Bright Angel

Bright Angel Trailhead
36° 03.439' N
112° 08.626' W
2079 m ASL

Plateau Point
36° 05.595' N
112° 06.961' W
1151 m ASL

Six miles down (as the mule walks), then six miles back up. Thankfully, only 85 °F in the sun. Bloody 'ell!

The start

Plateau Point is at the end of the thin ribbon on the green plateau.

The route

Note the warnings about how trying to make it all the way to the river and back in one day could result in exhaustion or death. And about (not) falling over the edge.

The way down

3h30min at a leisurely pace to get down.

On the plateau

An hour for lunch.

Colorado River

Still quite a way from the bottom.

At the destination

3h30min of pain to get back.

Safely back up

Although people of all ages can do this trip, it's too easy to underestimate how strenuous (and dangerous) it can be. Don't mess with Mother Nature. Bring lots of water. Thankfully, the only casualty was one pair of old and worn hiking shoes.