Arizona has no shortage of amazing hikes, but one stands out above all the rest. And not necessarily for a good reason. Located in the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Trail sees more rescues and 911 calls than any other trail in the state and is considered the most dangerous hike in the Grand Canyon. Between its length, elevation, and lack of shade, this popular hike is a perfect storm of perilous factors. Before you venture out, we have some answers to the oft-heard question, “Is Bright Angel Trail dangerous?”

At just over 18 miles, Bright Angel Trail is among the longest hikes in the Grand Canyon.
AllTrails/Rahul Kalluri
A steep descent to the Colorado River, this iconic trail attracts hikers from all over the world.
The trail starts off in a high-traffic area of the park, near several popular hotels.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/Michael Quinn
Striking panoramic vistas of the South Rim are only a preview of what's to come—a fact that can be either exhilarating or stomach-dropping depending on how you look at it.
Many people underestimate Bright Angel Trail, likely because its sheer popularity has diluted the real dangers present at every turn.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
And even though clean drinking water is available along the way, the last source is five miles before the end of the trail.
Signs are posted all throughout the trail, reminding hikers of the perils they face.
AllTrails/Nik Niccolls
More than 200 heat-related rescues are performed each year—and that doesn't even include other causes. That's a lot of warm weather danger.

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Along with dehydration, adverse weather can make for treacherous conditions.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
Ice often persists well into early spring, and railings are minimal or even completely absent in places. Winter gear and shoes with a strong grip are essential to prevent a potentially fatal slip.
If you do choose to hike Bright Angel Trail, it is strongly advised that you break it up into smaller chunks.
AllTrails/Sheryl Savage
You can spend the night at Bright Angel Campground, which is where the "out" portion of the trail ends, before starting the trek back in the morning.
Most people run into trouble because they were dead set on hiking to the river and back in one day.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
If you only have time for a day hike, we suggest turning around at one of the rest houses, located at 1.5 and 3 miles in.
Remember to stay hydrated, be aware of your surroundings, and pack ample food and electrolyte beverages or supplementation.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
Following these tips helps to ensure your experience on the Bright Angel Trail will be nothing short of amazing.
For a much easier hike with the same breathtaking views, consider Bright Angel Point Trail.
Matteo Colombo via Getty Images
You'll still get to enjoy some of the most amazing Grand Canyon views, without all of the risk.

To learn more about the trail, visit its page on AllTrails or see this map from the National Park Service. You can also learn more about this specific trail on the National Park Service website. For information on other great hikes in the area, go to the overall AllTrails website.

Have you ever hiked Bright Angel Trail? If so, what precautions did you take to lessen the danger? Would you agree that it is one of the, if not the, most dangerous hikes in Arizona? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Also, be sure to check out our previous article for an Arizona hike that’s dangerous for an entirely different (and much creepier) reason.

If you’re still in the mood for more Arizona adventures, take a look at this video about the beautiful town of Sedona:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More Adventures in the Grand Canyon State

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 30, 2023

Where can we find easy hiking trails in Arizona?

  • The Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff is 2.5 miles long and features scenic views of the Snowbowl.
  • The Baldwin Trail in Sedona is also 2.5 miles long and a popular place for outstanding views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek.
  • The Beverly Canyon Trail in Phoenix is 3.5 miles long and traverses through a beautiful, cactus-peppered landscape.

Read on to learn about some of the other wonderful easy hiking trails in Arizona.

Where can we find small towns in Arizona?

  • Ajo is a former mining town and now a burgeoning artist enclave. It is ranked as one of the best small towns in the country.
  • Chloride is a hidden gem full of great restaurants, murals, and other public art.
  • Crown King is known for its hiking trails, old general store, and saloon dating back to 1910.

Read on to learn about some of the many other charming small towns in Arizona.

Where can we find historic churches in Arizona?

  • Mission San José de Tumacácori in Tumacácori was founded in 1691 and is one of the oldest surviving missions in the state of Arizona.
  • Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tombstone was built in 1882 and is the oldest Protestant church in the state.
  • The Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Rectory in Prescott was built in 1894 and now serves as the home for the Prescott Center for the Arts.

Read on to learn about some of the other beautiful historic churches in Arizona.

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Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA