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Three Mile Resthouse: A Grand Canyon Oasis

A scenic rest stop on the Bright Angel Trail, offering a taste of the Grand Canyon's beauty and history with essential amenities for hikers.

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The Three Mile Resthouse, located three miles down the Bright Angel Trail, offers a shaded resting point with seasonal water and toilets for hikers descending into the Grand Canyon. It's a popular turnaround spot for a moderate day hike, providing stunning views and a taste of the canyon's grandeur without the strenuousness of a longer trek.

A brief summary to Three Mile Resthouse

Local tips

  • Check water availability at the Backcountry Information Center or Visitor Center before your hike, as the pipeline is subject to breaks.
  • Carry more water and salty snacks than you think you'll need, and be prepared to share with other hikers.
  • Start your hike early in the morning, especially during the summer months, to avoid the heat.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and be prepared for changes in weather.
  • Yield to mules by stepping to the uphill side of the trail and remaining quiet.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Three Mile Resthouse is located on the Bright Angel Trail, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from the trailhead at Grand Canyon Village. From the trailhead, located west of the Bright Angel Lodge, follow the well-maintained Bright Angel Trail. The trail descends steadily via switchbacks, passing through two short tunnels. The hike to the resthouse is moderately strenuous, with an elevation change of about 2,120 feet (645 meters). Allow 2-4 hours for the descent and 3-5 hours for the ascent. There are no fees associated with hiking the Bright Angel Trail beyond the park entrance fee. Parking near the trailhead is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider parking at the Visitor Center and taking the free Village Route (Blue) shuttle bus to the Bright Angel Lodge. The shuttle ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Bright Angel Trailhead using public transportation: From the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, take the free Village Route (Blue) shuttle bus to the Bright Angel Lodge. The shuttle ride takes approximately 20 minutes. From the Hermit Road Interchange shuttle bus stops, walk east and up the hill on a paved footpath to the trailhead. This is a short walk. The shuttle is free, but a park entrance fee is required to enter Grand Canyon National Park. As of July 2025, the entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. There are no additional costs associated with reaching the trailhead via the shuttle.

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Discover more about Three Mile Resthouse

The Three Mile Resthouse is a welcome sight for hikers on the Bright Angel Trail, located three miles from the South Rim trailhead. This well-maintained rest stop provides essential amenities, including seasonal water (typically May to October), toilets, and a shaded structure to escape the harsh desert sun. The resthouse sits at an elevation of approximately 4,720 feet, offering panoramic views of the inner canyon and the towering rock formations that define the Grand Canyon's landscape. The Bright Angel Trail itself has a rich history, originally used by the Havasupai people to access Garden Creek, a perennial water source. Later, Ralph Cameron developed the trail, charging a toll for its use before it was eventually taken over by the National Park Service. Today, it's the most popular hiking trail into the canyon, attracting visitors from around the world. The area around Three Mile Resthouse also has archaeological significance. Excavations have revealed a prehistoric roasting pit, indicating that the site was used for cooking agave and other plants and animals. The Redwall Limestone at this location may have been particularly suitable for roasting due to its heat-retentive properties. While enjoying the rest stop, be aware of the other users of the trail. Mules frequently use the Bright Angel Trail to transport supplies and people to Phantom Ranch, so hikers must yield to them by stepping to the uphill side of the trail and remaining quiet until they pass. Bighorn sheep can sometimes be spotted on the cliffs surrounding the trail. Beyond the resthouse, the trail continues its descent, becoming steeper as it passes through the Redwall Limestone. Jacob's Ladder, a series of switchbacks with steps cut into the rock, presents a challenge before the trail levels out at the Tonto Platform.

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