3-Day Grand Canyon Hike to Colorado River: Bright Angel Trail

Descend 4,800 feet to the canyon floor and camp beside the Colorado River

A 3-day guided hike through Grand Canyon National Park descends the South Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River, with two nights camping at Bright Angel and Indian Gardens. The route covers 7.5 miles on day one, three to six miles on day two, and returns to the rim on day three. All permits, meals, camping gear, a professional guide and hotel pickup are included. Hikers carry a 35-pound backpack and need solid cardiovascular fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hike to Bright Angel Campsite

• Depart from Scottsdale to South Rim
• Hike 7.5 miles down South Kaibab Trail
• Carry backpack with gear and food
• Enjoy views and rock layer interpretation
• Descend Devil's Corkscrew switchbacks
• Cross bridge to Colorado River north side
• Arrive at Bright Angel Campsite

Day 2: Hike to Indian Gardens

• Wake up to coffee and breakfast
• Hike to Indian Gardens campsite
• Enjoy afternoon hike to river overlook
• Cover 3 to 6 miles hiking
• Have dinner at campsite

Day 3: Return to Grand Canyon Village

• Eat nutritious breakfast early
• Hike back to rim and Grand Canyon Village
• Enjoy deli lunch at trailhead
• Stop for souvenirs
• Drive back to Flagstaff

The experience

The hike starts at the South Kaibab Trailhead in the early morning after pickup from selected Flagstaff-area hotels. Day one is the steepest: a 7.5-mile descent of over 4,800 feet down to the canyon floor, where you cross a bridge to Bright Angel Campsite on the north side of the Colorado River. Your guide interprets the rock layers as you descend. The Grand Canyon is one of the few places on earth where you can see over 2 billion years of geological history exposed in the walls. The trail passes through Devil's Corkscrew, a series of tight switchbacks that demand focus but reward you with views across the 18-mile-wide corridor. You'll carry a 35-pound backpack holding your personal gear, food and camping equipment provided by the operator.

Day two is gentler, covering three to six miles as you hike from Bright Angel to Indian Gardens, the site of your second night's camp. After lunch, a side hike leads to an overlook above the river where you can watch the water move through the canyon. Day three starts early with breakfast before the final push back to the rim and Grand Canyon Village. Once you reach the trailhead, you stop for a deli lunch and a last look at the vastness you've just crossed, with time for a souvenir stop before the drive back to Flagstaff by mid-afternoon.

The operator provides a certified wilderness guide throughout, all National Park permits and fees, meals at each camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks, camping gear and transportation from your hotel. If you want to take the optional side hike to Plateau Point for 360-degree sunset views, your guide can arrange that on day two. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking.

What’s included

• Professional wilderness guide in English.
• all Grand Canyon National Park permits and entry fees.
• camping gear including tent and sleeping bag.
• meals at each camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plus snacks.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected properties.
• transportation to and from the trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discovery Treks

Is this one for you?Groups stay under nine people, so you hike with a small team and one guide rather than a larger tour. This works best if you have solid cardiovascular fitness and can carry a 35-pound pack. The first day's 4,800-foot descent is steep, and there's no way out except to keep moving forward or to exit by helicopter, which is expensive and rare.

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Top questions

How steep is the South Kaibab Trail on the first day?

The South Kaibab Trail descends 4,800 feet over 7.5 miles on day one, dropping from the rim to the canyon floor at Bright Angel Campsite. It's the steepest section of the hike and requires steady footing through switchbacks, but your guide sets the pace and you'll have rest stops along the way.

What's the Colorado River like when you reach it?

The Colorado River sits at the bottom of the canyon where you camp at Bright Angel Campsite on the north side. You cross a bridge to reach it, and the area has shady cottonwood trees and Bright Angel Creek nearby where you can cool off and rest between hiking days.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag?

No. The operator provides all camping gear, including your tent and sleeping bag, packed into the 35-pound backpack you carry. You're responsible only for personal items like toiletries, medications and a change of clothes.

What if I'm not sure I can handle the fitness level required?

This hike is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries, and you need a high level of physical fitness to complete it. The first day is the most demanding. If you're unsure, contact the operator before booking. They can discuss your fitness level and whether this route suits you.

How many people hike together on this tour?

Groups are kept to a maximum of nine people per booking, so you'll hike with a small group and one certified guide throughout the three days.

Does the price include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in the Flagstaff area. Confirm your hotel is on the pickup list when you book.