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Bright Angel Point

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 0.5-1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 8114 - 8231 feet
Cellphone: 1-4 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: South Rim
Fee: $15/person or $30/vehicle
Attractions: Scenic views of Grand Canyon




The Bright Angel Point trail is located in the North Rim Section of the Grand Canyon National Park. The trail begins just east of the North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge and follows the ridge to Bright Angel Point. The entire length of the trail is paved and would probably be considered wheelchair accessible if not for a couple of steeper sections and a step near the end of the trail. Bright Angel Point affords visitors with some of the best canyon views in the North Rim Section of the Grand Canyon.



The Bright Angel Point trail can be accessed from anywhere along the east side of the rim near the lodge and parking areas. This post measures the hike beginning at the log shelter east of the parking area. The log shelter is also a convenient spot for beginning a hike on the Bridle Trail, that connects the lodge area with the North Kaibab trail, and the Transept trail, that connects the lodge area with the campground.


By heading south, or to the right, the trail along the rim will pass by several of the cabins that are part of the Grand Canyon Lodge and come to a sign that points the way to the Bright Angel Point trail.


Trail brochures can be obtained at the trailhead that give good information about life along the rim of the Grand Canyon on one side and the geology of the Grand Canyon on the other. These are the same brochures that you get when hiking the South Rim trail in case you have already been to that side of the canyon or plan to go there next.


The first part of the trail drops off at a moderate slope which is steep enough to cause some visitors to stop a few times on the return trip to rest up a bit.


There are many places along the trail where hikers can sit and enjoy the views of the canyon and the peaceful atmosphere of the rim.


The trail has another minor uphill section as it approaches the point.


Visitors with a severe dread of heights seem to stop just short of the point. The trail has sufficient guard rails near the point to provide for the safety of all of its visitors except maybe those who choose to climb out on the rocks along the edges.


The views of the Grand Canyon from Bright Angel Point are spectacular. Visibility depends a lot on the weather and air conditions from areas hundreds of miles away. Conditions were a bit hazy when this photo was taken but 2 days later the air was pristine. With a pair of binoculars some of the buildings along the south rim are visible. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 1000 feet higher than the South Rim but it isn't really apparent from looking across the canyon.


After hiking back up to the trailhead you have the option of heading back to the log shelter where this hike began or taking the trail to the left which heads toward the lodge and the Transept trail that connects the lodge area to the campground. At some point you will want to visit the lodge to at least step out onto the deck and enjoy the stunning views of the Grand Canyon from there. The lodge also has a magnificent dining room as well as several village shops. Near the restrooms you will find free ice machines and a water station where you can fill your bottles for the hike. The Bright Angel Point trail is the most popular hike in the North Rim Section of the Grand Canyon. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.