ALL HIKERS

BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DESCRIPTION

     While the South Kaibab Trail follows a ridge line, the Bright Angel Trail follows the head of a side canyon.  Views on the Bright Angel Trail are framed by massive cliffs, and by virtue of being a shadier trail with natural water sources, there is more plant life and animal life along the Bright Angel Trail than on the South Kaibab Trail.  These features make the Bright Angel Trail appealing to those interested in geology and in viewing wildlife.

     The majority of this trail's elevation change takes place in the upper four miles of trail via a series of switchbacks that can seem endless.  Be sure to utilize the resthouses and seasonal water sources along the way (there are composting toilets at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, but no toilets at Three-Mile Resthouse).  Whether ascending or descending, it is worthwhile to take breaks regularly.  Approaching Indian Garden, the trail flattens out considerably as it crosses the shaley and desolate Tonto Platform.

     Indian Garden is an oasis in the canyon used by Native Americans up to modern times.  Ralph Cameron, one of the early pioneers who built the Bright Angel Trail (and who would later become an Arizona Senator), by 1903 had come to an agreement with the resident Havasupai allowing him to build a camp for tourists.  He staked mining claims to secure the site, built tent cabins, and planted the enormous cottonwood trees still present today.  Hikers camping at Indian Garden should consider the mile and a half side trip to Plateau Point.

     Below Indian Garden, the trail follows a creek through a meandering gully of water-sculpted stone and shimmering cottonwood trees.  The trail becomes steep once again where this gully empties into the broad, bowl-shaped Pipe Creek drainage.  This section of trail, affectionately referred to as the Devil's Corkscrew, is brutally hot during the summer months and should therefore only be attempted during the early morning or late evening hours.  There are no potable water sources between Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campground.  A composting toilet is located near the River Resthouse.

     From the Pipe Creek/River Resthouse area to Bright Angel Campground, the trail traverses exposed sand dunes for over a mile until reaching the silver bridge across the Colorado River.  Again, during hot weather, these sand dunes become a dangerous slog.

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