
Length: .25 mi (.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 150 ft (30 m)
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Bright Angel Point, in Grand Canyon National Park, is one of the park’s most popular viewing areas in the North Rim. According to the National Park Service, “The short walk to Bright Angel Point illustrates the dramatic effect that Grand Canyon has on its surroundings. A transition from the cool green forest of the Kaibab Plateau to a stunted forest of pinyon and juniper occurs within a very short distance.” Once you arrive at the overlook, you will be able to see Bright Angel Canyon, Transept Canyon, as well as stunning vistas of carved formations that are a highlight of the North Rim. (NPS) It is a beautiful landscape photography location and well worth a visit.

Accessing Bright Angel Point in Grand Canyon National Park
Starting Location: Parking lot at Bright Angel Point, North Rim, AZ
GPS (DD): 44.35218, -68.07407
Bright Angel Point is the most easily accessed overlook on the entire North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is home to the North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, the only accommodation within 45 miles (72.4 km) of the rim. There is a large parking lot just to the north of the Visitor Center. It does fill up quickly due to the popularity of this site. To get to this area, drive south on State Highway 67 from the junction of State Highway 67 and US Highway 89A about 47.1 mi (75.8 km). The parking lot will be on your left as you arrive.
Starting at the south end of the parking area, you will walk south towards the rim of the Grand Canyon past the visitor’s center. As you pass the visitor’s center, a paved trail will fork to the left. This trail leads you out onto the point. Bright Angel Point at the North Rim Visitor Center is often the first, and sadly the only, location visitors to the North Rim experience. If you have time, I recommended exploring the other sections of the North Rim as well.

Hiking Tips at Bright Angel Point
In addition to the main Bright Angel Point overlook, there are several viewpoints overlooking the North Rim near the Grand Lodge. The main header photo on this page was shot from an overlook just below the west patio of the Grand Canyon Lodge. From June to November 2024, the trail to the main Bright Angel Overlook was closed for construction so I was unable to access it at that time.
The Bright Angel overlook at the edge is fairly small. There are railings all around to help prevent falls. While the north rim has fewer visitors, at this location you may find you have to wait in line for your turn at the prime photo spot. Along the way you will find numerous benches and flat rocks to sit on and catch your breath. The elevation here is 6,860 ft (2,090.9 m), so people from lower elevations may find the hike a bit exhausting. Take your time and stop to rest if you are out of breath.

Photography Tips at Bright Angel Point
Ideally, this location should be photographed during the end of morning, or beginning of evening – the Golden Hours. Sunsets are nice during late May, June, and early July, but the sun sets further north and the valley that goes northwest from the viewpoint get dark at both sunrise and sunset. In the later months, August through mid-October (when the area closes), the sun shines nicely along the length of the canyon.
The Monsoon season in July can be good for nice storms and lightning shoots. Like most all of the Grand Canyon North Rim, the night skies are known for their Dark Skies, excellent for night photography. Most people will likely want to use a wide angle lens of 24mm or wider.
My photo “Bright Angel Morning Light,” featured on top of this page, was shot at around 8:30 am on October 11, 2024. For shots in canyon land areas, I tend to avoid shooting exactly at sunrise or sunset. Sunrise this particular morning was about 6:32 am. At sunrise (or sunset) the deep canyons are very dark, making photography difficult. By waiting until later in the morning the sun’s rays were reaching deeper into the canyons.
I used a Canon R5 camera body, Canon 100-400mm lens @400mm, f/11, 1/640th sec. exposure, ISO 400. It is made up of 610 images, 10 rows x 61 columns 33% overlap in portrait orientation to produce the final 10.42 Giga-pixels image, measuring 178″ x 648″. For information about purchasing my “Bright Angel Morning Light” image, click here.
For the “Milky Way at Bright Angel Point” shot below, I used a 24mm lens. It is a stitched set of 5 images shot at f.2.8, 15 sec., ISO 6400.

Closing Remarks
The Bright Angel area in Grand Canyon National Park functions as the North Rim’s park headquarters. With access to the Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, North Rim Visitor Center, and gift shops, plan on spending several hours in this area. The lodge has restaurants with great food. You may choose to stay at the lodge or one of the many cabins that can be rented. They book up fast, so book early if you want to stay here.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Grand Canyon National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Grand Canyon National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. Enjoy your time exploring the natural wonders of Bright Point!
Happy Travels!
John Freeman, Featured National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Grand Canyon National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Grand Canyon, North and South Rims [Grand Canyon National Park] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- National Geographic Park Profiles: Grand Canyon Country: Over 100 Full-Color Photographs, plus Detailed Maps, and Firsthand Information
- Lonely Planet Grand Canyon National Park 6 (National Parks Guide)
- A Complete Guide to the Grand Circle National Parks: Covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks (English and Japanese Edition)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Postcard History Series)
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