File:Grand Canyon Nat Park Bright Angel Creek - Winter 2539 (6755751981).jpg

(30 seconds - b-roll) close-up scene of Bright Angel Creek in winter.

Bright Angel Creek was named by Major John Wesley Powell and his crew in August of 1869 on his first expedition through the Grand Canyon. This clear running stream stood in contrast to the muddy Colorado River and many of its other tributaries. An especially muddy tributary upstream had just been named the Dirty Devil by Powell.

Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River create a lush riparian (stream-side) habitat in the midst of the desert — one of few such habitats remaining in Arizona.Many species of insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and plants thrive in this moist environment.

Bright Angel Creek is a good place to rest, soak your feet, and observe the stream. Most of the water in Bright Angel Creek comes from Roaring Springs,located 3,800 feet/1,200 meters below the North Rim. During the busy season, as park visitation increases, so does the demand for water. More water is then diverted to the transcanyon pipeline from Roaring Springs, and the creek’s flow is diminished. This has been especially visible in recent years; annual park visitation now approaches five million people.