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Bright Angel Point: A North Rim Jewel

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, a popular viewpoint on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers stunning panoramic views of Bright Angel Canyon and the surrounding landscape. Accessible via a short, paved trail from the Grand Canyon Lodge, it's a must-see for North Rim visitors.

A brief summary to Bright Angel Point

Local tips

  • Bring water and wear sunscreen, as the trail is exposed and the altitude can be challenging.
  • Arrive early or stay late to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as thunderstorms can develop quickly in the summer.
  • Listen for Roaring Springs, the water source for both rims, far below in Bright Angel Canyon.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grand Canyon Lodge or the North Rim Visitor Center, follow the paved path eastward. The Bright Angel Point Trail is a short, 0.5-mile round trip that should take about 30 minutes. Be aware that the trail is steep in some sections.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by the Trans-Canyon Shuttle, disembark at the Grand Canyon Lodge. From there, the Bright Angel Point Trail is a short walk. Note that the North Rim is only accessible via shuttle from select locations. The park also provides a free shuttle, but it may be necessary to walk from the North Kaibab Trailhead.

  • Parking

    Parking is available at the Grand Canyon Lodge and near the North Rim Campground. From the parking areas, follow the signs to the Bright Angel Point Trail. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early.

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Discover more about Bright Angel Point

Bright Angel Point is arguably the most iconic viewpoint on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Situated at the end of a short, paved trail that begins near the Grand Canyon Lodge, it provides visitors with breathtaking, unfettered views into Bright Angel Canyon, a mesmerizing maze of mesas, buttes, and intricate side canyons. Named after the Bright Angel Creek hidden far below, the point stands over 1,000 feet (300 meters) higher than the South Rim, offering a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon's vastness. From this vantage, you can see the switchbacks of the Bright Angel Trail scaling the opposite valley on the South Rim and the distant San Francisco Peaks towering over Flagstaff. The canyon's many ridges and peaks beautifully catch the light, making it a popular spot for sunset viewing. Historically, Bright Angel Point has been a significant site. The Forest Service established a fire tower here in the 1910s, recognizing its strategic importance for spotting forest fires. The area also became a hub for early tourist development on the North Rim, with the construction of the Grand Canyon Lodge in 1928 further solidifying its appeal. The lodge, built with native stone and timber, including Kaibab limestone from the Bright Angel Point cliffs, is a National Historic Landmark. On quiet days, listen carefully, and you might hear the rushing water of Roaring Springs, located over 3,000 feet below the rim. Since 1928, Roaring Springs has been the source of fresh water for both the North and South Rims, with power lines running down the canyon to power the pumps. Note that the North Rim is open seasonally, typically from May 15 to October 15, with all visitor services available during this period.

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