Bright Angel Point — Attraction in Tuba City

Do NOT miss sunrise from Bright Angel Point if you are anywhere near the vicinity!!! We spent the night in Kanab, Utah and got up super early to make it to this and it was totally worth it! In fact, after a week National Park hopping, this was still one of the absolute highlights - the single best part of the whole trip if measured against the amount of effort it took to enjoy it (a lake and adjoining glacier in Rocky Mt. National Park took the #1 spot, but it was a 3-mile ~900ft. uphill climb to get to that one).

Be aware that the sky will already be quite bright before the sun peaks over the horizon, so get there early if you want to enjoy the transition as the canyon slowly becomes illuminated (and, if you're coming from out of state, don't forget that Arizona doesn't do Daylight Savings, so double-check the time difference to make sure you don't arrive too late). I'd budget 30 minutes to an hour before the projected moment of sunrise. The walk itself was easy, even with bad (and very sore) knees after hiking the Narrows up in Zion the day before. A few spots were steep enough that they did hurt my knees a bit, but only because I was still in pain from the day before and because, in my hurry not to miss the moment because the sky was already coming alive when I reached the Trailhead, I forgot to put on my knee braces!

For most of the length of the path, your view is predominantly blocked by trees, but those offered up some nicely framed photos, so I even enjoyed that part. But, if you aren't looking to frame any shots, just get out to the open area at the point as quickly as you can, stake out a great spot, and soak it all in. There were about 20 other people out there with us the morning we went, but the last 30 feet or so of the trail afforded plenty of room for all of us to enjoy unobstructed views of the main event. Still, even if you stop short of the end to bask in the moment, do take a moment to go all the way to the end and enjoy the incomparable panoramic view of the North Rim. You won't regret it... Unless cloud cover impedes your visibility...

Bright Angel Point Trail is a 0.7 mile, well-used loop trail located at the North Rim. The trail head is behind the North Rim Lodge. It offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. People of all ages are out there on nice days. The trail bed is sandy with occasional slick rock, so wear good shoes. This is no place for sandals or flip flops. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from late October to mid-May. At the North Rim, the Lodge and all facilities are closed from October to May, to vehicles. Those who wish to hike or show-shoe in from Jacob Lake, 45 miles north, have limited access to park areas. No snowmobiles are allowed.

We enjoyed this walk very much. There was an opportunity for some rock climbing for those who felt they could. This was hand-and-foot scramble, not serious stuff. At the end, there is a guardrail and a view that wraps around to almost a full circle. Bring water and sun protection. There were strollers with small children in them out there, but the trail is really not wide enough for these, since traffic goes both ways. Expect to see some fall colors...

In August 1997 I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life here. Traveling the country in a VW Vanagon for the entire summer, having saved throughout my Junior year in college, I arrived here with four good friends. We cooked dinner on our campstove and watched the sunset over the ledge. The full moon rose opposite the setting sun and we took our sleeping bags out to the far ledge out of sight of the parking lot and other meager amenities. Past the signs indicating we weren't supposed to be there after hours. We set our bags out on a 30 square foot flat ledge overlooking the canyon's expanses to the south. The moon rose above use and illuminated the canyon in the pale blue light, which was like nothing I'd ever seen - otherworldly! Eventually we fell asleep in the dry, comfortable summer air, waking at sunrise, as the full moon set to the west. Rolled up our packs and trekked up the path to the lot. I'll try and find photos in the next day or two and post here with my review. I highly recommend a visit to the North Rim - it provides a spectacular view of one of our continent's defining...