Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour 

Hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River on the South Kaibab Trail, the most direct route to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This steep descent offers uninterrupted views into Pipe Creek Canyon, Cremation Canyon, the Inner Gorge, and across to the North Rim.

After reaching the Colorado River, cross the Black Bridge and continue to Phantom Ranch, located along Bright Angel Creek. The afternoon includes time to rest before dinner. Optional ranger programs are often available in the evening.

Distance & Elevation: 7 miles, 4800 foot descent

Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend a full day hiking below the rim near Phantom Ranch. Morning hikes typically include the Clear Creek Trail, which climbs above the Colorado River and provides expansive inner canyon views.

In the afternoon, explore The Box, a narrow gorge carved by Bright Angel Creek between towering granite and schist walls. Additional side hikes may be available depending on conditions and group ability. Your guide will determine the day’s route options.

Distance & Elevation: up to 8 miles, variable elevation

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ascend from Phantom Ranch to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail. The route follows the Colorado River briefly before climbing Pipe Creek, passing through multiple ecological zones on the way to the rim.

This historic corridor trail contrasts with the South Kaibab route, offering changing perspectives, shaded sections, and water availability along the ascent. The hike concludes at the Bright Angel Trailhead in Grand Canyon Village.

Distance & Elevation: 9.5 miles, 4400 foot ascent

Breakfast, Lunch

*2-Day Itineraries follow Days 1 & 3 of the above described itinerary.

Due to a temporary closure of the River Trail, which provides access to the Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch, all Phantom Ranch trips will need to exit the canyon via the South Kaibab Trail on the last day.

• A professional, licensed and medically trained guide
• All necessary gear: backpack, trekking poles, traction devices (for icy conditions)
• Accommodations at Phantom Ranch in shared, mix-gender cabin with bunk beds
• All meals from a light breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
• 5% National Park Service Commercial Fee (a required fee that passes through to Grand Canyon National Park)

• Transportation to/from Grand Canyon's South Rim
• Lodging the night before/after the trip
• Clothing, raingear, and footwear
• Personal toiletries, sunscreen
• Water bottles/hydration bladder
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Guide gratuity (suggested 10-20% of trip cost)

*Upon Booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet

This trip can accommodate up to 9 participants with 2 guides.

Children under the age of 13 are generally not permitted. This restriction may be negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $500 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Once we confirm availability, you will be provided with an online registration link. Your deposit is payable online by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH transfer.

This trip will begin/end in Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure here. You will want to fly into either Phoenix (3.5 hour drive) or Flagstaff (1.5 hour drive).

We will hold a pre-trip orientation at 5:00pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure at the Maswik Lodge in Grand Canyon Village. Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation. Most trips will depart between 5:30am and 7:30am.

On the morning of your hike’s departure, the group will meet at the Backcountry Information Center at a predetermined time. There is a large, long-term parking area here where you can leave your car. Most guests leave their extra luggage in their car during the hike. However, feel free to discuss luggage storage options with your hotel. They are often willing to accommodate you, especially if you will be spending an additional night there after the hike.

Expect to be back on the South Rim by 4pm at the latest on the last day of the trip. Some trips will return earlier but we cannot make any guarantees. In general, it is recommended that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.