Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) had been one of my top bucket list goals for years. I first visited the Grand Canyon about six years ago, but I wasn’t able to hike below the rim because I had my dog with me (note: dogs are not allowed below the rim). While I could enjoy the scenic overlooks, I never got a true sense of just how deep, wide, and awe-inspiring the canyon really is. I knew I had to return—this time, to explore it from within.
About
Planning the Trip – How I Got a Grand Canyon Backpacking Permit
After moving to Utah, I started hearing more about the legendary Rim-to-Rim hike—a 26-mile trek from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While some people run or hike the entire thing in a single day (which doesn’t require a permit), I wasn’t quite ready for that challenge. Instead, I set my sights on a multi-day backpacking trip and began applying for a Grand Canyon backcountry permit.
It took me two years of trying, but in October 2015, I finally scored a permit for four people to backpack the Grand Canyon in April 2016—a full six months out. My original plan was to start at the North Rim, backpack for two nights, and exit via the Bright Angel Trailhead. Unfortunately, I learned that the North Rim doesn’t open until May 15th each year, so that plan had to change.
Adjusting Our Route – Out and Back on Bright Angel Trail
Instead, we rerouted our trip to start and finish at the Bright Angel Trailhead on the South Rim, still spending two nights in the canyon. Just one week before our departure, I checked the weather—there was a 90% chance of rain for the entire weekend! But that wasn’t going to stop us.
I alerted my group, and we packed accordingly: rain jackets, rain pants, ultralight tarps, warm layers, and plenty of hot chocolate to stay cozy. Being prepared made all the difference.
Driving to the Grand Canyon – Stopover at Horseshoe Bend
We drove down from Salt Lake City, stopping for a night in Page, Arizona to break up the drive and visit one of my favorite viewpoints in the U.S.—Horseshoe Bend. The next morning, we left Page at 6 a.m., drove another 2.5 hours to the Bright Angel Trailhead, and made a quick stop at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to weigh our packs (see photo below!).
By 10:30 a.m., we were officially on the trail. After 4.5 hours of hiking, we reached our first campsite at the Bright Angel Campground, located near Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon.
FAQs
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Is the Bright Angel Trail kid friendly to backpack?
When we arrived to GCNP, we first stopped in the Visitor Center to ask a few more questions, and look in the bookstore. We needed to know where it would be safe to park our car for two nights. The Ranger suggested parking at the Backcountry Office, since they had cameras there and had a ranger patrol the area.
We found the Backcountry Office, and went inside just to see if we needed anything, but since I had already printed our permit, and placed it in a ziplock bag, we were good to go.
But first, we needed to see who had the heaviest pack! Here’s how we all weighed in:
Me 36 lbs
Larry 33 lbs
Greg 34 lbs
Ian 38 lbs
I was at 28 lbs before adding 3 L of water and a few more snacks. Keep in mind that 3 L of water weighs about 6 lbs!
Day 1
Finally at the Bright Angel Trailhead! You can see from our coats and hats it was a chilly start!
I was already in awe at the beginning of the trail – I couldn’t wait to see the Grand Canyon from the bottom.
Hiking under Tunnel #1, a little ways down, you should hike under Tunnel #2.
The whole way down you will see lots of switchbacks. Get ready to go down them all! This cabin you see is actually a port-a-potty. There are two rest houses and port-a-potties along the trail – at mile 1 and mile 3, before Indian Gardens. This time of the year the water source was still turned off; after May 15th there is water where you can refill your camelbak and water bottles.
More switchbacks!
In awe of our view! Photo by @iBoyer.
It had rained a day before we started hiking, and there were puddles along the trail.
Stopping at Mile 3 Rest house for a bathroom break, and quick change of clothes. After hiking for an hour or so, it began to warm up, and I was down to my shorts and t-shirt.
The other backpackers look so small along the trail.
Passing by Indian Gardens, where we would be camping our 2nd night.
We needed a snack break, and waited for the rest of our group to arrive. We were thankful to have found a shaded picnic spot right outside of Indian Gardens. There is a water source available here, at the trail intersection just past Indian Gardens Campground.
Just after Indian Gardens, you will make your way through this really pretty, lush canyon with a stream flowing. The rock here was really pretty too.
The small canyon opened up, and we were amazed at what was ahead of us – an open, panoramic view of the Inner Canyon.
Devils Corkscrew
One of my favorite spots along the trail, with a view of the Devil’s Corkscrew – a steep switchback down into the canyon.
At the same spot in the photo above, just looking the opposite view, you are on top of some waterfalls.
At the top of the Devil’s Corkscrew, looking down to where we are headed. This section of the canyon can feel really hot, since wind can’t quite cut through. Along the stream at the bottom I dipped my headband into the water to help keep my head cool.
Finally at the Colorado and Pipe Creek Beach, with a port-a-potty.
Taking some photos with the Colorado River behind us. Pretty sure I had food in my mouth here!
What a view! This photo doesn’t show how massive and raging the water was.
The suspension bridge was in sight! Only 1/2 mile left until we reached the Bright Angel Campground.
On the Suspension Bridge.
On the Suspension Bridge. It’s only wide enough for one person at a time.
On the Suspension Bridge, looking over the Colorado River.
Turn left for the Bright Angel Campground!
Camping at Bright Angel CG
We got campsite #23, which has a beautiful view, enough space for 3-4 tents, shade from the rock wall to the right, a picnic table, and pole to hang our packs. The campsites are first come first serve to backpackers with a permit – GCNP doesn’t assign you a camp spot. Just pick one that looks good! There is running water and flush toilets at the campground.
Another view of our campsite #23, before we set up the tents. Those two metal boxes are what you need to keep food in. The squirrels have learned to eat through ziplock bags and food bags, so it is very important to use them.
Hanging our packs to keep the squirrels out. Unfortunately, they know how to climb these poles and get into packs, so I recommend keeping your pack inside your tent at all times. We only used these poles when we first arrived.
Walking around camp – by 4 pm it was pretty full.
Another view of the campground, which is right along the Bright Angel Creek.
Phantom Ranch
We made our way over to Phantom Ranch after we set up camp. Phantom Ranch offers ice cold beer, sodas, snacks to hikers and guests staying at the lodge (bring money and your ID!). It is the only lodging below the rim, and can be reached by hiking, on mule, or rafting the Colorado River. In the 1920s the NPS selected the Fred Harvey Company to build a tourist facility within the canyon, and Mary Jane Colter drafted the plans for a series of cabins. Everyone was pleased with her design, and wanted to name it Roosevelt’s Chalets. However, she told them, “Not if you are going to be using my work!”, in which she already had the name Phantom Ranch picked out, for the way the canyon looked ghostly with the clouds during and after a storm.
Entering Phantom Ranch.
Greg & Larry get their Tecate on!
One of the Phantom Ranch cabins you can rent.
After visiting Phantom Ranch, we headed over the the Colorado River and soaked our sore feet in the ice cold river, and drank wine. I was really glad I brought my REI Flex Lite Chair with me!
Greg enjoys his time along the Colorado River.
Day 2
We woke up on our 2nd day at 5am, so we could hike over to Ribbon Falls. After our hike, we came back, packed up camp, and set out to hike another 5 miles back up to Indian Gardens.
We could see the clouds rolling in. The first hour of hiking back up the Bright Angel Trail was clear, but as soon as we got back into the narrow canyon we heard very loud thunder and saw lightning.
Enjoying the hike before the rain.
I quickly put my pack cover and rain jacket on.
Within 30-45 minutes of raining, there were mini chocolate waterfalls everywhere! My shoes and socks were completely water-logged! I was a little nervous, since I have never backpacked in conditions like this, but it really wasn’t bad. So my shoes were wet- so what? I could keep hiking.
The trail turned into a mini river. I tried to hike around the puddles, but sometimes it couldn’t be avoided.
Back at the same location we were just at the day before, only this time it looked a little different. Photo by @iBoyer.
Even though we were soaking wet, the Grand Canyon looked so beautiful and VERY green! I loved seeing all the mini waterfalls appearing within the canyon.
Camping at Indian Gardens
Almost back to Indian Gardens – I must have said, “It’s SO green” like 20 times!
As soon as we found a campsite, we stripped all of our wet clothes off, made several cups of hot chocolate, set up camp and the UL tarp, and just tried to enjoy our time at camp. It continued raining the rest of the evening. I can now say I’ve hiked/backpacked 19 miles in the rain! Whoo-hoo!
We used paracord to hang up or sopping wet clothes – there was no use in doing this though. Nothing dried out overnight.
Day 3
Day 3 we woke up to partly cloudy skies, and thankfully, no rain!
We woke up at 5am, and were on the trail at 7am.
Backpacking up the Bright Angel Trail with no clouds in sight! At the bottom of the canyon it was about 45F.
Last selfie of the trip! I can tell that I am very tired by this point. Hiking back up to the rim took me 2.5 hours for 4.5 miles, with close to 3,000 ft elevation gain. Once at the rim, the temperatures dropped to 34F! Once again, I tried to strip off all my sweaty layers and into dry clothes to help keep warm. It didn’t help that my shoes were still water logged from yesterdays rain.
Pizza at the Maswik Lodge
As soon as the Pizza Pub opened at 11am at the Maswik Lodge, we chowed down on pepperoni and mushroom pizza and drank a beer.
At 11am, nobody else was in the Pizza Pub.
Trail Maps
Did you know? The average width of the Grand Canyon is 10 miles!
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