Bright Angel Lodge

Bright Angel Lodge, designed in 1935 by famed Southwest architect Mary E.J. Colter, has a natural rustic character and is a Registered National Historic Landmark. This iconic lodge and its surrounding cabins are rich with cultural history. Over the years it has gone through many transformations – originally a hotel, then a camp, and finally a lodge. All of its changes were to accommodate increased visitation after the arrival of the train in 1901. Under the direction of the Santa Fe Railroad, Colter was tasked to design a fresh look for Bright Angel Lodge in an effort to provide more moderately priced lodging in contrast to El Tovar “up the hill.” She drew inspirations from many local sources in her architecture. For example the ”geologic” fireplace in the History Room featuring all of the rock layers of Grand Canyon, from the river cobbles to the youngest stone strata on the rim. Included in this lodge design were a couple of historically significant structures that might well have been demolished without her intervention – the Buckey O’Neill Cabin, originally home to one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, and the Red Horse Station, which served as the post office for 20 years. Both are currently available as overnight accommodations.

Visit the Bright Angel History Room where you will find information on the Harvey Girls, the Harvey Indian Detour Couriers, historic postcards, a 100-year-old El Tovar menu, original surrey carriage, and much more.

Today, the Bright Angel Lodge and surrounding cabins serves as an iconic remembrance of its colorful past. Located at the top of Bright Angel Trail Head, the facility sees visitors from all around the world. Bright Angel Lodge also features The Harvey House Café, a family-friendly restaurant serving diner classics prepared in the Fred Harvey tradition from biscuits & gravy to gourmet burgers and fajitas. The Harvey House is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another option is the Arizona Steakhouse featuring steaks, chicken and ribs prepared with the flavors of Arizona and the Southwest. Open seasonally, visit the old-fashioned ice-cream Soda Fountain just steps from the rim. There is also a gift shop, coffee house, and old-style saloon.