Bright Angel Trailhead — Attraction in Four Corners States

THE CANYON

I just faced some of my deepest fears. 51 miles with a 12 pound pack, running and hiking for over 22 hours with 25,000 feet of elevation gain. Temperatures ranging from 38° to 100° during that trek.

There were so many unknowns. I purposely planned well, but left some mysteries to discover. What options and resources are there at the north rim? Will I have enough food? Will I run out of water? Will my light source last 10 hours in the darkness as I run, dangerous terrain? What about the lack of sleep, especially in light of not sleeping well for the 48 hours prior to the run?

I have a fear of heights. I had to move past that and just focus on the trail in the sunlight and in the darkness. 12 hours of light 10 hours of darkness. 1000 to 2000 feet of sheer drop off to my side for much of the run. I simply could not look down. I had to pass within a few feet of a rattlesnake in the middle of the night. I’ve never had to encounter a rattlesnake. It took everything in me to run by it on a very closed and narrow trail section.

The danger of slipping in the powdered sand and rocks was high. Running was more of a shuffle on the downhill. The lack of humidity parched my skin and mouth. It was just not about the heat.

I made friends along the way. I obtained critical information from those friends. I checked in with hikers not doing well. I gave away and received supplies. I hitched a ride twice at the north rim to get supplies and a cold shower.

I noticed that humanity was a few steps closer as we all were encountering the beauty and the adversity of The Grand Canyon together. I didn’t meet a stranger.

The last 5 miles was midnight to 3:24 AM with 4380 feet of elevation gain. I was tired. I was sleepy. I accidentally left my trekking poles at the north rim. I had chills. I was nauseated. I had to make myself drink the bitter, chlorinated water. The fresh horse manure on the trail did not help my nausea. Walk 200 feet and sit down. Walk 100 feet and rest. I immersed myself in the creek prior to the ascent. That helped a small amount. A few times I laid down on a rock and drifted to sleep. I used my light to look around the rocks for rattlesnakes or scorpions each time I sat down. I kept thinking that I wanted to call my friend and ask him to hike down to assist me out. I honestly did not know how I was going to make the last few miles.

With 1 mile left, the air got cold. It felt good on my face. I got chilled and put on my down jacket. There was hope in every step. I knew I could do the last mile. At 3:24 AM I summited. I sat down and cried a few tears. I had just completed the most physically challenging thing in my 59 years of life!

I’m grateful to have had no major falls. I am grateful for my friend Brian, who was willing to be out in the desert with me doing crazy things. I am thankful to friends along the way who helped me or gave me valuable information. I am so grateful to friends and family who were praying for me. I’m grateful for God’s mercy and provision. I am thankful for the absolute glory that I was able to absorb during the trek.

Danger and beauty go hand-in-hand, as do mystery and adventure. True beauty cannot be experienced without some degree of danger. Real adventure cannot be experienced without some degree of mystery. As CS Lewis said, “ I let my deepest desires overcome my...

The Bright Angel Trailhead is an extraordinary gateway to one of nature's most breathtaking wonders, the Grand Canyon. As an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure along this iconic trail. The experience left an indelible mark on my soul, and I cannot recommend it enough to fellow adventurers.

From the moment I arrived at the Bright Angel Trailhead, I was enthralled by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the surroundings. The trailhead itself is well-maintained and offers ample parking facilities, restrooms, and informative signage to help visitors navigate their way. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing invaluable advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

The trail itself is a marvel of natural engineering. As I started my descent, I was immediately greeted by stunning vistas and panoramic views that seemed to stretch to eternity. The path is impeccably maintained, and the stone steps and switchbacks make the trek manageable for hikers of various skill levels.

One of the highlights of the Bright Angel Trailhead is the abundance of diverse ecosystems you encounter along the way. From the lush greenery at the rim to the arid desert landscapes as you descend further into the canyon, each step brings a new surprise. The trail is also lined with informative markers, sharing fascinating facts about the flora, fauna, and geological formations you encounter, adding an educational element to the adventure.

Throughout my journey, I was captivated by the ever-changing colors and shadows that danced on the canyon walls. The interplay of light and shadows created a breathtaking spectacle that left me in awe at every turn. I found myself constantly pausing to soak in the magnificence of the surroundings, often losing track of time as I marveled at the wonders before me.

The Bright Angel Trailhead also offers various resting points and water stations along the way, allowing hikers to refuel and rehydrate. These amenities were crucial, especially during the warmer months when the desert heat can be intense. Additionally, the presence of park rangers and fellow hikers created a sense of community and reassurance throughout the journey.

While the descent into the canyon is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, it is essential to consider the physical demands of the return trip. The climb back to the rim can be challenging, especially for those who are not accustomed to strenuous physical activity. It is vital to come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate hiking gear, and a realistic understanding of one's fitness level.

In conclusion, the Bright Angel Trailhead is a mesmerizing entry point into the wonders of the Grand Canyon. From its well-maintained facilities and knowledgeable staff to the awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse ecosystems, this trail offers an unforgettable journey for adventurers seeking a deeper connection with nature. I highly recommend the Bright Angel Trailhead to anyone who craves an extraordinary hiking experience and wishes to be humbled by the sheer beauty of one of the world's most remarkable...

This is an amazing hike, taking you into the canyon for a different view and experience of the grand canyon. The beauty of this trail is that it is multiple trails in one. Either you can do the full over night trail down to the falls. Or you can stretch yourself and do the p mile RT to Indian garden which will take you 6 to 9 hours. Optionally, you could also turn around at the 3 mile resthouse if you had enough. That's 6 miles RT for about 2 to 4 hours. Or if you don't want to exert too much energy, you could turn around at the first guesthouse at 1.5 mile. The 3 mile RT will take 1 to 2 hours.

Regardless of what you choose, please keep in mind that you are losing a lot of altitude really quickly (on your way down), which only makes coming back up that much more difficult.

Our plan was to hike to Indian garden so that we could experience being down in the valley looking up at the GC walls. However, I was fighting a congestion which made it difficult to breathe. Plus having gotten here a day before from a state that us at sea level, altitude of GC (7700 ft) also hit us a bit. Due to combination of two, we decided to turn around at the first rest house.

Luckily for us, water was working at the guesthouse, so we were able to fill up. We both had 1L bottle of water but we still needed to fill up at the guest house. That was very helpful as we pretty much drank the entire bottle on way up. Keep that in mind if you decide to do the longer hike. Also keep in mind that it gets warmer in the canyon. It was in the 50s when we started up top but by the time we started heading back, it felt like 70s. So def plan on layers so you can adjust as necessary.

The hike is not for anyone with leg issues. The climb back is steep (regardless of how far you go) so keep that in mind. However, it is not scary. While it may seen so bc you are walking on the edge, there's enough space where you can walk on the inside of the trail and let others use the outside.

I would def do this trail again and hopefully next time the conditions are better that I can hike down to Indian gardens and make a full...