BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL TO INDIAN GARDEN & PLATEAU POINT
The Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden (9.3 miles / 14.9 km return) is one of the most popular day-hikes for you to begin your adventures in the Grand Canyon and get a taste for what it has to offer. By doing the day hike from the top of the rim to Indian Garden, the halfway point to the Colorado River, you'll get some truly amazing views of the Grand Canyon, access to clean drinking water stations and it should give you enough time to hike back to the top of the rim in a day.
Indian Garden is about half way along the Bright Angel Trail. From the South Rim to the Garden it is about 4.5 miles / 7.2 km and represents a vertical descent of 3.050 ft / 930 m.
If you start walking at 7 am you can make it to Indian Garden in 2-3 hours depending on your walking speed. The hike has stupendous views all the way down and it’s great for seeing the canyon from below. At the Garden there is shade, restroom facilities and water, if you need to replenish your supply, and a small stream to cool your feet in. If you are new to hiking, I would break the Bright Angel Trail and turn back at Indian Garden. Don’t forget it will usually take you twice as long to hike up to the rim as it did to hike down.
You really don’t need much, except for a few necessary items, and a heavy backpack will spoil your enjoyment of the hike. If you are just going to Indian Garden, Sherpa Sam proposes that you only need a light backpack/belly pack with water bottle, snacks, hard candy/boiled sweets, a camera and, of course, sturdy hiking shoes. However, for the uninitiated, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and your cell phone may also be your ‘must haves’. Check out our Ultimate Packing Guide for a complete list of items to pack.
Name: Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden
Location: from the top of the South Rim to Indian Garden. Latitude: 36° 03' 26.75" N Longitude: -112° 08' 34.22" W
Duration: between 5 and 6 hours.
Difficulty: strenuous
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
Elevation change: 3.050 ft / 930 m from the top of the rim to Indian Garden
What to take: a light backpack/belly pack with water bottle, snacks, hard candy, and good hiking shoes. Check out our Ultimate Packing Guide.
Water stations: available seasonally (1.5 mile resthouse / 3 mile resthouse) and year-round in Indian Garden
Facilities: toilets are available at 1.5 mile resthouse and Indian Garden
When to go: between April and September/October is the best time
How to get there: from the trailhead at Bright Angel Lodge
Parking information: the closest parking lot is Parking Lot D near the Backcountry Information Center just a short walk from the beginning of the trail or 2 stops in free shuttle bus
Permit required: not for a day hike
Price: entrance fee to the Grand Canyon National Park
Note: it takes twice as long to hike out as it takes to get down
Warning: steep, strenuous hike
Why is it for you: this day hike is great for beginner hikers, families and travelers who have a limited amount of time to hike the Grand Canyon
Sherpa Sam's recommendation: carry enough water and food, you'll need both. Leave no trace, don't litter and be respectful of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Share the trail with hikers and mules and be kind.
For more information, please check out the Day Hike - Bright Angel Trail government website.
Sherpa Sam says...
Even though this hike is considered an easy one-day hike, don't underestimate it because it will not be a stroll in the park. The unforgiving heat combined to the misleading easiness of the descent and the difficulty of the hike back out will be challenging, so prepare yourself accordingly, know your limits and don't forget to take plenty of water.
"I was hiking in the Grand Canyon [at] the Bright Angel Trail [and] ran across these canyon dwellers about a half-mile or so into the journey. As I was dropping down the trail and rounding a switchback... on a ledge was this herd of bighorns. I was thrilled and excited, so I started shooting pictures. It's amazing how sure-footed these creatures are, and to see how they maneuver is an awesome lesson in nature by itself."
GREG WOLFE
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL TO PLATEAU POINT
The Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point (12.2 miles / 19.6 km return) offers the same truly amazing views as the hike to Indian Garden (elevation 3.800 ft / 1158 m) but you'll be hiking an extra 1.5 miles / 2.4 km to Plateau Point (elevation 3740 ft / 1139 m). From Plateau Point you'll get a rewarding panoramic view of the Colorado River.
The hike from Indian Garden to Plateau Point is mostly flat and doesn't actually feel like a very difficult hike. Should you want to go a little further, you can turn left out of Indian Garden and head out into the Canyon for another 1.5 miles / 2.4 km to Plateau Point.
At the Point, there is a spectacular overlook with views of the Colorado River, and the depths of the inner canyon which is well worth the extra effort. Although once near to extinction, you may now see condors circling overhead here. If this is your limit for the day, you can make a u-turn and hike back up to the South Rim and treat yourself to ice cream at the Bright Angel Lodge. The all round trip is 12.2 miles / 19.6 km and should take you between 9 and 12 hours depending on your hiking pace.
Name: Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point
Location: from the top of the South Rim to Plateau Point. Latitude: 36.0788717 Longitude: -112.1207246
Duration: between 9 and 12 hours
Difficulty: strenuous
Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km from the trailhead to Plateau Point
Elevation change: 3.110 ft / 947 m from the trailhead to Plateau Point
Water stations: available seasonally (1.5 mile resthouse/3 mile resthouse / Plateau Point) and year-round in Indian Garden
Permit required: not for a day-hike
Note: don't let the pristine waters of the Colorado river lure you all the way down as it is not recommended for a day trip
Warning: steep, strenuous hike. Do not try to go down to the river from the top of the rim and back out in a day. If you can afford to spend a night in the canyon, choose to camp at Indian Garden, it is well worth it.
For more information, please check the Day Hike - Bright Angel Trail government website
Sherpa Sam says...
If you prefer to stay here for the night and maybe go on to Plateau Point in the morning, you can camp at Indian Garden but all overnight stays in the canyon require a permit in advance (see Permits and Passes).
Download...
for the full Bright Angel Trail ma[ for more information on the services, tips and a detailed description of the trail.
All maps and charts courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park Services.