Arizona Raft Adventures - Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail

Arizona Raft Adventures, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Arizona, river rafting trips

Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail

Arizona Raft Adventures, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Arizona, river rafting trips
Photo by Rob Elliott

If you prefer an oar or paddle trip, but cannot spare two weeks, a partial trip might be a solution for you. In making this decision, it is important to take time to completely educate yourself about the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail is not required as part of the full Canyon motorized trip, only the non-motorized trip options.

The full Canyon non-motorized trip is 14-16 days long and 226 miles in length. Because of the remote location of the Grand Canyon, there are no access roads between river mile 0 and river mile 226. However, there is a commonly traveled trail connecting the river and the rim called the Bright Angel Trail. The trail meets up with the river at Pipe Creek, located at river mile 89.

The Bright Angel Trail allows the option to divide the full Canyon trip into two shorter trips; we refer to these shorter sections as the "upper" and "lower" portions. If you choose to do an upper or lower Canyon trip, you will either begin or end with a hike on the Bright Angel Trail; a 7.5 mile trail (4,500 vertical feet) connecting the Colorado River and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The hike is demanding and arduous regardless of whether you are going up or down. The upper Canyon trip requires a hike up the trail on the last day of the trip. The lower Canyon trip requires a hike down the trail on the first day of your trip. While the trail is well-traveled and maintained by the National Park Service, it is a very challenging hike and may take 5 to 10 hours depending on your physical condition. You must also carry your personal gear for the trip along with at least 3 quarts of water. The hiking conditions of the trail vary from day to day and during the summer it can be extremely hot, possibly well over 100 degrees.

Most passengers make the hike without incident and if you regularly engage in some sort of physical labor or aerobic exercise at work or play, you are likely capable. However additional physical conditioning and consistent exercise prior to the hike is essential because extreme muscle fatigue is often experienced. Concentrate on strengthening core muscles, calves, and quads. Consider other trips, such as a full Canyon hybrid or motor trip, if any of the following conditions apply to you or anyone in your group: asthma (especially for hiking up), history of heat related problems (heat exhaustion or stroke), heart disease, vertigo or unusual fear of heights, foot, knee or hip problems (especially for hiking down), sedentary lifestyle, more than a few pounds overweight, smoker, out of shape, or age related health problems.

The mule riding or mule duffle service provided by Xanterra Parks and Resorts is NOT an option when traveling with AzRA. Therefore, you must be physically prepared to hike in your own personal belongings. We will provide you with a list of recommended equipment but most guests end up with backpacks weighing 20 lbs or more. We provide all of your camping gear so you do not need to hike with a sleeping bag or tent. Review hiking tips.

Arizona Raft Adventures, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Arizona, river rafting trips
Photo by Starla Clarke

It is hard to capture the Bright Angel Trail in one photo but you can see the vastness of the Canyon and the many switchbacks and stair steps you will encounter along the way. Imagine carrying a 20 pound pack (plus an additional 8 pounds of water), hiking in 100 degree heat, climbing to the top of the Empire State Building four times, and sustaining the effort for 6+ hours. If you are serious about doing this hike, make sure you have time to get into shape. The hike is quite beautiful and often rewards guests with a personal sense of accomplishment. For additional information regarding the Bright Angel Trail provided by the National Park service, check out the following two web documents. The first page describes the Bright Angel Trail from the rim down to Plateau Point. Note: you will be hiking from the River Resthouse instead of Plateau Point. The second page provides a little history behind the trail and also notes mileage from the Rim. There are also several home made video clips on YouTube; easily found by searching "hiking the Bright Angel Trail."

"After hiking down the Bright Angel Trail my muscles ached for 3 days, making all the other hikes more difficult. I wish I had gotten in better shape before the trip. "
Diane Mercurio, Metacher, NJ

"Your information should stress the need to bring less stuff for those who are hiking into or out of the Grand Canyon. It is surprising how little you need. Many in our group woefully overpacked. "
John O'Brien, Phoenix, AZ

"The hike out the Bright Angel Trail on day six was my favorite. Truly awesome ... and a great sense of personal accomplishment."
Eric Polesuk, Morristown, NJ

Hiking Tips

NO FOOD, NO FUEL, NO FUN
Your body spends an enormous amount of energy (food calories) keeping you cool in the heat. Eating is your most important defense against exhaustion and water intoxication. Eat small amounts every 1/2 hour.
REPLACE IT
Everyone sweats around 1/2 to 1 quart of water and electrolytes each hour hiking in the heat. Do not wait until you are thirsty to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. By the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink 1/2 to 1 quart of electrolyte replacement drink each hour that you are hiking in the heat. We will provide you with a powdered electrolyte drink for your hike. In addition, we will also provide you with snacks. It is important that you eat even if you don't feel hungry. Eating will help balance the nutrients in your body.
REST IN THE SHADE
Stop and take a break if you find shade.
STAY WET AND STAY COOL
Keep yourself soaking wet to stay cool. Anytime you cross a stream or water pump, stop and dowse yourself. Allowing your clothes to evaporatively cool will reduce fluid, electrolyte, and energy loss significantly.
TAKE BREAKS
Every one half to one hour, take a seven to nine minute break. This break can flush out approximately 20-30% of the waste products that build up in your legs while hiking. Don't forget to have a snack while you are resting.
PACE YOURSELF
When you huff and puff, your body does not get enough oxygen to function efficiently. If you can talk while you are walking, you are walking the perfect speed.
STAY TOGETHER
Staying with the other members in your party is a good idea. This allows everyone to keep an eye on each other looking for signs of trouble such as dehydration. If you stick together and one member has trouble, there will be others to assist or to go for help.
LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
The less weight you carry in your pack will make your hike easier and more enjoyable.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Do not exceed what is your normal level of physical activity or training.
BEGIN HYDRATING THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR HIKE
Drink about 8 glasses of water before you go to sleep. The climate in Arizona is a dry heat. Your perspiration evaporates so fast that you might not realize you are dehydrating.
EAT A GOOD DINNER THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR HIKE
This meal will help give you the necessary fuel needed for your hike. Avoid drinking alcohol the evening before your hike as it exacerbates dehydration.
EAT BREAKFAST
Eat a light breakfast with essential nutrients and minerals to give you additional electrolytes.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET
Trim toe nails, and wear socks with heal and toe cushioning. Retighten laces throughout hike. Address blisters immediately.
SHARE THIS INFORMATION
Sharing this information with others in your group will ensure a healthy hike for everyone.