OVERNIGHT HIKE FROM INDIAN GARDEN TO THE RIVER
If you have already done a day hike to Indian Garden, why not consider hiking the entire canyon down to the river and back or, if you are extremely brave, from one side to the other (Rim to Rim as it is fondly referred to). Anyone who is in good physical shape should backpack and spend an overnight or two at least once in their lifetime. It’s almost a pilgrimage!
OVERNIGHT HIKE FROM INDIAN GARDEN TO BRIGHT ANGEL CAMPSITE OR PHANTOM RANCH
If you plan on an overnight hike, from Indian Garden you can continue 3.5 miles / 5.6km down to the Colorado river and either stay at the Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch. From the river, the Bright Angel Trail leads to the Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch via the silver suspension bridge at the Western end of the river trail. The Bright Angel Campground is 1.5 miles / 2.5km from the bridge and Phantom Ranch just 0.3 miles further.
This hike is a segment of the Rim to Rim Trail and only recommended for seasoned hikers. The descent to the river features a series of switchbacks close to the canyon walls rather than panoramic vistas but at the bottom there is a beach at the side of the river where you can enjoy a short rest and replenish your water supplies (if you have a water filter).
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A mile (1.6 km) further on from the bridge at the Eastern end of the River trail is its junction with the South Kaibab Trail. Heading North on the South Kaibab Trail will take you to the black suspension bridge and across the river to the junction of the North Kaibab Trail. Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground can be accessed from either of the suspension bridges.
Sherpa Sam says...
More than 250 people are rescued in the canyon every year because they are either overconfident about their ability or underestimate the terrain and the distances they can cover in the heat. Do not be tempted to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day.
Name: Indian Garden to Bright Angel Campsite
Location: from Indian Garden to the Bright Angel Campground. Latitude: 36.0788717 Longitude: -112.1207246
Duration: between 2 and 3 hours
Difficulty: strenuous
Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Elevation change: 395 m / 1300 ft from Indian Garden
What to take: see the Ultimate Grand Canyon Packing guide
Water stations: no potable water at River Resthouse but you will find free filling stations at the Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch
Facilities: toilets are available at the River Resthouse, Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch
When to go: between April and September/October is the best time
How to get there: from Indian Garden, just hike down
Permit required: yes for an overnight stay. See Permits and passes.
Lodgings: Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground (reservations required)
Note: you can hire a mule to either carry your pack or to ride down
Why is it for you: to experience a night in the Canyon
Sherpa Sam's recommendation: Don’t try to get to the river and back in one day unless you are a very experienced and fit hiker.
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For more information, please check out the Day Hike - Bright Angel Trail government website.
Warning!!
Depending on the time of the year, there may be active colonies of fire ants, so be careful where you sit!
All maps and charts courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park Services.