BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL Hike | GRAND CANYON South Rim | Journey to Indian Garden

The Bright Angel Trail is among the most popular trails at the Grand Canyon. It winds down deep into the canyon, all the way to the Colorado River. For most, the trek to the bottom is beyond reach, but setting the Indian Garden oasis as your target is a respectable goal that offers the rewards of rejuvenation and refreshment.
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Ever wonder what it is like hiking into the Grand Canyon or why you might want to consider doing it? In this video, we adventure deep down into the Grand Canyon to a place known as Indian Garden, a desert oasis located 4.6 miles down the famous Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the National Park.
Along the way, we explore some useful tips and share our experience hiking the canyon. You will get to see the various check points and facilities that exist off of the Bright Angel trail, such as the 1.5 mile and 3 mile rest points.
We also explore Indian Garden and take a look at some of the pathways, campgrounds, buildings and facilities located at this lush destination.
You don't have to hike all the way to the Colorado River to get a challenging and complete Grand Canyon hiking experience. The hike to Indian Garden is a safer option to hike to than all the way to the bottom of the Colorado, though as you will see, it is not for the faint of heart!
So join us on this scenic and beautiful hike into the grandest of all canyons, the Grand Canyon!
VIDEO FILMED: 09/16/2019
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking and day trips as well as campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

[@scotscotty8075]

I did that hike a few years ago when I was 65, two teenagers went with me. It was a rough go coming back up but I am proud of the accomplishment.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yeah, I admit I struggled during the last mile on this one. Had to stop many more times than I revealed on the video! My excuse was that I had to film, but there was more to it than that 🤫. But yes, the feeling of accomplishment is well worth the pain! Congrats on getting it done!! 🎉

[@Raptor-gd6sk]

Hard to believe there is nice shaded campground at the bottom.. that was a big accomplishment.. Thanks for taking us along

[@CactusAtlas]

Isn't it? Both Indian Garden and Phantom Ranch seem like a real treat to be able to stay out but you best believe you're going to work for that experience! 😂

[@kreggossmer2029]

😎 💥 Great Adventure! 💥👋 Thanx Team Cactus. 👍👍

[@cindyglastetter1045]

Great video! I did not hike but took the mule ride to Plateau Point back in 2007. I was in my 50’s then and it was great! Have to admit the ride back up was grueling, for me and my mule Dirty Bird! I’d love to take the mule ride again but not sure if this 74 year old bod could handle it!

[@CactusAtlas]

Dirty Bird. 😂 Always wondered about those mule rides. It seems fun, but there's something about trusting an unknown animal with all those drop offs. 😅

[@robertlehew1670]

I Hiked the Blue angel trail down to the Colorado River and back up, which took me 8 hours. I was 25 in the Army and highly fit. I am now 59 and could never do it today. I am proud to say I did it when I could. I think going to Indian Gardens is one of the best hikes for just about every fitness level.

[@CactusAtlas]

Hiking to the Colorado is no small feat for sure. Congrats on making that accomplishment! We're of the opinion that any amount of hiking into the canyon is fantastic as it provides views and an experience that one simply doesn't get at the rim. 😊

[@bingo1232]

An honest assessment of a really great hike which I plan to do real soon; I’m gonna try and get a job at the Grand Canyon lodese in the summer of ’24. This hike is the kind of thing I really want to do (besides working)!!! Thanks for a great video!!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you, and that's awesome! Having the Grand Canyon as a workplace seems like an ideal. Best of luck!

[@doxielover2814]

I am afraid they would have to haul me out but some of the views are worth going after. Thanks for taking us to see this really beautiful place through your eyes.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed and were able to "visit" the Grand Canyon with us!

[@teresagarcia6843]

Excelente video e información 😊gracias 🙏

[@CactusAtlas]

Muchas gracias. Nos alegramos de que nuestro vídeo le haya sido útil. 😄

[@michaelmdunham3289]

15 years ago, when I was in my early 20s, I hiked down the South Kaibab Trail to the Tonto Trail, across the Tonto Trail to Indian Garden, and then back up the Bright Angel Trail. Watching you power your way back up the Bright Angel Trail brought back many memories - in particular I really felt your struggle past the 1.5 mi rest house. I remember well how hard it was to focus on the views when the end is so close and yet still so far. You did an excellent job capturing what it's like down in that canyon - beautiful, desolate, and one-of-a-kind. I recently discovered your channel and have really been enjoying your content!

[@CactusAtlas]

Definitely one of those things that are easier in one's 20s rather than later after being tied down to a desk job for some time. 😅 Thanks so much and happy you found our channel!

[@brayray53]

I enjoyed your video. Thank you for including the time of day you started and finished. That was very helpful. We did 3/4 of a mile and realized we were not prepared. So we will return in April and we are training we will do just what you did. We are a young 61 and 58.

[@CactusAtlas]

It's all fun and games until you remember you have to go back up, right? 😄 Best of luck on the training and future trip!

[@kyliemmb]

I just hiked it a few hours ago! Boy did this video help my anxiety and curiosity!! Thanks so much!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! No problem! Glad we could help out. 😃

[@tomjones4957]

Hiked that this past weekend it was awesome but kicked our butts too! Then the next day we hiked Camel Back Mountain! My legs are done!

[@CactusAtlas]

😮 Wow! That sounds intense. I can imagine some Jell-O legs were the result for a spell. 😅

[@3Kitais]

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Thanks for the honesty and Good for you accomplishing your goal. Thanks for taking us with you. Great video.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks as always for your comments! Always very appreciated! It was a tough hike, but I got it done! 🤠

[@davidlessard9317]

I hiked down a small section of Bright Angel back in 2004. I hope to return again this summer and try Bright Angel again. Plan to stay at Mather Campground which I did in 2004. Even a short hike down the Bright Angel is well worth it. Great video.

[@CactusAtlas]

I totally agree! You can visit the canyon and get some great views at the rim but a short hike down into it provides a completely different experience. Absolutely worth it. Thanks for the comment! We appreciate it.

[@oscarvalladares8708]

Great video. I was at Grand Canyon last week. I'm glad I came through your video. This is my next challenge, the one you just did.

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! Have a great and safe time!!!

[@gstiles7]

looks like a fun hike!

[@CactusAtlas]

It was! Always love hiking in the Grand Canyon!

[@chav68]

Hey Brother! We were just at the Grand Canyon this weekend. Did a little recon because we are planning on doing this hike. Soooo glad you have this video up!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CactusAtlas]

That is awesome! It's a great hike!

[@chav68]

I’ll keep you posted! We’re planning on March/April timeframe.

[@chav68]

We did the hike over the weekend!! It was fantastic! Your video really helped us!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CactusAtlas]

Great to hear! Glad it was helpful!

[@chav68]

The lower tunnel and the final switchbacks was a morale wrecker. (LOL!!) Being able to complete it was a real thrill! Had to put crampons on going down and up through that area. Fair amount of ice from the weather cell that passed through there this week. Overall, we’re definitely going to do that one again. Also looking into doing South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch. We want to cross the bridges down below.

[@surfdetective]

Great video

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks!

[@kyliemmb]

Awesome video! I'm about to do this hike with my family in April! Thanks so much! This is an amazing video👍👍👍👍

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Glad we were able to help and hope you have an amazing time! 😄

[@kyliemmb]

@@CactusAtlas No thank you!!! This video really helped my anxiety as I want to do more stuff like this, but I'm quite afraid of falling and heights even though I did Mt. St. Helens. This helped a ton!👍

[@chas7193]

Went down SK trail to the ooh ahh point around the first part of July it wasn't that bad next time we will try that one.

[@CactusAtlas]

It's a pretty popular trail and the change of scenery down there really makes it feel like an accomplishment even though it isn't the bottom. 😄👍

[@jonh4301]

Planning on going in a few weeks and will probably not go all the way like you did but maybe 1.5 or 3 miles. Thanks for the info!

[@CactusAtlas]

No problem! Happy to help with your future adventure. Hope you have a fantastic time! 👍

[@aomministries2354]

Great video. Wonder if we could hike to Indian Garden, camp, then descend to Phantom Ranch day2, camp there and hike out Kibaito trail day 3?

[@CactusAtlas]

You would need to contact the NPS as permits would be required. They could give you the info you need about your plan.

[@cardsfanlv9371]

Nice job. Next time Pleatau Point! Will add a few more miles but mostly flat.

[@CactusAtlas]

Next time for sure if time allows! 😄

[@deecee901]

Id love to see Indian Garden but not sure i'm inshape enuff to do it. Plus i dont like getting up so early.

[@CactusAtlas]

Not everyone will have be able to make the same distance for sure. I, myself (Amy. Hi there! 👋) definitely couldn't hike that far just because I'd have one screaming & aching foot from a severe injury some years back. But we think even walking just a short, short bit down below the rim really changes the perspective of the canyon. 😄

[@andresmanable]

How long did it take round trip? Time wise

[@jimmymauger1]

Hike Mt Humphreys next!

[@CactusAtlas]

It’s been on my mind for sure. Hiked it to the top a couple years ago and it was awesome. But, just drove by it a couple days ago and it’s covered in snow already. So, I need to look into that one... 🤔.

[@virginiabluebell2350]

@@CactusAtlas I did it yesterday in the snow . It was grueling but the white covered mountains 🏔 ahhh its nothing else like it .

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh wow. I bet that was something to see especially past the tree line. 😃

[@johneason6540]

I have hiked it before. All the way to Phamtom ranch and back. Down the South Kaibab and up the bright angel trail. Yes in a thunderstorm one time also. It is a challenge. Im schedule to go again March 30 2021

[@grandfinallie7352]

Is the hike doable one way all the way down to the river with someone with no experience? Trying to gauge if I could do it to do a rafting trip. Early 30s in decent shape but I don't intentionally exercise. Thanks

[@CactusAtlas]

I have hiked to the river and back in one single day twice in my life (20 years ago or so). To clarify, south rim to bottom. If you encounter rangers, they will try and deter you and tell you bad idea. They can not stop you however. You will want to haul A LOT of water, like a gallon or more. It gets hotter the further you go down. It took me almost all day to do it when I did. Best advice is start as early as possible (pre dawn is best), and be prepared for a tough time coming up. It is not easy by any means. Hardest hike I’ve ever done. I am glad I did it though. Would I do it now, in my current shape? No. It is very much a personal decision and only you can really know if it is for you. Just note there are plenty of folks that need to be airlifted out, so not a decision to be taken lightly! Assume it will test your physical limits if you are not in excellent shape.

[@felixcorp0103]

Is this trail where you pass ahh point?

[@CactusAtlas]

No, Ooh Aah point is on the South Kaibab Trail.

[@GEMSTONE74]

Where do u get the permit to camp Indian garden campground?

[@CactusAtlas]

I believe you need a Backcountry Permit from the National Park Service. We've never obtained one and aren't familiar with what is required to obtain one specifically.

[@janegeddes9027]

You get the permit from the National Park service. I bought one online 21 years ago. I applied for it about 10 months in advance of going down the Grand Canyon. It is an experience we, my husband and I, will never forget. We hiked down to Indian Gardens and camped that night. Next day we followed Tonto trail to South K trail and went down to Phantom gardens before hiking back up to Indian Gardens where we stayed for a second night. It was July so temperatures very high so this staged approach worked best. Next day walked out of canyon. We are Scottish and used to hillwalking in cold wet climate. The canyon was a special and unique experience. We are now in our late sixties and still talk about this fantastic experience.

[@balkogirl91]

Did rim to rim May 20th, 2022

[@CactusAtlas]

Congratulations! It's a pretty awesome accomplishment! 🥳👍

[@balkogirl91]

@@CactusAtlas thank you, it was amazing and I cried at Bright Angel when I finished. That last 3 miles is all mental.

[@billveek9518]

The bright angel trail is not "One of the most popular trails in the grand canyon" it is the most popular trail by a thousand miles lol. Hiking to Indian garden is not a taste of a grand canyon hike, it may be a smell but not a taste.

[@CactusAtlas]

For many people, myself included, who cannot hike due to physical limitations from past injuries... even a video can be a taste and I appreciate my husband for making this video. 😊 We would like to offer more hikes in the Grand Canyon but work full time and use vacation to film/travel. Sometimes you can only do what you can before you have to move on to make another video since we're hobbyist and not full time. 👍