route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
+ 194

Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim to Rim via Bright Angel

Trail Running Route

Hard
46.56 mi
11,150 ft
An internationally-recognized trail run through the United State's largest canyon.

Every trail and ultra runner has the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim on their bucket list. Even those who have completed it, often come back for seconds. Its one of the most recognized epic trail runs in the entire US. On average, it takes most runners between 12 and 15 hours, most choosing to start between 3 and 4am.

Beginning at the South Rim, you have two options to descend into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail (depicted here) offers a steady descent into the canyon and multiple sources of water along the way. 4.5 miles from the trailhead, Indian Garden provides year-round water with the next dependable source at Phantom Ranch across the Colorado River foot bridge.

Alternatively, some choose the South Kaibab Trail down to Phantom Ranch. Less visited and slightly shorter, the trail is much steeper and the same route utilized by a mule train that leaves around 5am every morning (make sure to start your run before they do, they aren't keen to allowing other trail users by in the dark). Some runners choose to go down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. If you choose that option, check on the bus schedule to make sure you will have a ride back to your campsite or vehicle.

Organized groups are required to obtain a permit through the National Park. There is also an entry fee to get into the park, and most runners choose to camp there during their trip. The park's popularity makes it difficult to secure campsites during certain times of the year, so plan accordingly and reserve a spot far before your trip.

The traverse is best attempted in the fall and spring, when the weather is at its best. Seasonal water sources along the trail are turned off mid-November, so check with the park regarding the latest status. The pipeline that provides water along the trail is also outdated and experiences frequent shutdowns for maintenance. Always carry a water filter or other purification system just in case.

Though the entire run is loaded with views, the push up to the north rim is often the most memorable for trail runners. Narrow bench cuts along rock bluffs and several bridges line the way up. Even in November, it's possible for the bottom of the canyon to reach 70 degrees during the day, with deep snow blanketing the north rim.

Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Bright Angel Trailhead to 3 mile rest hut2.96 mi-2,119 ft-13.5%
Bright Angel Head to Indian (descent)4.56 mi-2,999 ft-12.4%
Bright Angel Trailhead to the bottom of the Corkscrew7.77 mi-4,396 ft-10.7%
Trailhead to Indian Garden4.71 mi-3,068 ft-12.3%
Down through the corkscrew to the Colorado River Sign1.79 mi-919 ft-9.3%
Plateau Point Trail Climb0.29 mi144 ft8.5%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.24 mi180 ft14.2%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.18 mi148 ft14.9%
Phantom Ranch to Cottonwood6.32 mi1,309 ft3.9%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.29 mi499 ft31.9%
Unnamed Rd Climb0.50 mi272 ft10.2%
North Kaibab Trail Climb0.57 mi141 ft4.6%
Arizona Trail Climb1.57 mi535 ft6.4%
Arizona 67 Climb2.91 mi1,601 ft10.4%
Arizona Trail Climb0.63 mi240 ft6.9%
North Kaibab Trail Climb0.62 mi594 ft17.9%
Pump House 2 North Rim Trailhead5.17 mi3,494 ft12.8%
Bright Angel Point Trail Climb0.74 mi587 ft15.0%
Arizona Trail Climb0.19 mi249 ft24.6%
Arizona 67 Climb0.23 mi180 ft13.9%
3mi left to climb3.02 mi2,067 ft12.9%
Arizona Trail Climb0.68 mi764 ft21.2%
Final mile0.96 mi696 ft12.7%
North Rim to Cottonwood7.63 mi-4,137 ft-10.3%
North Rim down to Bridge 2.23 mi-1,821 ft-15.4%
South Kaibab Trail Climb0.23 mi249 ft20.3%
Ribbon Falls spur to Phantom Ranch5.76 mi-1,066 ft-3.5%
Silver Bridge Sprint 0.09 mi-36 ft0.0%
Colorado River to Bright Angel Trailhead8.74 mi4,285 ft9.1%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.21 mi144 ft13.0%
Plateau Point Trail Climb0.18 mi144 ft14.7%
Plateau Point Trail Climb0.45 mi335 ft13.5%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.18 mi217 ft20.9%
Plateau Point Trail Climb0.55 mi335 ft11.4%
Garden gliding2.89 mi1,220 ft8.0%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.22 mi197 ft16.7%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.55 mi197 ft6.6%
Indian Garden Water to Trailhead4.76 mi3,077 ft12.2%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.34 mi174 ft9.7%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.30 mi243 ft15.3%
3 Mile Hurt to 1.5 Mile Hut Climb1.40 mi968 ft12.7%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.32 mi236 ft13.8%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.63 mi430 ft12.0%
Bright Angel 1.5 mile Rest House to top2.16 mi1,178 ft9.9%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.20 mi148 ft13.4%
Last 3 Switchbacks to climb of the Bright Angel Trail0.79 mi584 ft13.8%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.25 mi331 ft25.1%
Heartbreak Hill Climb0.38 mi285 ft14.2%
W Rim Dr Climb0.17 mi171 ft16.5%
Bright Angel Trail Climb0.32 mi138 ft8.2%