HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse

3 midistance
1,120 ftelevation gain
1h 35mmoving time
373 ft/miaverage climb

Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse is a 3 mi trail with 1,120 ft of climbing — about 1h 35m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. About 30% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 8 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 30% shaded

Underfoot & overhead canyon switchbacks

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse charges in hours, not miles.

3 mi and 1,120 ft of climbing work out to 1h 35m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the fall refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 35mmoving time, no breaks
0.8–1.6 Lwater, cool day → hot
50–90 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

373 ft per mile 2nd steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Grand Canyon National Park
30% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Grand Canyon National Park runs around 84°F at the main visitor elevation.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

54°F · Showers And Thunderstorms · wind 3 to 9 mph

NOAA forecast for Grand Canyon National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ North Rim Scenic Road Closure: Cape Royal and Point Imperial

The North Rim Scenic Drives (Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road) are closed through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work. No services, fuel, and no water are...

Live NPS alert for Grand Canyon National Park · source
⚠️ INNER CANYON TRAIL CLOSURES

Current trail closures: the entire North Kaibab Trail (including Cottonwood Campground), Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Silver Bridge, and the Black Bridge. Please do not attempt to access the closed areas.

Live NPS alert for Grand Canyon National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Grand Canyon National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse take?

About 1h 35m of moving time for 3 mi and 1,120 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.8–1.6 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse?

No — Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse is closed to dogs. Our Grand Canyon National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 8. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Bright Angel to 1.5-Mile Resthouse?

About 30% of the route is shaded, and Grand Canyon National Park peaks around 84°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.