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Bright Angel Point

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.7 (36)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. …Grand Canyon National Park
  5. North Rim
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“A short walk on a paved trail to a spectacular view of the canyon. ”

Nicholas Shannon
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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.4

KM

Out and Back

8,237' 2,511 m

High

8,131' 2,478 m

Low

123' 37 m

Up

123' 38 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views

Family Friendly Short and paved, but still rather steep in spots

Bright Angel Point trail was closed in Fall 2024 for construction. Though it is expected to open in 2025, check for updates on the national park website or with the visitor center before you go.

Overview

Bright Angel Point is the most popular and one of the most easily reached viewpoints on the North Rim, making this a must-see for any visitors who venture to this side of the canyon. It is a steep, paved trail from the Grand Canyon Lodge and visitor center that leads to a sweeping viewpoint over Bright Angel Canyon and the greater gorge just beyond.

Description

Begin your walk from the visitor center, or make a longer hike with either the Bridle Trail or Transept Trail. The path out to Bright Angel Point is directly behind the visitor center and is easy to follow. Still, you should walk slowly and pace yourself if not accustomed to this elevation---8,148 feet above sea level (and 5,780 feet above the Colorado River in the bottom of the canyon)

The trail follows a narrow, steep ridge. Though most of the way is protected by guardrails, any fall on the steep path could cause injury, so use caution. Stay on the trail and away from the edge. Lightning is also a danger on this exposed terrain. If a thunderstorm should pass through, seek shelter at the lodge.

The large tributary canyon to the east (on your left as you head out to the point) is Roaring Springs Canyon which feeds into Bright Angel Creek. The main source of water for both of these drainages is Roaring Springs, a waterfall that emerges spectacularly from cave openings in the canyon wall. Listen closely from atop Bright Angel Point, and on a quiet day you can hear the rushing of the springs more than 3,000 feet below.

Flora & Fauna

The short walk to the point really shows off the Grand Canyon's dramatic ecotones. A transition from the tall canopy of the plateau to a stunted forest of pinyon, juniper, and desert plants occurs within a very short distance. On flat land you would have to travel several hundred miles to experience this variation, but because of canyon topography the transition is compressed into just a few hundred yards.

History & Background

Bright Angel Point is named in congruence with Bright Angel Creek, which flows in the canyon far below. The creek was named by John Wesley Powell on his historic river expedition through the Grand Canyon in 1869.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Grand Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 36 votes

#1

in North Rim

#324

Overall
  4.7 from 36 votes
5 Star
72%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in North Rim

#20

in Arizona

#324

Overall
16 Views Last Month
2,259 Since Jun 12, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
41%
8%
46%
0%
5%
0%
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Photos

Afternoon rain, North Rim, Grand Canyon.
Apr 1, 2020 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon North Rim
Apr 28, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
North Rim Lodge with the sun setting.
Jun 18, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon's impressive walls
Apr 28, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ
Bright Angel Point at dusk
Oct 12, 2018 near Grand C…, AZ
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
May 14, 2015 near Grand C…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Jun 13, 2024
Michele ONeill
Jun 13, 2024
Lee Anne Batal
May 21, 2024
Tracy Peterson
May 12, 2024
Trent Caldwell
Feb 26, 2024
Ashley Zagari
Feb 26, 2024
Ashley Zagari
Jan 15, 2024
Ajay Dodgson
Sep 20, 2023
Krystin Diaz

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