Lace your shoes tight and start before dawn if you want to see the canyon from the inside out. Indians who lived at the springs used the historic trail down Bright Angel Fault for over 1,000 years before they were displaced when the park was formed. Steep, murderous switchbacks lead 9.6 miles to Phantom Ranch at the river. For a strenuous day hike, trek 4.6 miles to Indian Garden (3,195 ft. elev. change) and continue 1.5 miles to Plateau Point for incredible views of the inner gorge.

Day hike

For an easy stroll, hike to the first tunnel, a 20 minute round trip with 60-ft. drop in elevation. Continue to the second tunnel (1.7-mile round trip, 550-foot drop), or to the 1.5-mile resthouse (3-mi. round trip, 1,120 ft. drop). Feeling stronger? The three-mile resthouse is 2,120 ft. below the rim. If you make the 6–9-hour hike to Indian Garden, a 9-mile round trip and 3,040 ft. drop in elevation, reward yourself with dinner at the elegant Arizona Room in the Bright Angel Lodge.