| Grand Canyon, Arizona |
 Trail Name:Bright Angel to Plateau Point Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| One of the world’s great natural wonders, the Grand Canyon defies description – no words can do it justice. As you stand at the edge and stare across the 10-mile wide gorge, it is hard to believe it is real, such is the scale. Hiking inside the Canyon, although strenuous, is a good way to get a better feel for this magnificent place – and allows you to escape the crowds that throng the South Rim.
Bright Angel Trail follows a route used for hundreds of years. The Bright Angel Fault created a natural break in the immense limestone cliffs, used by prehistoric Indians to reach the springs at Indian Gardens. It is a popular trail, which hikers share with mule trains, so expect company. Pinyon-juniper forest characterizes the upper part of trail. Just after the First Tunnel, look out for some Indian pictographs above and to the left, unfortunately now covered in graffiti. Pass a small seep where Douglas fir grows, through the Second Tunnel, and descend a number of tight switchbacks before arriving at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, 1,131 ft/345 m below the rim. The trail swings tightly to the right at Two-Mile-Corner – there are more pictographs on the cliff walls above. Continue descending switchbacks before the trail straightens as it runs along red (iron oxide) and back (iron or manganese) cliffs to Three-Mile Resthouse. At this point you have descended a total of 2,112 ft/644 m. Below is the Redwall Formation, a layer of almost pure limestone up to 500 ft high – the distinctive color is due to iron compounds from the formations higher up. Behind the Resthouse is a viewpoint over the Redwall and your destination – Indian Gardens and Plateau Point. The trail continues down a break in the sheer cliff created by the Bright Angel Fault. Switchbacks known as Jacobs Ladder descend to the base of the Redwall and on towards the upper Tonto Plateau. In places you will see the pipeline that crosses the canyon, carrying water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim. 1.6 miles and a further descent of close to 1,000 ft from Three-Mile Resthouse, you reach Indian Gardens. The springs here were used in prehistoric times, and later by Havasupai Indians who farmed this area. The cottonwood trees are more recent additions, planted during the early 1900s. Bright Angel Trail continues to the right on its way to the Colorado River. You keep left, taking the Plateau Point Trail that branches off north over the arid Tonto Plateau. It is a relief to finally be on a relatively flat trail – the 1.5 miles to Plateau Point from Indian Gardens has an overall descent of just 120 ft. Plateau Point, on the edge of the Tonto Plateau, has a dramatic view of the Inner Gorge. Massive buttes rise in the distance and 1,300 ft below is the Colorado River, the first and only time you see the river on this day hike. This is also the turning-round point, and the start of the long climb back up to the rim. Other day hikes at the South Rim West Rim Trail. Roughly parallels the West Rim Drive, allowing easy access via the summer shuttle to many points along the trail. Spectacular views into the canyon but expect lots of company, especially at the overlooks and on the paved first section to Maricopa Point. As with all canyon trails, be aware of steep drop-offs. 8 miles/12.8 km one way from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, elevation change 200 ft/61 m. South Kaibab Trail. Follows ridge lines, allowing unobstructed views for most of its length (unlike Bright Angel Trail). A descent to Cedar Ridge makes a great short hike. 2.8 miles/4.5 km out and back, elevation change -1,450 ft/442 m. Trailhead: Near Yaki Point on East Rim Drive. Grandview Trail. Take extra care on this steep unmaintained trail to Horseshoe Mesa on top of the Redwall Formation. 6 miles/9.6 km out and back, elevation change -2,600 ft/793 m. Trailhead: Grandview Point on East Rim Drive. Hermit Trail. Another unmaintained trail requiring extra care. 6 miles/9.6 km out and back to Dripping Springs, elevation change -1,350 ft/412 m. Trailhead: Near Hermits Rest, at the end of West Rim Drive. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, northern Arizona. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: From the south, the quickest approach is to leave I-40 at Williams and take Route 64 north for 53 miles to the south entrance. From the north, take US 89 south to Cameron, then Route 64 west for 31 miles to the east entrance at Desert View. Grand Canyon Village is 3 miles beyond the south entrance and 22 miles beyond the east entrance along the East Rim Drive. Trailhead: Grand Canyon Village, just west of Bright Angel Lodge and Kolb Studio. Length: 12.2 miles / 19.5 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: -3,220 ft / -982 m Duration: 7.5 hours Trail Condition: Wide and well-maintained. Features: Limestone cliffs and other formations, springs, canyon views. Climate: Hiking possible year-round, but best in spring and autumn. Summer brings extreme heat and thunderstorms. Snow and cold temperatures in winter, crampons may be necessary. Accommodation: Reservations for lodging and campsites inside the National Park should be made well in advance. Tusayan, just outside the south entrance, has further options. Trail Notes: Water available at Indian Gardens, and at the Resthouses from May to September (but confirm with the visitor center in Grand Canyon Village before setting out). Temperatures get hotter the further you descend – consider starting at mid-day or later so that your climb out will be in cooler evening temperatures (take a flashlight just in case). |
Popularity: 20% [?]
March 17th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
How soon in advance should I make my reservations for lodging if I want to visit the grand canyon next spring break say March of 2010? Thanks.