Grand Canyon South Rim ยท Strenuous
Bright Angel Trail Map
The most popular corridor trail off the South Rim, with well-graded switchbacks, seasonal water, and shaded rest houses at 1.5 and 3 miles.
- One-way: 7.8 mi (12.6 km)
- Elevation change: 4,400 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Free GPX download, interactive topo map and elevation profile on this page
Bright Angel Trail FAQ
- How long is the Bright Angel Trail?
- The Bright Angel Trail is 7.8 miles (12.6 km) one-way. Hiking to the end and back is about 15.6 miles round trip.
- How much elevation change is on the Bright Angel Trail?
- The trail runs between about 2,444 ft and 6,844 ft above sea level, an elevation change of roughly 4,400 ft.
- How hard is the Bright Angel Trail?
- We rate the Bright Angel Trail strenuous. In the Grand Canyon the hard part is the climb back out: plan on it taking about twice as long as the hike down, and carry more water than you think you need.
- Do I need a permit to hike the Bright Angel Trail?
- Day hikes in Grand Canyon National Park don't need a permit. Any overnight stay below the rim requires a backcountry permit from the National Park Service. On our guided trips, we handle the permits.
- Can I download a Bright Angel Trail GPX file?
- Yes. Use the Download GPX button above for a free GPX track that works with Garmin, AllTrails, Gaia GPS, CalTopo and most GPS watches.
Hike the Bright Angel Trail with a guide
- Daily Hikes: 1 day, Moderate, Grand Canyon National Park. $225 per person. Guided day hikes in the Grand Canyon, 7:00 AM daily from June 5 to August 1, 2026. Each day the group runs one trail (South Kaibab, Bright Angel, Hermit, or Grandview), chosen by majority preference.
- Classic South Rim Adventure: 4 days / 3 nights, Strenuous, Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona. Dates coming soon. One of the Grand Canyon's most iconic backpacking adventures through the heart of the inner canyon.
- Bright Angel to Hermit Loop Adventure: 5 days / 4 nights, Strenuous, Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona. Dates coming soon. An immersive loop combining classic corridor hiking with remote Tonto traverses, secluded creek camps, and extended exploration along the Colorado River.
- Extended Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Adventure: 6 days / 5 nights, Strenuous, Grand Canyon, Arizona. Dates coming soon. An extended version of the iconic Rim-to-Rim experience allowing additional time to explore the North Kaibab corridor and inner canyon at a more immersive pace.