Hiking the Grand Canyon Via Bright Angel Trail

It started with an idea. A friend of mine mentioned how he had hiked here in his younger days and I was intrigued. That idea blossomed into research and a newfound excitement for adventure. Soon I found myself planning a trip to the one and only Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon went above and beyond my expectations.  I didn’t know that a place could hold such insurmountable beauty.

I can confidently say that the Grand Canyon has been one of the most beautiful places I’ve discovered in North America thus far. And it isn’t only due to the prestige and enormity of the place. It is also due to the pure state of awe that both my husband and I underwent while experiencing such a unique creation in this mystical world we inhabit.

We took the Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim. I had heard a lot about this area, and it seemed to be the best trail to sightsee and get a lot of great angles from deep within the canyon itself. We were not disappointed.

Finding the trailhead itself was a bit of a challenge in the dark. It’s not where you would expect it to be, nicely tucked away off of a side-road near a couple of metal bar-gates. In small letters overhead we could vaguely make out “Bright Angel Trail.”

Yes, we started before daylight and so it was dark when we began. We were convinced that we could hike the entirety of the trail in one day. So we set out at 4 A.M., bags packed, for the long day ahead. I do recommend getting an early start.

The Bright Angel Trail is a long one, measuring ten miles one way. But remember, throughout these ten miles you will constantly be hiking uphill or downhill.

If you plan on hiking to Phantom Ranch, you can book lodging (up to 15 months prior to your visit). Otherwise, you could do what we did, and hike the long haul there and back in one day. I do not recommend the later only because this hike is not for the faint of heart. It is a pretty intense haul and, if I could do it over, I would take the night to rest before heading back.

Tips For Hiking Bright Angel Trail:

• There are water wells along the way where you can fill up your water bottle, so no need to stock up with tons of water. But make sure to bring a large enough water thermos to make it through the miles in-between stops.
• We went in October, and although it was not excruciatingly hot, I can’t imagine how hot it must get in the summer. So dress accordingly, bring sun lotion, and hydrate.
• That being said, the weather goes from freezing in the dark hours, to boiling in the sun. So wear some long pants/shirts over your shorts/t-shirts if you plan on leaving before daylight. It is also smart to bring a couple of headlamps along if you are hiking before dawn.
• Pack some snacks and stop to eat along the way. Its important to keep up your energy. Gatorade is also a good idea. Electrolytes are key!
• If you hear screaming in the early hours of the morning, fear not. The surrounding forests are flooded with Elk that call out into the night. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
• During our 15 hour hike there and back, we got rained on a few times. Be sure to wear proper shoes with good grip and always have an umbrella handy. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time, just to be safe.
• This trail goes along the Colorado River, which is a sight to see but definitely not to be tampered with. Again, make sure the weather conditions are safe from dangers such as flash floods and mud slides.
• While speaking to a forest ranger in Phantom Ranch, he warned us how often he has seen parts of the canyon collapse due to shifts in water. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep safety a priority.
• Stick to the trails for leave-no-trace camping and hiking. We are just visitors in this beautiful landscape and it’s important to respect the wildlife that resides here.
• Make sure to check out all overnight information at Phantom Ranch,  or any of the other campgrounds along the way.
• Pace yourself. It is an intense 5 mile hike back up the canyon from the base with a lot of switchbacks. Give yourself enough time, and rest if you need to.

Above all, enjoy yourself! The Grand Canyon is a magnificent natural structure and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. So explore, soak it all in, and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Happy hiking!

<3 Val