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Hiking to Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, AZ

Ask this member a question. Traveling Trish I've done this trip twice.
Oct 4, 2006
4.5 of 5 stars based on 13 votes
Tips for a fun, overnight hiking adventure to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
  • Explore locations featured in this goList: Grand Canyon National Park
  • Category: Walking tour
  • Traveler type: Active/Outdoors
  • Appeals to: Singles, Families with teenagers, Active/adventure
  • Seasons: Spring, Fall
  • Tags: hiking
1. Preparation
First a WARNING - This trip is INTENSE. It should only be attempted by people in good physical condition. The conditions inside the canyon are harsh. The terrain is hazardous and steep. Training before you go is highly recommended.
PLANNING - The accomodations at Phantom Ranch are VERY limited. Reservations can be made up to 2 years in advance through Xanterra. Last minute openings do occur due to cancellations, but if you have a big party, or want to guarentee your dates, you should plan as far in advance as possible. The best time of year to hike the canyon is spring (Feb or March) or fall (Oct.) when the temperatures are cooler. The weather at the rim is similar to Flagstaff (7000 ft elevation) but at the bottom, the weather is like Phoenix (HOT!) You don't want to do this trip in the summer! There is camping available at the bottom, but that requires packing a lot of extra gear. To make this adventure more enjoyable, pay for a bed and all of your food at Phantom Ranch. The portions are generous, their food is delicious, and the accomodations are amazingly nice considering the location. Plan to spend at least 2 nights at Phantom Ranch. Also reserve dinners and breakfasts during your stay.
2. Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Plan to stay at the South Rim on the night before your hike. There is lodging just outside the entrance or inside the park. We usually stay at Maswik Lodge. Get up early, have a good breakfast, check-out and move your vehicle near Bright Angel Lodge. Catch the hikers shuttle bus to Yaki Point to start your hike on the South Kaibab Trail.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Hiking boots (be sure they are well broken-in)
Socks - many people like to wear 2 pair (1 wool & 1 thin)
Leg coverings (lightweight layers are best. I like wind pants with thin pants under.)
T-shirt or turtleneck
Sweatshirt or sweater
Jacket (lightweight but WARM and wind-proof - like fleece or a wind jacket! )
Hat or bandana - optional if jacket has a hood
Gloves (knit or fleece ones work well. Ski gloves are too thick - makes zippers difficult.)
Headband, earmuffs, or anything thatÃÃÃÃâll keep your ears warm
Long underwear (optional)
Watch
Note: Plan to be flexible depending on the weather. Weather can change quickly so lots of layers are best.
WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR PACK:
Extra Clothes & PJs
Toiletries (shampoo & soap provided at PR)
Chapstick
Sunglasses
Flashlight
Rain Poncho
First Aid supplies (Tylenol, Band-Aids, Blister protection, etc.)
ID & Medical Insurance Card (just in case)
car keys
camera
3. South Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This trail is approx. 7 miles with a 5000 ft elevation loss. There are 2 toilet stops but NO WATER available on the trail. Bring plenty of water or gatorade, trail mix, energy bars, and a sack lunch. Your pack should be as light as possible. Remember - whatever you take into the canyon, you have to pack back out. Also, don't trivialize the hike down. Most people think that hiking down is the easy part, but a LOT of people have more trouble hike down than up. Knees in particular take a lot of abuse hiking down. So take your time and be careful. Helpful hint: Cut your toenails REALLY short before the hike so that they won't jam on the end of your boots, get bruised, and fall off.
4. Phantom Ranch
Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
There are 2 dinner seatings at Phantom Ranch (PR). Plan your hike to be sure you won't miss your seating. The dinner menu alternates between steak at the early seatng and stew at the late seating. Both are great - especially since you won't have to cook or clean up after your long hike. After dinner, people gather in the dining hall (Canteen) to talk, play cards, etc. Beer is available for purchase. There is a land-line phone at PR for calling home. (Note: there is no cell phone coverage anywhere in or around the canyon) Also, you can buy special t-shirts that are ONLY sold at PR. Be sure to bring addresses for you friends and family. You can mail letters and postcards from PR that get a specail "Mailed by Mule" stamp. After a good nights sleep, you can spend the next full day relaxing, fishing, day hiking, etc. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes to wear this day instead of your hiking boots. Your feet will love you! Helpful Hint: Bring a flashlight for getting around PR at night. The views from the bottom of the canyon are AMAZING. Not many people get to see the canyon this way. It gives you an entirely different appreciation for the massiveness and beauty of the canyon.
5. Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Start you last day with the EARLY breakfast at PR. Then gather your belongings and hit the Bright Angel Trail for your hike out of the canyon. Bring plenty of water or gatorade, trail mix, energy bars, and a sack lunch (avail for purchase at PR). This trail is almost 10 miles with a 5000 ft elevation gain. There are several bathrooms along the way. Water is available at Indian Gardens (half-way). During certain times of the year, there are other water stops too, but check with the ranger before hiking. This hike will take from 3-10 hours depending on your physical stamina. You may want to bring walkie-talkies to keep in touch with others in your group that hike at a different pace. NEVER leave the slowest hiker alone. The top of the trail is near Bright Angel Lodge so you will end-up near your vehicle. When you all reach the top, clean-up in the bathroom at the Bright Angel Lodge. I usually leave a bag of suppliies in my car including a washcloth, snacks, and a fresh change of clothes to wear home. Congratulations - you've just completed a once-in-a lifetime adventure!
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