Jeffrey S.
Yelp
Whether a day hike, or a route down to the bottom, this trail is simply awesome. I've traveled its length from South Rim to Phantom Ranch once, and from the Ranch up to the rim twice. It's gorgeous, inspiring, challenging, delightful, grueling, and wonderful all at once.
Find the trailhead at the western part of Grand Canyon Village, it's marked on every single map, so grab one of the free ones at the entrance, or just follow the signs. You'll find it.
From the overlook, there are tons of great pics to be had. Probably not the most striking of all lookout points, but still amazing. This is the Grand Canyon.
The trail itself is well-worn, as most are at the park. It's traveled frequently by mules. I imagine it's dusty in the summer, but I've only hiked it in winter, in which the top 1/4 or so can be wet, icy, snowy, slippery, or a combo of all those things. They recommend crampons, though I've been lucky to reach it in years or weeks when they weren't necessary. Do yourself a favor, and if you can check the conditions the day before, you'll save the weight if they're not necessary come hiking day.
This trail will take you all the way to Phantom Ranch, and up the other side, if you like. It's not, however, the most popular route to go rim to rim. Most R2R people choose the South Kaibab/North Kaibab Trail combo, as it's less miles and more direct. I've hiked both of those trails and they're find and beautiful, but I actually like Bright Angel more than South Kaibab. It has the lovely Indian Garden area along the river, and the option to do Plateau Point as an add-on. More on those below. You won't be alone on the trail, but consider it as a nice alternative to the more direct routes, especially for day hikes.
Day hikers with lofty goals (and the experience and proven fitness to back it up) will probably find no finer hike than the 9-mile round trip to Indian Garden. Indian Garden sits some 3,000ft down, 4.5 miles from the top. It's a beautiful spot, in a riparian corridor with shade from tall trees, and drinking water is almost always available. Be sure to check conditions at the top, and they recommend carrying a means of water purification just in case. There's a small ranger station, a campground (backcountry permit and reservation required) and a small hiker house with a lending library if you wanted to rest, rehydrate, and read. If you're REALLY in shape, consider making the extra 3 miles (round trip) spur out to Plateau Point for your first glimpse of the Colorado River from a breathtaking vantage point. From IG, it's nearly a flat hike. If you're lucky enough to have a permit, stay at Indian Garden Campground (listed separately on Yelp). No permit needed for day hikes.
The trail is really broken into 4 sections in my mind. There's a rest house at 1.5 miles down, another at 3 miles, Indian Garden at 4.5, and then the final descent to the river, upstream, and across to Phantom Ranch. The first bit to Indian Garden covers around twice the elevation, but you make most of it in the first 3.5 miles. Not that the last half is easy; most of that is made in a grueling canyon of switchbacks near the river. But once you pass the 3-mile resthouse, it will let up save for that last switchback section I mentioned. Each resthouse has a restroom, but water is usually available only seasonally. Again, check ahead of time.
Here's the caution: DON'T go past Indian Garden on a day hike. Summers are brutal. That's a 9-mile day, 3K feet down, and then back up. Don't push yourself that far, even, if you're struggling. There are too many rescues, and the sun only takes a matter of minutes to destroy you, necessitating days of recovery. If you can only make it .2 miles to the first tunnel, rejoice in knowing you did something almost no other humans, really, will ever get to do.
More advice: Wear good shoes, and even better socks. Use hiking poles if you have bad knees or want better balance. Bring sunscreen no matter the season. Pack lots of water. Anticipate changing weather (rain, sun, cold) and wear layers appropriately. Know your limits. Tell people your plan and check in when you get back. Take lots of photos; it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. Be respectful of other hikers (no music, don't get rowdy) and wildlife. Don't feet the deer or approach them. Smile and talk to folks at the resthouse. Be very kind to rangers and other crew, they're your best friends. Bring some ibuprofen or other pain/inflammation aids. Stay on the dang trail. Stay on the dang trail. Seriously, stay on the trail.
This is a beautiful trail. One of my favorites on the earth. It's special. You can feel that it's been a special place. Whether one foot or one mile or all the way down and back, you can feel that it's special too.
