3-Mile Rest House on the Bright Angel Trail

3-Mile Rest House on the Bright Angel Trail

Highlight • Rest Area

3-Mile Rest House on the Bright Angel Trail

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This Highlight is in a protected area

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Grand Canyon National Park

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Location: Grand Canyon Village, Coconino County, Arizona, United States

Tips

December 9, 2020

Hiking

This is the second rest house (toilets) if you hike down from the South Rim. There are rest houses at 1.5 miles, 3 miles and at Indian Garden. There are no further rest houses (toilets) or water sources until you reach the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Caro "LadyOutdoors"

March 11, 2020

Hiking

If you want to get a taste of hiking down and up the amazing Grand Canyon, this little trip might be perfect for you. 3-mile-resthouse has stunning views into the canyon and you can fill up your water and cool down in the shade before you hike out again. Keep in mind, that there is considerable elevation to manage. Hiking down is always easy, but what goes down has to come up again.

DexterDouglas

May 4, 2017

Hiking

Every 1.5 miles there is a small covered picnic area with a drinking water spot on the Bright Angel Trail. This is the second resting place, a place to rest, sit down and refill the supplies.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near 3-Mile Rest House on the Bright Angel Trail

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1,544

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#1.

Bright Angel Trail

10.1km

04:33

630m

The Bright Angel Trail offers a dramatic descent into the Grand Canyon, starting from the South Rim and winding through ancient geological layers. You'll experience a remarkable shift in scenery, from the pinyon and juniper near the rim to the lush oasis of Havasupai Gardens, complete with cottonwood trees and a creek. The path is well-maintained but steep, featuring iconic tunnels and numerous switchbacks that make for a truly immersive canyon experience.

This moderate 6.3-mile (10.1 km) out-and-back hike involves a significant 2070 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 33 minutes. While the downhill portion might seem straightforward, it's tough on the joints, and the return climb is exceptionally strenuous. Always carry plenty of water, especially in warmer months, and be prepared for changing conditions. The trail is well-patrolled by rangers and offers rest stops with water, but planning is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

As the most popular trail in Grand Canyon National Park, the Bright Angel Trail is steeped in history, originally used by Indigenous peoples like the Havasupai tribe. It provides a unique opportunity to traverse billions of years of geological time, with each turn revealing new vistas. Keep an eye out for mules, which have right-of-way, and consider an optional side trip to Plateau Point from Havasupai Gardens for stunning views of the Colorado River.

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