Bright Angel Trail: what is open today
The Bright Angel Trail starts at the rim just west of Bright Angel Lodge and drops into the canyon in switchbacks. As of October 2026, it is open from the rim only as far as Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse. The stretch beyond it down to Havasupai Gardens is closed. Phantom Ranch and the river bridges are closed as well.
The water at both rest houses and at Havasupai Gardens is switched off. The only drinking water for this hike is the tank at the trailhead. A short hike is still possible, but there is no trip to the canyon floor right now. If you want to see the canyon with a guide instead, take a look at our Grand Canyon South Rim tours.
Our pick: below the rim with a guide
While parts of the inner canyon are closed, a guided hike keeps you on the open sections.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided Grand Canyon experiences from the rim
Rim walks, tours and mule rides with live prices and availability. Check each card for what is included and whether park entry applies.
Bright Angel Trail distances and rest houses
One-way distances from the trailhead. Status as of October 2026.
| Point | Distance from the rim | Status | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse | 1.5 to 1.6 mi (2.4 to 2.6 km) | Open | Off |
| Three-Mile Resthouse | 3 to 3.1 mi (4.8 to 5 km) | Closed | Off |
| Havasupai Gardens | 4.5 mi (7.2 to 7.3 km) | Closed | Off |
The exact distances vary slightly, so the table shows ranges. Havasupai Gardens is the green spot halfway down that was formerly called Indian Garden. The rest houses are shelters along the trail, and the water there is off.
For most hikers, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse is the right goal. It gives you real canyon views and a climb back you can judge. The return is uphill all the way.
Trailhead, parking and shuttle
The trailhead is just west of Bright Angel Lodge. The National Park Service recommends parking in Lot D at the Backcountry Information Center. From there it is about 0.4 miles (0.65 km) on foot to the start of the trail. The Blue route of the park shuttle links the lodges, the Visitor Center and the Backcountry Information Center from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the fall timetable, which runs from 12 September to 30 November 2026.
Lodging in the village run by the park concessions has been suspended since 31 August 2026 because of flood damage to the water line. Bright Angel Lodge is a landmark by the trailhead, but overnight stays in the park are not possible now. Tusayan, Williams and Flagstaff are the usual bases. See where to stay.
Beyond the rest house: Plateau Point and the Tonto Trail
On a normal day, many hikers continue past the rest houses to Havasupai Gardens and on to Plateau Point for the view over the inner canyon. The Tonto Trail from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens and Plateau Point are open on their own. At the moment you cannot reach them from the rim, because the trail is closed below Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse. Do not plan a loop that depends on them.
Rules and safety on the Bright Angel Trail
The same rules as on every corridor trail.
Turnaround time
Plan the turnaround early. The climb back takes longer than the way down. In summer, the National Park Service advises against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Water and food
Fill up at the trailhead tank and carry all you need. Do not count on water on the trail.
No river in a day
Do not try a rim-to-river-and-back day hike, especially from May to September.
Permits
A normal day hike does not need a backcountry permit. Overnight stays outside developed rim campgrounds do.
Animals and the edge
Do not feed or approach animals. Stay at least 2 m (about 6 ft) from any edge.
Winter
Ice can cover the upper switchbacks. The National Park Service recommends slip-on traction devices and trekking poles.
Winter at the Grand Canyon →Mule rides from the South Rim
A park concessioner offers a rim ride as an alternative way to see the canyon. It covers 4 miles and takes 3 hours, of which 2 hours are in the saddle at the rim. It starts at Yaki Barn with a bus transfer and costs $192.96 per person including taxes and surcharges. From March to November rides start at 8 a.m. and 12 noon, and from December to February at 10 a.m. Check in at least 90 minutes before the start.
The same concessioner also runs rides to Havasupai Gardens and Phantom Ranch in normal years. Those routes conflict with the current trail closures, so do not plan around them. Check the current status before you book.
Bright Angel Trail: frequently asked questions
How far can I hike on the Bright Angel Trail now?
As of October 2026, from the rim to Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one way. Beyond it, the trail is closed down to Havasupai Gardens.
Is there water on the trail?
Not now. The water at both rest houses and at Havasupai Gardens is off. The tank at the trailhead is the place to fill up.
Where do I park for the Bright Angel Trail?
The National Park Service recommends Lot D at the Backcountry Information Center, about 0.4 miles (0.65 km) from the trailhead. You can also take the Blue route of the shuttle.
What is Havasupai Gardens?
It is the green spot formerly called Indian Garden, 4.5 miles (7.2 to 7.3 km) down the trail. It is closed from the rim at the moment.
Can I hike to Phantom Ranch?
No. Phantom Ranch and the river bridges are closed, and there is no estimated reopening date.
Is this an official Grand Canyon website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the National Park Service. Check the current trail status with the National Park Service before you go.