Grand Canyon's Favorite Trail and Campsite to Resume Operations Following Month-Long Construction
Grand Canyon National Park's popular Bright Angel Trail and campground will partially reopen on May 15, as a nearby waterline construction project approaches completion. Visitors can resume hiking along the scenic Bright Angel trail from the South Rim, with the campground and lower trail sections set to reopen fully on October 1.
For the time being, the trail is accessible only up to Pipe Creek Beach and the River Resthouse. Hikers will find no access from Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch towards the Colorado River. However, they can connect to the South Kaibab Trail via the Tonto Trail during this period.
The waterline construction, aimed at replacing an aged infrastructure, forced the temporary closure of multiple inner canyon areas. The River trail, Silver Bridge, and Plateau Point trail have been delayed in their reopening until October 1, to allow completion of the waterline construction. Phantom Ranch, though, reopened at the beginning of the month.
The 15.8-mile (25km), out-and-back Bright Angel trail is a rim-to-river trek that descends 4,460 feet (1,360m) from the South Rim to the Colorado River. It passes by the river rest house, providing a much-needed respite for hikers. For those aiming to cross the Colorado River, the Black Bridge at the canyon's base is available.
Spanning 1,904 square miles (4,931 km), the Grand Canyon ranks as the 11th largest National Park in the United States. Every year, about five million visitors flock to the park to admire the breathtaking canyon views and hike through the rugged North American wilderness.
During the summer, temperatures at the Canyon's bottom can reach above 100°F (43°C), necessitating hikers to bring ample water supplies and wear appropriate clothing. Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
With the reopening of the Bright Angel Trail, hikers can look forward to exploring one of the park's most iconic trails this spring, while awaiting the full reopening in October.
Hikers planning their lifestyle can include a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park this spring, as the Bright Angel Trail partially reopens on May 15, allowing travel to the South Rim. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hike part of the 15.8-mile Bright Angel trail, engage in a challenging rim-to-river trek, and connect to the South Kaibab Trail via the Tonto Trail, until October 1 when full reopening is scheduled.
