Bright Angel Trailhead

Don't forget to document your hike with a quick pic with the sign. Before or after is your choice!

NPS/Joel Kane

Quick Facts

Location:

Grand Canyon Village

Significance:

Historic Trail

Amenities

13 listed

Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable

Bright Angel Trailhead is located just west of Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, and Kolb Studio. At 6,840 feet (2,085 m), it provides access for hikers and mules to many Inner Canyon destinations.

From the Hermit Road Interchange shuttle bus stops, it is a short walk to the east and up the hill on a paved footpath to the trailhead. 

Parking is available next to the trailhead, but is very limited and often fills in the early morning. Other options include parking at the Backcountry Information Center (Lot D) and walking 5–10 minutes along the sidewalk past Maswik Lodge to the trailhead, or parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and taking the free Village Route (Blue) shuttle bus, a 20-minute one-way trip.

Know Before You Go

Before heading down into the canyon, consult the signs at the trailhead, and scan the QR code for trip planning and current weather, trail information and closures. (or visit our Key Hiking Messages webpage).

Current Closures of Bright Angel Trail

The closures this spring and summer are for a major waterline replacement project. Some of the closures have been extended. The list below was updated on April 9, 2025. Read the news release for additional details.

Bright Angel Trail is open from the trailhead to Havasupai Gardens. 

Water is on at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses, and at Havasupai Gardens. 
 

• CLOSED — PLATEAU POINT TRAIL from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point. Scheduled to reopen September 30, 2025. Those hiking the Tonto Trail are able to pass through.
   
• CLOSED — BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL from Havasupai Gardens to the Colorado River. Scheduled to reopen May 15, 2025.
   
• CLOSED — RIVER TRAIL. Scheduled to reopen September 30, 2025.
   
• CLOSED — SILVER BRIDGE. Scheduled to reopen September 30, 2025.
   
• CLOSED —Bright Angel Campground. Scheduled to reopen May 15, 2025.

• MAINTENANCE CLOSURES

• UPCOMING CLOSURE — PHANTOM RANCH COMPOST TOILETS (north of Phantom Ranch) will be closed from May 8 to May 12 as staff evacuate waste ahead of the North Rim reopening. The restrooms at Bright Angel Creek Delta are open.  

Visit the restrooms at the trailhead. (it's a mile and half until the next one!), and be sure to fill up your water bottles and/or bladders. The new water bottle filling station, at the trailhead, is inside an elk proof metal cage attached to the side of the restroom closest to the stone mule corral. 

There are seasonal water stops along the trail during late spring, summer, and early fall when overnight low temperatures are above freezing. During winter months, the waterline is prone to breakages. As of April 13, 2025, the water at Mile-and-a-Half, and Three-Mile Resthouses was turned on for the season. 

Visit this link for destinations, distances and other details about Bright Angel Trail