Old Bright Angel Route
Vital Statistics
Mileage
Old Bright Angel TH to N Kaibab Trail: 7 miles
Maps
7.5’ Bright Angel Point
15’ Bright Angel
Elevation Change
8400’ to 4400’
Trailhead Access
From Ken Patrick Trail: This trail begins at the northeast corner of the North Kaibab Trailhead parking lot. It is approximately 5.6 miles from the parking lot to the Old Bright Angel Trailhead.
From Rock Meadow Road: Follow the Point Imperial/Cape Royal Road for 1.5 miles from where it intersects with Hwy 67. The trail begins in a meadow and follows a faint road blocked by six large rocks. Vehicles may be parked at the paved pull-off a short distance beyond the beginning of this old fire road. It is approximately 2 miles from the meadow to the Old Bright Angel Trailhead.
Trail Description
The trailhead is marked by a sign pointing to the Old Bright Angel Trail, as well as Point Imperial, and Bright Angel Point. The trail descends by many short steep switchbacks through the Coconino, Hermit, and Supai formations. This section is very overgrown and brushy, but not difficult to follow. Watch for cairns at the base of the Supai as the trail enters a drywash and follows it for a short distance before climbing up to the right (west) to avoid a large dropoff at the top of the Redwall. The trail traverses this west slope high above Bright Angel Creek providing fine views of the Redwall until beginning a steep, but well defined descent. Near the base of the Redwall the trail crosses a small creek which is the first reliable water source encountered on this hike.
The trail ascends out of this drainage and soon drops into Bright Angel Creek briefly before climbing steeply up the traverse along the Muav Limestone for some distance to avoid obstacles in the creek bottom. The trail finally descends again to the creek and follows it a short ways downstream to a crossing. The trail, now on the east side of the creek, traverses above the creek, approximately ½ mile until it crosses Manzanita Canyon and then intersects the North Kaibab Trail at the bridge just below the Roaring Springs residence. Distance to Cottonwood Campground is 1.5 miles; distance to the North Rim via the North Kaibab Trail is 5.5 miles.
Water Availability
Bright Angel Creek & a small creek at the base of the Redwall.
Campsites
No camping is permitted along the Old Bright Angel Trail. Camping is permitted in the Walhalla Use Area.
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