Bright Angel Trail to Three-Mile Resthouse

Strenuous6 mi round trip2,120 ft gain

Seasonal water and some shade make this the safest way to sample the canyon’s interior. The climb out takes twice as long as the descent.

Before you go

Conditions, access, and honest warnings.

Descending is the easy half. Budget roughly twice the time to climb back out.
Seasonal water is available at the resthouses, but never assume it is running, confirm at the visitor center.
Do not attempt to reach the river and return in one day. This is the most common serious mistake here.

Where this route begins.