Posted in Arizona October 28, 2016 by

One Of The Most Treacherous Hikes In America Is Right Here In Arizona

Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful trails you’ll find within our country, filled with unforgettable views and leading you to places that you could only dream of. While there are plenty of short adventures within our state that will provide you with out-of-this-world sights, there’s one treacherous trail at Grand Canyon National Park that everyone should attempt to try at least once.

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The Bright Angel Trail takes you down into the canyon; it is a strenuous hike that not everyone is able to complete.
J N./Yelp
Vivian W./Yelp
For those who think that they can handle this roughly 10-mile long trail, know that it is strongly recommended that you don't try this hike all in one day. Many of those who visit the Bright Angel Trail will only make it halfway through the hike. Those who have hiked along this trail before will tell you that you should estimate it to take twice as long to get back up the trail as it did for you to originally descend.
One of the most dangerous times to hike this trail is during the summer, when it becomes sweltering hot.
Celeste P./Yelp
Mikey A./Yelp
Included in Ranker's list of Most Treacherous Hikes In America, the website compares our insane hike to doing "cardio in a sauna." Sounds pleasant, huh? Each year rangers of Grand Canyon National Park receive over two hundred calls from visitors needing to be rescued from the Bright Angel Trail.
The park has a designated team of rangers that help keep watch over the demanding trail. The most common issue is that hikers don't bring enough water for themselves.
Vivian W./Yelp
Many who decide to take on the Bright Angel Trail underestimate just how much water they'll need. All year long water is available at the trailhead of Indian Garden, with seasonal water locations available along the trail as well.
While the length of this trail is often a worry to those who dare try it, its steepness is also highly misleading and can cause trouble.
Ron G./Yelp
Lori W./Yelp
The highest point of the Bright Angel Trail reaches an elevation of 6,860 feet, bringing you all the way down to the Colorado River where your elevation is only that of 2,480 feet. During the winter and early spring, the trail is extremely icy and dangerous, requiring visitors to wear crampons while exploring. This is one trail you won't want to lose your footing on!
Another unsettling issue that comes with exploring this trail? Squirrel bites have become the leading cause of animal injury to those visiting the park.
J N./Yelp
That's right, these guys aren't messing around! Hikers on the Bright Angel Trail are highly discouraged from feeding any wildlife, especially the squirrels. Near the area of Plateau Point, the squirrels have become a dangerous nuisance to hikers trying to make their way through the canyon.
Sadly, not all of those who have attempted to take on the Bright Angel Trail have made it back safely.
Vivian W./Yelp
Vivian W./Yelp
When it comes to the lower areas of the trail, near the Colorado River, hikers must be wary of issues like hypothermia due to the river's constant cold temperatures. Other issues along the way that have resulted in deaths on the trail include flash flooding, dehydration, unexpected storms and unfortunate run-ins with wildlife.

Have you ever dared to take this strenuous trail? It’s hard to pick just one hike within Arizona to call your favorite, but make sure you certainly don’t leave this Unrivaled Canyon Hike That Everyone Should Take At Least Once off of your bucket list!