Plateau Point

What a great hike! I wasn't sure how tough it would be to walk that far down into the canyon and have to walk back out. But it was well worth it for the views. If you give yourself ample time and make sure you have plenty of food/water, you should be good. There are a few toilets along the way as well.

So glad we were able to get out here for sunset and again for sunrise. Camped at Indian Garden for the night which is the only way it’s possible unless you hike 4 hours in the dark. The trail intersection is in Indian Gardens Campground and it’s a little tricky to find but there are signs that show you where to cross the creek. Easy and very beautiful hike out to the point with great views up and down the canyon from a mid elevation which is awesome!

This hike is the best bang-for-the-buck at Grand canyon national Park. The entire hike is around 12.2 miles. And like the sign says on the way down, down is optional up is mandatory. We left at noon and finished at 6 p.m. just in time for sunset. The hike down Bright Angel trail is well laid-out switchbacks. The switchbacks are not steep but there are 4.6 miles of them. When You reach Indian garden you make a left to reach plateau point. The actual hike to plateau point from Indian garden is flat and scenic. I would describe it like a meadow with a killer review in front and behind. When you get past the electrical box the lookout point is only a couple hundred yards further. The lookout point has a nice railing, and it is needed because you're about 500 feet above the Colorado River. From the top of the south rim the trail that leads to plateau point is the is very visible. Don't miss this hike.

Fantastic view! We did a day hike to Plateau Point from Bright Angel Lodge. I would not recommend the average person do the same. We were sore for more than a day after and I’d like to think we’re pretty fit people. We started around 8am and got back around 730p for the 12.75 mi round trip. It took us about 5 hours to get to Plateau Point, spent about an hour there for lunch, and then another 5 hours to get back. We took our time heading down and stayed to enjoy the view knowing that we were prepared to hike at night. By the time we headed back up around 2:30, there were very few people on the trail - aside from the campground, we maybe ran into 3 others the rest of the night. I think sunset was around 5 and by 6, it was completely dark, so if you’re night hiking, you absolutely need a light. Trail is well maintained and the path is very obvious. A lot of switchbacks, so bring some poles if you have bad joints. Bathrooms (at 1.5 mi, 3 mi, and campground) were about what you’d expect at a park in the middle of a trail. Either way, I appreciate not having to find an off trail spot to do my business. Water was off at all locations except for the campground. It was pretty chilly though, so we didn’t go through our water as fast as we might have in the heat. Mules passed once on our hike and their droppings are everywhere stopping at the campground. We saw a bunch of deer, including some baby ones. Super cute. They didn’t seem afraid of humans, but we gave them space to do their thing.

Stunning view of the Granite Gorge and Colorado River via the well maintained Bright Angel Trail. It's roughly 5 miles from the trail head on the South Rim to Indian Garden where there is reliable water, shade, campground and ranger station. From there it is 1.5 miles to Plateau Point on mostly level ground on the Tonto Plateau. This hike is perhaps the best long day hike in the canyon for anyone wanting to experience the most that hiking below rim has to offer in a day hike.

Amazing hike from Bright Angel Lodge to Plateau Point. Started the hike at 6.30 AM and it took us 3 hours downhill and 5 hours uphill (mid-June, at 11AM 90°F at Indian Garden, leave early!). Spent almost an hour at Plateau Point and half the time we were there completely alone! It's flat from Indian Garden to here, the steepest part is between the Lodge and the 1.5 mile rest house. Make sure to bring lots of water with you but there's no need to pack more than 2 liters, every 1.5 miles there's a drinkable water fountain where you can refill your bottles and wet your clothes and head to cool down. Breathtaking views of both the river and the canyon walls around you.

Hands down my favorite day hike ever. I ventured out in March 2021 on my first solo Grand Canyon excursion. I car camped at Mather’s campground the night before and ventured out in the wee hours of the morning the next day on Bright Angel. It took me longer than expected to get down to Indian Gardens (lots of snow/ice/slush) on the hike down. A little way past Indian Garden, you enter this field of purple prickly pears and then make it to the most beautiful, powerful spot! Plan on spending at least an hour here, taking amazing photos and listening to the roaring Colorado. The hike back up wasn’t too bad, mainly in the shade. 10/10 - can’t wait to go back!

I've only begun to explore the Grand Canyon. I've hiked down the Bright Angel Trail a few times and it is incredible. I just learned about Plateau Point Trail and went out there this weekend. I would rate that as one of the most breathtaking vistas I have ever seen! You need to be prepared for a 12 mile hike down from the top of the canyon and back along with the fitness to descend then ascend 3,500 feet. If you can do that, it is one of the most rewarding hikes you can ever imagine.