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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Nov 18, 2019 · Updated: Sep 30, 2026 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Historic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins at Grand Canyon National Park

    Bright Angel Lodge Grand Canyon National Park

    Bright Angel Lodge was built in 1935 and designed by famed architect Mary E. J. Colter. The lodge has a natural rustic character that is perfect for its location on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

    The lodge is the check-in point for the world-famous Grand Canyon mule rides.

    Bright Angel Lodge Grand Canyon National Park

    Here are my top finds for Grand Canyon National Park:
    🏨Hotels: El Tovar, Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins
    📍Tours: 45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Park Alert: Several Park Locations closed from a Flash Flood That Occured on 8/31/26

    • All Overnight Lodging inside the South Rim including: El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge (Ongoing Water infrastructure impacts).
      • Limited Lodging might be available in Tusayan (Just outside the Parks South Entrance Gate) at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites.
      • The NPS hopes to have water running again on November 16, 2026 and overnight loddging might begin a phased reopening around Tanksgiving (November 26, 2026) pending successful water system restoration.
    • Trailer Village RV Park
    • Phantom Ranch, Cabins, canteen, and facilities closed.
    • Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground (inside the canyon)
    • North Kaibab Trail is entirely closed from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
    • River Crossings: The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorago River are closed
    • Inner-Canyon Areas: Supai Tunnel, Manzanita Day Use Area, and Phantom Delta Areas remain Restreicted.

    Historic Bright Angel Lodge at Cabins

    The Buckey O'Neil Cabin, which was built in the 1890s by William "Bucky" O'Neil, who was a member of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders and a man instrumental in establishing the Grand Canyon Railway.

    There are 39 lodge guestrooms along with 50 historic cabins. All guestrooms are non-smoking and are equipped with a telephone. Some rooms do not have a private bath.

    If you are looking to plan an epic trip to the Grand Canyon, you definitely will want to check out the Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins. Perched on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, a stay at the Bright Angel will be a vacation highlight!  The Bright Angel Lodge was built in 1935 and designed by famed architect Mary Colter.

    We stayed in one of the rim-view Bright Angel Cabins, and it honestly blew us away! Our cabin was maybe thirty feet from the canyon rim and offered unbelievable canyon views out the window. We did not want to leave and are already talking about planning a return trip with more nights in a cabin.

    Bright Angel Lodge was designed in 1935 by famed architect Mary E. J. Colter. The lodge is listed as a registered National Historic Landmark. One thing not to miss in the Bright Angel Lodge is the geologic fireplace in the Bright Angel History Room.

    Colter designed the fireplace in rock layers in the order of the actual Grand Canyon. From the river cobbles to the young rock strata, you can see how each layer of the canyon changes.

    Bright Angel offers 90 different lodging units, including the Bright Angel Cabins, Lodge Rooms, and the historic Buckey O'Neill Cabin.  One thing to know is that the lodge rooms inside the Bright Angel Lodge have shared bathrooms and no TV's in the room.

    The Red Horse Cabin is a two-bedroom cabin that was built-in 1890. The cabin was moved from the Red Horse Ranch in 1902 to the head of Bright Angel Trail to be used for guest accommodations.  From 1910 to 1935, it served as the Post Office for Grand Canyon Village. 

    The main Bright Angel Lodge houses the front desk, gift shop, and displays showcasing the history, including the impact of the Fred Harvey company. This is one of our favorite lodges inside the park, along with the El Tovar! 

    Click here to book your stay at Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins.

    Bright Angel  Lodge Cabin Grand Canyon National Park

    Bright Angel Cabins

    There are multiple cabin types offered, but I have to tell you, if you can get one, make sure and reserve a rim view cabin! You will not be disappointed. We were able to watch the sunrise over the canyon while curled up in the comfy chairs next to the window.

    The room has a Keurig so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea and watch the sunrise from the comfort of your cabin.

    Bed in Bright Angel Lodge Cabin

    It was 17 degrees outside during our stay, and being able to stay in comfy clothes and wrap up in a blanket was honestly amazing. The cabin is nicely appointed with a queen-size bed, table and two chairs, flat-screen TV, and a small dresser and closet. The bathroom comes with toiletry products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap in a green tea lemongrass scent that is fantastic.

    There is parking near the cabins, so you do not have to hike far with your luggage. Our cabin overlooked the Lookout Studio and the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

    There are a couple of stairs leading up to the cabin doors. The doorway is small, so you will want to be careful as you ente,r so you don't trip over your own feet (trust me on this one, I may have done it)

    Arizona Room

    The Arizona Room is not just the name of the restaurant, but the inspiration behind its cuisine.  The Arizona Room is open seasonally and offers steak, chicken, and other great menu options.

    One thing to know about the rim view cabins is that the walls are pretty thin. We were able to hear our neighbors talking and understand part of their conversation.

    🏨Ready to Book the Bright Angel Lodge -> Click Here

    Harvey House Cafe in Bright Angel Lodge

    Harvey House Café in the Bright Angel Lodge

    The Harvey House Café in Bright Angel Lodge is a sit-down restaurant that is casual and comfortable. The menu is pretty diverse, from a turkey plate to spaghetti and meatballs. This is a great casual family restaurant perfect for relaxing in after a day out in the park.

    Harvey House Café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

    Bright Angel Lodge Breakfast Menu

    Breakfast Menu highlights

    Huevos Rancheros -Featured on the 1955 Bright Angel Restaurant Menu
    Refried Beans & Corn Tortillas topped with Enchilada Sauce, Pepper Jack Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Chiles & Black Olives served with Two Large Eggs* Any Style, Served with Hash Browns or Fresh Fruit Salad

    Buttermilk or Multigrain Pancakes - Featured on the 1953 Santa Fe Dining Car Menu
    A Tall Stack of Buttermilk or Multigrain Pancakes. Served with your choice of Regular or Sugar-Free Syrup or Apple Cinnamon Sauce

    Bright Angel Breakfast Sandwich -Featured on the 1942 Santa Fe Dining Car Menu
    Grilled Brioche Roll with Two Eggs* Any Style, Sliced Ham, Sliced Avocado, & Pepper-jack Cheese, Served with Your Choice of Hash Browns or Fresh Fruit Salad

    Harvey House Café Lunch Menu Highlights

    Ponderosa Chicken Club - Appeared on the 1938 El Tovar Dining Room Menu
    Grilled Chicken & Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, & Tomato on a Brioche Roll with Dijon Mustard

    Chili Con Carne - Appeared on the 1956 Bright Angel Restaurant Menu
    Made with Fresh Ground Beef, Plump Red Tomatoes, Beans, Onions, Peppers, Cotija Cheese & a Secret Blend of Spices loaded into a Sourdough Bowl with Crema & Diced Onion

    Chef's Choice House Made Cobbler - Appeared on the 1940 La Posada Menu

    Bright Angel Lodge Tortilla Soup

    Harvey House Café Dinner Menu highlights

    Guacamole Monterey - Featured on the 1980's El Tovar Dining Room Menu
    Served with Tortilla Chips

    Arizona Tom Turkey -Featured on the 1939 Bright Angel Menu
    Sliced Roasted Turkey, Served with Sweet Potato, Chef's Choice Vegetable, & Mango Cranberry Sauce

    The River Runner - Featured on the 1953 Santa Fe Dining Car Menu
    A Boneless Trout Fillet, Lightly Dusted in Seasoned Flour & Sautéed to Tender Perfection. Served with Citrus Butter, Rice, & Seasonal Vegetables

    Santa Fe Spaghetti at Bright Angel Lodge
    Santa Fe Spaghetti at Bright Angel Lodge

    Santa Fe Spaghetti - Featured on the 1949 Bright Angel Menu
    Homestyle Meatballs Smothered in Marinara or Meat Sauce with Smoked Mozzarella Cheese, Roasted Tomato, & Pesto Garnish, accompanied with Warm Garlic Toast & Parmesan Cheese

    House Made Bread Pudding - Appeared on the 1945 Cleveland Union Terminal Café Menu
    served with Whipped Topping & Hot Caramel Sauce

    New York Style Cheesecake - Appeared on the 1945 Cleveland Union Terminal Café Menu
    A Rich & Creamy Tradition with Strawberry Compote or Caramel Sauce

    Hours of Operation

    • Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
    • Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    • Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Lounge: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
    • First-come, first-served. Reservations are not available
    Harvey House Tavern Bright Angel Lodge

    Harvey House Tavern

    The Harvey House Tavern is located inside the Bright Angel Lodge and offers a casual setting to enjoy a cocktail or craft beer.  The Harvey House Tavern is also the coffee shop and mini-snack stop in the morning.

    Hours of Operation:

    • Open year-round
    • 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
    • Dress code is casual
    • Reservations are not required

    🏨Ready to Book the Bright Angel Lodge -> Click Here

    View from Cabin 6146 Bright Angel Lodge
    View from Cabin 6146 Bright Angel Lodge

    Things to know when planning a visit to the Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins

    Bright Angel Lodge Address

    9 North Village Loop Drive
    Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

    Bright Angel Lodge Phone Number: (928) 638-2631

    Check-in time - 4 pm
    Check out time - 11 am

    The hotel will hold a security deposit on your credit card when you arrive. You have the option of using a dining card that allows you to charge meals back to your room if you choose.

    All rooms are non-smoking. If you smoke in the guest room or cabin, a charge of $175 will be added

    Grand Canyon National Park Guided Tours

    45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
    ⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (2,024+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability

    No ground-level view prepares you for the scale of the Grand Canyon from the air. This 45-minute flight with Maverick Helicopters departs from Tusayan, crosses the Kaibab National Forest, follows the Colorado River upstream past the Painted Desert and Desert View Watchtower, and flies through the Dragon Corridor, the canyon's widest and deepest section, before returning south. More than 2,000 reviewers call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Multiple departure times available. Likely to sell out, especially in peak season.

    3-Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to the Grand Canyon
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (1,000+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚙🌅 Check Rates and Availability

    The most popular guided tour at the South Rim. A 4WD safari vehicle takes small groups through the back roads of the Kaibab National Forest, bypassing the crowded south entrance gate on permits held since 1993, with stops at Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Grandview Point for the sunset. Guides earn extraordinary reviews for their knowledge of the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Blankets provided. Maximum 12 guests. Departs two hours before sunset. Booked an average of 44 days in advance.

    Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (100+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🍽️🌅 Check Rates and Availability

    Unleash your inner explorer with veteran local Eric Albanese. Immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, rich history, and fascinating geology. You will embark on a scenic 20-mile tour tracing the South Rim of the canyon, stopping at 4-5 locations.
    You can relax in luxury with WI-FI, snacks, and hot or cold drinks while listening to the great detail that your guide has learned during the 10 years of living in the Grand Canyon area. Get up close to the canyon's stunning views with high-powered Celestron binoculars. You will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at We Cook Pizza and Pasta.

    Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!

    Things to do When Staying at Bright Angel Lodge

    🌅 Watch sunrise and sunset from the rim-side terrace and cabins, with the canyon lighting up in extraordinary color directly in front of the lodge
    🥾 Step onto the Bright Angel Trail directly from the lodge's front entrance, the most famous trail in the Grand Canyon and one of the most celebrated hikes in North America
    🦅 Watch California condors soaring along the rim from the lodge terrace and surrounding overlooks
    🚌 Access all South Rim shuttle routes from the primary Bright Angel shuttle hub steps from the lodge entrance
    🛒 Browse the History Room inside the lodge, a small but fascinating display of South Rim historical photographs and artifacts
    🍽️ Dine at the Harvey House Café inside the lodge, carrying on the Fred Harvey Company's legendary tradition of quality roadside hospitality that dates back to the South Rim's earliest tourism era
    🍸 Relax at the Harvey House Cocktail Lounge with a cold drink after a day hiking the Bright Angel Trail
    🥩 Reserve a table at the Arizona Room, the lodge's seasonal steakhouse with canyon views and one of the finest dinner menus on the South Rim

    El Tovar at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
    El Tovar at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

    Lodging Options in Grand Canyon National Park

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The El Tovar - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    A National Historic Landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America, sitting just 20 feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon and widely regarded as the finest hotel inside any national park in America since opening its doors in 1905!

    Designed as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa and built from local limestone and Oregon pine, the El Tovar has hosted Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. All 78 individually designed rooms and suites feature air conditioning, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms, with select canyon-view suites featuring private balconies perched directly above the rim. The El Tovar Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with canyon views, the lounge bar is perfect for post-hike cocktails, and a gift shop, curio shop, newsstand, and concierge round out the amenities. Free area shuttle, free parking, and room service available. No elevator, no pets, open year-round.

    ⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Yavapai Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Tucked in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest just a 10-minute walk from Mather Point and the Grand Canyon Rim Trail!

    Split between two sections, Yavapai East offers air-conditioned rooms with ADA accessible options and family rooms with bunk beds sleeping up to 6, while Yavapai West features cozy ceiling fan rooms in single-story buildings with pet-friendly options and a Pets in the Park welcome package. Two restaurants serve breakfast through dinner, the Yavapai Tavern pours drinks from noon to 9 PM, and a Starbucks opens at 6 AM for early-rising hikers. Additional amenities include a lobby fireplace, gift shop, EV and Tesla charging stations, free area shuttle, free WiFi, and free parking. One of the most family and pet-friendly in-park lodges in the entire national park system!

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Bright Angel Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    A National Historic Landmark designed by the legendary Mary Colter in 1935, sitting directly on the South Rim at the top of the famous Bright Angel Trailhead with the most affordable rim-side lodging inside Grand Canyon!

    The 90 rooms and cabins range from budget-friendly lodge rooms with shared baths to charming private rim cabins featuring gas fireplaces and partial canyon views, making this the best value for money of any in-park lodge at the Grand Canyon. Three on-site dining options include the Harvey House Cafe serving diner classics all day in the Fred Harvey tradition, the Arizona Room with Southwestern cuisine, and the Canyon Coffee House for shade-grown organic espresso and cappuccino before hitting the trail. Evening drinks and seasonal live entertainment at the Bright Angel Bar round out the experience perfectly. Also on site: a small history museum, gift shop, ice cream fountain, tour and mule ride booking desk, free WiFi in public areas, and free parking. No elevator, no pets, no air conditioning in standard rooms, open year-round!

    ⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Kachina Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    ⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Thunderbird Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Two sister lodges built in 1968 as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program, sitting directly on the South Rim in the heart of Grand Canyon Village's Historic District, steps from the Bright Angel Trailhead and Rim Trail!

    Their distinctive stair-stepped concrete facades were intentionally designed to mirror the layered rock formations of the canyon walls below, blending beautifully into the rim rather than competing with it. Both offer the same clean, comfortable modern rooms with Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, flat-screen satellite TVs, in-room safes, hair dryers, air conditioning, and free WiFi, with select canyon-side rooms at Kachina featuring partial Grand Canyon views. Free area shuttle and free parking included.

    ⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars -Maswik Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Tucked among several acres of ponderosa pine forest just a quarter mile from the South Rim with a free Village shuttle stop right at the lobby door!

    Named after the Hopi Kachina spirit said to guard the Grand Canyon, Maswik features 280 rooms split between two sections. The newly renovated Maswik South, completed in 2022, features interior corridors, full elevator access, private patios and balconies, and spacious kitchenettes with a cooktop, microwave, apartment-sized fridge, coffee maker, and utensils, making it a great pick for families and extended stays. All rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and free WiFi. The Maswik Food Court serves breakfast through dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the Pizza Pub pours cold beer and wood-fired pies. Also on site: gift shop, ATM, EV charging, RV parking, free area shuttle, and free self-parking.

    Lodging in Tusayan, Arizona (Just outside Grand Canyon's south entrance)

    ⭐️ 3.9 of 5 Stars - Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar at Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at JJKs, the onsite family restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

    ⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - The Grand Hotel - Click Here for Rates and Availabity

    At The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to shopping on site, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Canyon Star Steakhouse, features American cuisine and happy hour. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.

    Click on this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near the Grand Canyon.

    View Into the Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee

    New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Canyon National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    $8.00 per person for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

    $8.00 per person for vehicles with a capacity of 1-25

    $300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

    Additional Grand Canyon National Park Resources

    • Complete Guide to exploring Grand Canyon National Park
    • Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park
    • Grand Canyon Winter Guide
    • Grand Canyon Restaurants
    • Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Guide
    • Grand Canyon Lodging Guide
    • Grand Canyon Camping Guide

    Parks near National Park

    • Wupatki National Monument
    • Navajo National Monument
    • Pipe Springs National Monument
    • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    • Hubbel Trading Post National Historic Site
    • Montezuma Castle National Monument
    • Tuzigoot National Monument

    Check out all of the Arizona National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Utah, National Parks in New Mexico, California National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Nevada National Parks 

    Check out this list of US National Parks to count how many you have visited!

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

    More US National Parks

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    • Bear in Glacier National Park
      10 Best National Parks for Seeing Bears in the Wild
    • Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon National Park
      Thunderbird Lodge Grand Canyon National Park

    Filed Under: Lodging, US National Parks

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