Bright Angel Trail to 1.5 Mile Resthouse
The standard introductory below-rim hike on Bright Angel Trail to the first staffed resthouse corridor.
Route overview
Descend Bright Angel Trail to the 1.5 Mile Resthouse and return the same way.
This route descends through the upper Bright Angel switchbacks and two rock tunnels to the 1.5 Mile Resthouse. The maintained trail, partial shade and seasonal services make it a sensible first inner-canyon objective, but the climb out is still strenuous and often takes twice as long as the descent.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Distance
- 4.8 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 2–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- approximately 340 m on return
- Best season
- Spring and autumn; early morning in summer; traction in winter
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No for ordinary day hiking
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Deceptively easy descent, heat, ice, mule traffic and seasonal water failure
Highlights
Upper canyon tunnels, switchbacks, changing rock layers, inner-canyon views
Why find a buddy
A strong introductory buddy route for comparing uphill pace and heat tolerance.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.