Last updated: March 6, 2026
Place
Bright Angel Trailhead
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. Ranger guided walks also start here.
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 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, current weather, water availability, and trail information/closures. (or visit our Key Hiking Messages webpage).
Trail Reopenings and Current Closures
CURRENTLY OPEN :
- Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Trailhead to River Resthouse (this also includes Pipe Creek Beach).
- South Kaibab Trail from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch (the Black Bridge crossing the Colorado River is open).
- Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and North Kaibab Trail from Phantom Ranch to the Ribbon Falls trail junction.
- Tonto Trail from the Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens.
- The River Trail east of the Bright Angel Trail River Resthouse - to the South Kaibab Trail junction through June 30, 2026.
- The Silver Bridge remains closed through June 30, 2026.
- Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point through June 30, 2026. Those hiking the Tonto Trail are able to pass through Havasupai Gardens.
- The North Kaibab Trail north of the Ribbon Falls junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead is closed until further notice.
Visit the restrooms at Bright Angel Trailhead. (it's a mile and half until the next one!), and be sure to fill up your water bottles and/or bladders. The 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 at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three-Mile Resthouse during late spring, summer, and early fall when overnight low temperatures are above freezing. During winter months, the waterline is prone to breakages and water to those locations is turned off. Water is available all year at Bright Angel Trailhead and Havasupai Gardens.
Visit this link for destinations, distances and other details about Bright Angel Trail