Bright Angel Point

Cliff Clifftop viewpoint on the North Rim of Grand Canyon

At the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Point offers short, accessible trails and a classic viewpoint; visitors come for wide canyon vistas and photography at sunrise or sunset.

04468 Grand Canyon Bright Angel Point (7876328092).jpg
04473 Grand Canyon Bright Angel Point (7876327780).jpg
04539 Grand Canyon Bright Angel Point (7876327540).jpg
05439 Grand Canyon Bright Angel Point (7876327282).jpg
Accident - panoramio (2).jpg
An Appropriate T Shirt (140451133).jpeg
Bright Angel Point from above.jpg
Bright Angel Point overlook^^ Grand Canyon North Rim ^^ A bench over the Earth story - panoramio.jpg
GCNP Nima (1).JPG

Bright Angel Point is a rocky promontory and formal viewpoint on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It is one of the primary overlooks served by the North Rim developed area and the Grand Canyon Lodge.

A paved path leads to a series of rail-protected viewing points offering panoramic views across the canyon and down Bright Angel Canyon; the trail is about 0.8 km (0.5 miles) round trip. Photographers and sightseers use the point for wide-angle views of the inner canyon, ridge lines, and layered rock formations. Interpretive signs are placed near the viewpoint to explain visible geologic features and viewpoints.

The promontory is a natural feature of the canyon rim; the trail and visitor facilities at the point are maintained by the National Park Service as part of Grand Canyon National Park. Management of the North Rim area and its visitor infrastructure has been carried out by the park since the park’s establishment.

The viewpoint sits on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona adjacent to the Grand Canyon Lodge complex. It is reached via the North Rim road system inside Grand Canyon National Park and lies within the park’s developed North Rim area.

  • Trail length: The short paved Bright Angel Point Trail is about 0.8 km (0.5 miles) round trip and is an easy walk with railings at the viewpoint.
  • Seasonal access: The North Rim is seasonally serviced - facilities and road access are typically open in late spring through early fall, so check park opening dates before visiting.
Bright Angel Point
Bright Angel Point, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86052, USA
36.1930, -112.0488
Accessible year-round when North Rim is open (North Rim season generally mid-May to mid-October)
Free (viewpoint)

How to Get to Bright Angel Point #

Bright Angel Point is on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The North Rim is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Flagstaff (about 210 miles/338 km) or a shorter drive from Jacob Lake. During the North Rim season (roughly mid-May to mid-October) the road to the North Rim is maintained; outside that period many access roads are closed by snow. The viewpoint is an easy 0.5-mile (approx. 0.8 km) round-trip from the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge.

Tips for Visiting Bright Angel Point #

  • Go at sunrise for soft light on the canyon and far fewer people on the North Rim.
  • Bring layers - Bright Angel Point sits above 2,000 m and temperatures can drop quickly.
  • Avoid standing too close to the edge; there are no railings at many viewpoints and the drop is sudden.

Best Time to Visit Bright Angel Point #

Visit during the North Rim season (roughly mid-May to mid-October); spring and autumn shoulder months offer the best balance of access and fewer crowds.

Summer (North Rim open)
May-Oct · 8-25°C (46-77°F)
North Rim facilities open; longer daylight and warm afternoons but can be busy in July-Aug.
Late spring/early autumn
May & Sep-Oct · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Shoulder seasons offer milder crowds and pleasant hiking conditions.

Weather & Climate near Bright Angel Point #

Climate

Bright Angel Point's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 12°

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
26°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
25°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 10°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Bright Angel Point