Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim
Flagstaff, AZ
Trip Highlights
- Hike Across the Grand Canyon
- Cross the Colorado River
- Stay at Historic Phantom Ranch
- Soak in the Cool Waters of Bright Angel Creek
- Wonderful Lodge & Picnic Meals
- Desert Oasis of Ribbon Falls
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
This trip combines two of Grand Canyon’s most sought-after and unique experiences – hiking Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon and staying at historic Phantom Ranch – into one robust, incredible trip! On our all-inclusive, small group adventure, we hike down one of Grand Canyon’s most famous trails to Phantom Ranch on Day 1, crossing the Colorado River on a suspension bridge. We spend a day relaxing and exploring from the bottom of the Canyon, then ascend to the North Rim on Day 3.
Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon features 24 miles of amazing trail hiking plus optional trekking at the bottom of the Canyon. We soak up incredible views, pass a stunning waterfall (time dependent), enjoy historic Phantom Ranch, explore the Colorado River, and achieve the world famous feat of hiking across the Canyon. This trip is primarily offered in the summer months, which requires extra care and caution. For increased safety, our hikes begin in the cooler early morning hours well before sunup, which also offers guests the amazing opportunity to experience breathtaking Grand Canyon sunrises on the trail!
$1580 PER PERSON
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Our difficulty ratings are based on a scale of 1-5, tours with a rating of 1 being least difficult, tours with a rating of 5 being most difficult
- Backpack Weight:
- 20-25 pounds
- Daily Hiking Distances:
- 9.5-14 miles
- Most Elevation Loss:
- 4500 feet
- Most Elevation Gain:
- 5800 feet
- Quality of Trails:
- Well maintained
- Additional:
- This amazing trip across the Grand Canyon is primarily offered in the summer months, which means challenging days of hiking with significant mileage and elevation gains/losses in potentially extreme heat. Expect to hike at night in cooler temperatures, but also during the day in 105+ degree fahrenheit temps (in the shade.) To manage the risk of the heat we will hike at night, stay wet with creek water, and eat/drink plentifully throughout the trip.
Participants should:
be very active, healthy people
exercise vigorously several times per week
be comfortable hiking, biking, or running for hours at a time without taking breaks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Grand Canyon hike a solitude 2 because it follows two of the most popular trails in the Canyon. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time once we’re several miles into the Canyon.
Learn More about our Rating SystemWHY WE BASE IN FLAGSTAFF VS. PHOENIX
- Reduced drive time by 3 hours on first day of hiking
- Guide support is only an hour away vs. 4-5 hours away in Phoenix.
- Increased flexibility with unforeseen circumstances
- Flagstaff is a scenic mountain town with great hiking and restaurants!
GROOME SHUTTLE
Groome Transportation operates an Arizona Shuttle that makes 9 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The duration is 2.5-3 hours. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Flagstaff at the Amtrak Station (near downtown) and the NAU campus.
Note: Groome also offers daily transportation (3 trips in each direction) from Flagstaff to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
CAR RENTAL
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix has a fantastic car rental facility that is easily accessible and hosts a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.
ARIZONA EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT
Arizona Executive Transport offers private, reliable SUV service between Phoenix and Flagstaff. This option is best if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4. As Wildland Trekking guests, your one-way cost for up to 4 passengers is only $275. Simply type “Wildland Trekking Company” in the Discount Code Box at the bottom of the online registration page. You can go to http://www.arizonaexecutivellc.com to make your reservations online.
Arizona does not charge sales tax on services, so there is no sales tax for this trip.
All trips in Grand Canyon National Park have a 5% fee required by the National Park Service. This fee is applied when your reservation is made and is passed through directly to the national park.
There are no other taxes or fees associated with this trip. Feel free to give us a call at 877-617-0130 with any questions!
Private Trips
Traveling in perfect company is a wonderful thing! With our private trip offerings you can book a trip exclusively for your group. Whether it’s with family, friends or colleagues, private trips are a fun and enriching way to explore the outdoors.
Private trip pricing is based on a sliding scale, depending on the number of people in your party. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax and national park fees (where applicable) or guide gratuity. Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE to get the ball rolling!
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Hiking Mileage: 9.3 miles
- Elevation Loss: 4,500 feet
- Accommodations: Phantom Ranch Lodge
Our tour begins with early morning pick up from your hotel in Flagstaff and shuttle to our starting trailhead. Today is an “alpine start” which means hiking well before the sun comes up. Hiking in the Canyon at night, by headlamp, is a magical experience. Northern Arizona has some of the darkest skies you’ll see anywhere, so the shadowy cliffs that surround us are enhanced by thousands of dazzling stars and the amazing Milky Way. As we descend farther, the cliffs grow higher and higher above us until, finally, as the sun rises and its first rays hit the Canyon’s walls, we are treated to an unforgettable light show. We’ll stop to appreciate the sunrise and enjoy a tasty trail breakfast.
After breakfast we continue our descent on either the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail, depending on current conditions. Both trails are stunning and offer some of Grand Canyon’s most breathtaking views and scenery. Bright Angel Trail has an abundance of shade and creeks, so in hotter temperatures it’s the safer and more comfortable choice. The South Kaibab Trail is shorter than Bright Angel by 2.5 miles and offers absolutely mind-blowing views but little shade and water, so we’ll opt for South Kaibab in cooler temperatures. Either way, this is a hike you’ll never, ever forget!
Regardless of which trail we take, we’ll eventually reach the inner gorge and the Colorado River. We’ll cross the river on a suspension bridge and arrive at historic Phantom Ranch! We’ll check into our accommodations, get settled, shower, relax and then meet for dinner. Dinner tonight is at Phantom, where you’ll enjoy hearty ranch cooking at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 0-7 miles day hiking
- Elevation Gain/Loss: < 1,000 feet
- Accommodations: Phantom Ranch Lodge
This is a layover day and a chance to relax and absorb the magic of the Canyon or go on a memorable day hike. Remember your swimsuit for a soak in the cool waters of Bright Angel Creek, catch up on that book you’ve been wanting to read, spend quality time with your partner or family exploring the area, or join your guide for a customized day hike. Hiking options include an off-trail trek up a side canyon with cascades, pools and oases; a breathtaking hike paralleling the Colorado River a thousand feet above it on the Clear Creek Trail; or a relaxing walk on the River Trail.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 14 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5,800 feet
- Shuttle to the South Rim: 4 hours
Like Day 1, today is an alpine start, meaning we’ll be on the trail well before sunrise to take advantage of the cool early morning hours. Our hike takes us along Bright Angel Creek through the sheer walls of the Bright Angel Box. We’ll come to Ribbon Falls as the sun begins to rise, or shortly after. Ribbon Falls is the final drop (~80 feet) of a mineral-rich cascade that erupts from a spring above us. The minerals, over time have built up a 20 feet high travertine deposit and small cave. We will rinse off in the refreshing water and enjoy some breakfast before continuing.
Our hike continues along Bright Angel Creek for another couple miles, then splits off to the west into a major side canyon. We’ll pass Roaring Springs, a thunderous spring that provides water for both rims (via pipelines), then ascend past amazing views to Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook. At the Overlook, which isn’t far from the North Rim, we’ll stop for a little while to appreciate the amazing hiking we’ve done over the past 3 days! At the North Rim we’ll meet our shuttle driver and begin our drive back to Flagstaff. What an absolutely amazing 3 days this has been!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 2 nights of lodging in the dorms at historic Phantom Ranch (Lodging Details)
- All meals beginning with breakfast Day 1 through lunch the final day
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- Transportation beginning and ending in Flagstaff, AZ
- A professional, knowledgeable, certified Grand Canyon hiking guide
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- You will receive a Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and kids to a lifetime discount of 10% off any Wildland Trekking hiking trip after your first one!
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (Oboz hiking shoes and boots recommended)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What To Expect
Two dinners and a breakfast will be eaten at Phantom Ranch. Meals at Phantom Ranch are served family style and may require that the group eat at different times. Dinner options will be determined by what is available at time of booking and may include vegetarian chili, steak dinner or beef stew. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions please discuss with Adventure Consultant prior to booking.
We provide the first and last breakfasts and lunches for the trip. For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki or Black Diamond trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Satellite phone
What Gear To Bring
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are three 1-liter water bottles per person and either a headlamp or flashlight per person. Basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
What Clothes to Bring
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required. All of these items are available online at Wildland Trekking Outfitters.
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
Unless we tell you otherwise, you will meet your guide and group at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff (use this reservation page for a 10-60% discount at Little America) for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. We’re happy to give you a ride to this meeting if you’re not staying at Little America, but staying at one of our other recommended hotels. Your guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Grand Canyon Tours your guide will meet you at your hotel in Flagstaff at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick up at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 2 and 4 am, although the exact time will depend on weather forecasts and current conditions. We will be back to Flagstaff normally before 7 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time) on the final day.
Safety Considerations
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. We’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and most tours carry a satellite phone. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Guides
Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Group Size and Age Restrictions
The standard group size on this hiking tour is 6-7 guests and 1-2 guides, with a maximum of 7 guests and 2 guides. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in the Grand Canyon
The weather in the Grand Canyon varies tremendously from the rim to the canyon floor, with as much as a 30 degree Fahrenheit difference. For this reason, the Canyon is truly a year-round hiking destination. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures at the South Rim and the Canyon bottom:
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Accommodations
Phantom Ranch Lodge
2 nights
The historical significance and backcountry location of this amazing, rustic lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon offers guests an unforgettable inn-based hiking experience!
(10-bed gender-specific dorms, bathrooms, showers, heat, A/C)
*These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used
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