A hike as strenuous as the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon requires plenty of fuel before and after. This may be one of the best hikes near the Grand Canyon and a bucket-list-worthy adventure. Luckily, there’s a restaurant located right near the trailhead, and the food and views are both out-of-this-world.

Easily the most popular hike in the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Trail is a 15-mile adventure that takes you from the Grand Canyon Village all the way down to the Colorado River.
Matteo Colombo / Moment Collection / Getty Images
The trail is very difficult, with an elevation gain of just under 4,500 feet, but the sweeping canyon vistas are well worth the effort. Furthermore, it's an out-and-back trail, so you can hike as much or as little of it as you desire.
As you set off on your journey, your eyes will immediately be drawn to this gorgeous building right near the trailhead.
TripAdvisor/Hesse
First opened in 1905, the legendary El Tovar Hotel features European-style architecture that blends modern luxury with historic charm in the most alluring fashion.
The hotel boasts a lounge, gift shop, newsstand, and - most notably - the El Tovar Dining Room, which is open to both hotel guests and the general public.
TripAdvisor/Peter C
Rustic, yet elegant, the fine dining establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its rich mahogany furnishings, dim lighting, and fast, friendly service.
Perhaps even more majestic than the ambiance are the views.
TripAdvisor/Management
The restaurant sits mere feet away from the starting point for the Bright Angel Trail, and each table has a front row seat.

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While enjoying your meal, you'll have the unique opportunity to watch hikers trekking along the canyon rim.
TripAdvisor/Keith J
Beyond the trail, the ancient rocky landscape of the canyon extends into the horizon, taking the phrase "dinner with a view" to a whole new level.
El Tovar Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so there's always an empty seat waiting for you.
TripAdvisor/Management
The menu features cuisine from all over the world, with a special emphasis on local, Southwestern flavors.
From wild-caught salmon to the finest New York Strip steak to traditional Navajo Tacos, there's something to please every palate.
TripAdvisor/Management
The drink selection is just as extensive, with over 100 varieties of wine to choose from.
No matter how full you are, don't skip dessert.
TripAdvisor/Hooked_on_travel77
With decadent options like this peanut butter chip cheesecake, we reckon you can find at least a little bit of room for a sweet treat.
So whether you need to fuel up before or after hitting the trail or just want to enjoy a great meal with a side of breathtaking views, El Tovar Dining Room is the place to go.
TripAdvisor/Management
You'll be hard-pressed to find many other restaurants located directly on a world-class hiking trail!

Visit the restaurant’s website to learn more and/or make a reservation.

Have you ever eaten at El Tovar Dining Room? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article to learn more about the Bright Angel Trail.

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Featured Addresses
El Tovar Dining Room, 1 El Tovar Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA