon over almost 7.0mi, descending steeply down the layered rock and watching the canyon’s massive walls begin to tower over you. At the end of your outbound journey, you’re standing at the edge of a wide plateau overlooking the river that single-handedly carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years. That’s exactly what you’ll do on the hike to Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel Trail is the most-used route in the entire canyon. It’s immaculately maintained, very easy to follow, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous. This is the Grand Canyon, after all. You can take Bright Angel to connect to the similarly great Plateau Point Trail, which leads to one of the best viewpoints over the Colorado River the canyon has to offer.

Indian Garden is located along this hike, giving you the chance to stretch this adventure over a night or two. Tucked underneath the trees inside the canyon, you’ll walk out of your tent in the morning to have coffee within one of the most iconic sites in the country.

Even if you don’t plan to stay at the campground, this hike is still a fantastic trip. It will be challenging, though, so we recommend coming prepared with water, nutrition, poles, good boots, and weather-appropriate clothing. The conditions in the canyon can vary from scorching to chilly depending on the season.

From the well-marked Bright Angel Trailhead, you’ll take Bright Angel Trail as it curves through two wide traversing switchbacks before settling into a course of narrower, steeper turns. As you make your way down, make sure to pause and look up as you go. The view of the canyon changes with your descent and you’ll enjoy a closer look at the striations of the walls and unique foliage as you go.

There’s a water refill station called Mile and a Half Resthouse at the end of a traverse in between the switchbacks. There’s also a restroom here if needed. After this pit stop, you’ll launch back into switchbacks along the well-defined route.

Another water and bathroom stop, Three-Mile Resthouse, appears halfway to the campground. After this, the route straightens out as it covers the remaining distance to Indian Garden, running alongside Garden Creek. At this point, you’re more than halfway down the canyon to the Colorado River.
Refill your water at the campsite if needed, then continue on a blessedly flatter stretch of trail, keeping straight to hike out onto Plateau Point. The view over the river here is magnificent, so spend some time snapping photos.

When you’re ready, you’ll return to the trailhead on the same route.

Hiking Route Highlights

Grand Canyon

Revealing millions of years of geological history, the layered and massive Grand Canyon is a 3060 square mile canyon in Arizona. The canyon is 277.0mi long, up to 18 miles wide and is over 6000ft at its deepest point. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon is now one of the world’s top natural attractions, bringing about 5 million visitors to its rim every year. Indigenous people have inhabited the canyon for many years, some considering it to be a holy site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you camp at Indian Gardens Campground?

You’ll need to get a backcountry permit to stay the night at Indian Garden. Make your reservation as far in advance as you can to ensure you get a spot. Spots can be booked with the National Park Service on the first of the month four months before your planned visit.

Is there water on Bright Angel Trail?

Yes, there is water available along the trail. Bring a large container, you’ll likely go through more than you think on the way back up the canyon.

Do you need a permit to hike Bright Angel Trail?

You only need a backcountry permit if you’ll be camping. Day hikes do not require permits beyond your entry to the park.