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Bright Angel Point: North Rim's Iconic Vista

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Canyon from Bright Angel Point, the North Rim's most iconic and accessible viewpoint.

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Bright Angel Point, on the Grand Canyon's North Rim, is a must-see viewpoint offering dramatic panoramic vistas. A short, paved trail from the Grand Canyon Lodge leads to this iconic spot, revealing the canyon's immense scale and geological wonders. Named by John Wesley Powell in 1869, it provides views of Roaring Springs, Bright Angel Canyon, and the vast canyon depths.

A brief summary to Bright Angel Point

Local tips

  • Bring water and wear sunscreen; the trail is exposed and can be hot, especially during summer.
  • Take your time; the elevation at the North Rim is over 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), so adjust to the altitude.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go; thunderstorms can develop quickly in the summer.
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (May/October) for fewer crowds and milder temperatures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grand Canyon Lodge, follow the paved path eastward. The trail is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip and is relatively steep in sections. The path is well-maintained, but be mindful of the drop-offs. Allow about 30 minutes for the walk, longer if you want to savor the views.

  • Shuttle

    During the operating season (May 15 to October 15), take the free North Rim shuttle to the Grand Canyon Lodge. From the lodge, follow the walking directions to Bright Angel Point. Check the shuttle schedule at the North Rim Visitor Center for current times.

  • Parking

    If driving, park in the Grand Canyon Lodge parking area. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early. From the parking area, walk east towards the lodge and follow the signs to the Bright Angel Point Trail. No parking fees are charged in addition to the park entrance fee.

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Discover more about Bright Angel Point

Bright Angel Point, perched on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is a destination that immerses visitors in the canyon's grandeur. This popular viewpoint is reached via a paved, but steep, half-mile round trip trail that begins near the Grand Canyon Lodge, making it easily accessible. From Bright Angel Point, the views are simply breathtaking. To the east, you can see Roaring Springs Canyon, a major source of Bright Angel Creek, and the towering Deva, Brahma, and Zoroaster Temples. To the west lies the Transept Canyon, another significant tributary of the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River, though hidden, has carved the canyon over millions of years. Bright Angel Point has a rich history. The Forest Service recognized its strategic importance for fire control, establishing a fire tower in the 1910s. After the area became a national park in 1919, Bright Angel Point became the focus of development on the North Rim. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked extensively in the canyon during the 1930s, further enhancing the area. Even today, the point is the center of development on the North Rim. The short trail to the viewpoint offers a transition from the cool forests of the Kaibab Plateau to the pinyon and juniper forests closer to the canyon's edge.

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