Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Hiking

Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch – Rim to Rim Itinerary:

• Rim to Rim The ultimate Grand Canyon hiking adventure

  For even the most seasoned adventurer, a full traverse of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim is the ultimate backcountry hiking adventure. REI makes it easier than ever with full shuttle vehicle support, outstanding meals, expert guides and all accommodations planned so we can cross the abyss carrying only a day pack. We hike nearly two billion years into the Earth's geologic past, through the vastness of the canyon's wilderness, then emerge again on the other side having spent two nights at renowned Phantom Ranch. On our layover day at Phantom Ranch, we enjoy opportunities to discover the seldom explored labyrinths of the canyon's depths and relax on the banks of the raging Colorado River. Our time below the canyon rim is book-ended by two very comfortable nights at a lodge, followed by a celebration of our accomplishment on the South Rim. Join us and discover why hikers the world over hold this legendary hike in the highest esteem.

• Day 1 Rendezvous in Phoenix

  Our trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. Arrive into Phoenix by 3 p.m. and transfer independently to our hotel (Embassy Suites Phoenix – Scottsdale). We'll meet our guides and the other trip members in the hotel lobby at 4:30 p.m. and then head to the Paradise Valley REI store for a group orientation. We will get a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check, and packing tips. This is also a good opportunity to pick up some last minute items, even if it is just camera batteries or soap! We will enjoy dinner and drinks at the store while we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Cameron – Lees Ferry – Vermilion Cliffs – Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge

  Today we shuttle from Phoenix to Grand Canyon North Rim with some interesting stops along the way. We break at Cameron Indian Trading Post, which was established in 1916. It is now a famous showplace for fine Native American art and Southwest art. After crossing the Colorado River near Lees Ferry (the launch point for rafting the Grand Canyon), we stop for lunch at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs. Days end will find us settling into the cabins at Grand Canyon's North Rim Lodge before enjoying a sunset stroll and dinner in this spectacular setting. All meals included.

  Hiking: 0-2 miles; Terrain: Mostly flat, well-maintained trail along the rim.

• Day 3 Point Imperial – Ken Patrick Trail – Cape Royal – Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge

  After breakfast today we will stretch our legs and learn the Canyon's natural history on an easy hike and scenic drive. Our first views of the Canyon will be from the highest point in the national park, aptly named Point Imperial. The best views of the Grand Canyon are from its rim. From here, we begin our trek along the stunning Ken Patrick Trail, which follows the canyon edge with magnificent views into Marble Canyon, Mount Hayden and beyond. If trail conditions do not allow us to hike the Ken Patrick Trail, we will hike the Widforss Trail which offers outstanding views into the deepening canyon. Following our rim hike, we will shuttle out to the remote peninsula of land leading to Cape Royal, which offers yet another fantastic vantage point. The remainder of the day will be spent preparing for the challenge awaiting us below. All meals included.

  Hiking: 6 miles; Terrain: Maintained but rocky with an elevation gain/loss of a few hundred feet as we traverse the rim. Elevation at the North Rim is over 8,000 feet.

• Day 4 North Kaibab Trail – Ribbon Falls – Phantom Ranch

  Get ready to burn off that big breakfast! Today's descent is 14 miles and 5,700 feet into the grandest of canyons through nearly every biological life zone in North America. As we drop from the alpine to the desert, each step takes us thousands of years back in geologic time through ancient oceans, deserts, lakes, and swamps. With mind-blowing vistas, 100-foot waterfalls, green spring-fed oases, plus fascinating trail design and workmanship, the North Kaibab Trail is a national treasure. At trails end we find Phantom Ranch nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River. Phantom Ranch, a former hunting camp founded in 1903, is our home for the next two nights. All meals included.

  Hiking: 14 miles; Terrain: Maintained rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 8,241 feet at the trailhead to approximately 2,500 feet at Phantom Ranch for a total elevation loss of nearly 6,000 feet.

• Day 5 Clear Creek Trail – River Trail – Phantom Ranch

  A day in the very bottom of Grand Canyon is all yours with the canyon walls blocking out the rest of the world affording a feeling of tremendous peace and tranquility. Today we have the option to hike the beautiful Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. Many participants choose to use this day for relaxation, cheering on the river rafters, socializing with other adventurers, or stretching out in the shade with a book and a cold beer. Photography and bird watching opportunities abound in this lush green riparian habitat fenced in by sheer walls of red rock. Your guides will be available all day to share with you the secrets of one of the world's most special places. All meals included.

  Hiking: 3-5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 1,000 feet.

• Day 6 Bright Angel Trail – Indian Gardens – Jacobs Ladder – El Tovar Celebration

  The rising sun finds us preparing to conquer the canyon. Our exit is the classic trek on Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River the trail snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Indian Gardens. Here we will refuel and refill with water before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob’s Ladder through the Redwall layer. This hike is a tremendous challenge, so welcome the advice of your guides as they will provide you with helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. With proper preparation, hydration, and diet the entire group will soon be high-fiving and hugging on the rim. We walk just a few more steps to our lodge perched right on the rim of the canyon. Tonight we celebrate our shared accomplishments at historic El Tovar before retiring to our rooms for some well deserved rest. All meals included.

  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with a 4,300 foot elevation ascent.

• Day 7 Rim Trail – Grand Canyon Village – Transfer to Phoenix – Farewell

  For those who can't get enough of the canyon, the fantastic Rim Trail awaits. We can hike one way along the rim. This is a great way to stretch your legs and get a birds-eye view of the route you traversed in the days prior. Other interesting cultural sites include Hopi House and the many interpretive centers. Following this relaxing morning, we drive to Phoenix, AZ arriving by approximately 4:00 p.m. Lunch included. Breakfast is on your own.

  Hiking: 0-3 miles optional; Terrain: Maintained trails with minimal elevation gain/loss.

Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch – South Rim Loop Itinerary:

• South Rim Loop The classic route linking South Kaibab and Bright Angel

  The lure of Phantom Ranch deep inside the Grand Canyon has long enticed adventure travelers to make the epic journey on foot to the spectacular Colorado River. Join REI for this amazing hike through almost two billion years in geologic time in the renowned Grand Canyon Corridor. Our hike is designed so that we carry only day packs, descending the South Kaibab Trail to the long bridge spanning the Colorado River that delivers us to legendary Phantom Ranch. With two nights and a full layover day at Phantom Ranch, we discover the seldom explored labyrinths of the canyon's depths and relax on the banks of the river before returning via the scenic and winding Bright Angel Trail to celebrate our accomplishment on our return to the South Rim. Discover what makes Phantom Ranch and the Grand Canyon such beloved icons of adventure on this classic route through some of our nation's most unique and dramatic wilderness.

• Day 1 Rendezvous in Phoenix

  Our trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. Arrive into Phoenix by 3 p.m. and transfer independently to our hotel (Embassy Suites Phoenix – Scottsdale). We'll meet our guides and the other trip members in the hotel lobby at 4:30 p.m. and then head to the Paradise Valley REI store for a group orientation. We will get a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check, and packing tips. This is also a good opportunity to pick up last minute personal items such as camera batteries, soap, etc. We will enjoy dinner and drinks at the store while we get to know each other in anticipation of our adventure. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Transfer to Grand Canyon – Pipe Springs Vista – West Rim Trail Hiking

  Today we shuttle from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim. The total drive time should be about 3.5 to 4 hours. We travel through four unique biomes, beginning in the Sonoran Desert filled with towering saguaro cactus, gradually climbing thousands of feet in elevation onto the Mogollon Rim, a high plateau covered in vast pine forests capped off by the San Francisco Peaks. Along the way our guides offer insight into the geological and natural history of this unique landscape. Soon we arrive at the Grand Canyon, where we'll head to Pipe Springs Vista for sweeping views of the canyon. Leaving from there on foot, we enjoy a superb hike offering views from many different vantage points all the while connecting the main points of interest along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. From points along the trail, we'll enjoy a bird's eye view of the routes we'll trek on over the coming days. Finally, we hike right to our lodge perched on the rim. Tonight we enjoy the desert sky sunset and dinner in Grand Canyon Village. All meals included.

  Hiking: 4 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with 100' elevation gain/loss total.

• Day 3 South Kaibab Trail – Ooh Aah Point – Cedar Ridge – Phantom Ranch

  Get ready to burn off that big breakfast! Today's descent is 7 miles and 4,780 feet into the grandest of canyons. Our route takes us down a ridgeline affording jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the labyrinth of amphitheaters, temples and buttes. The trail begins with a series of switchbacks to breathtaking Ooh Aah Point before we resume our descent another 1,200 feet, traveling back 40 million years in the geologic record to Cedar Ridge. From here we traverse the Tonto platform before dropping into the inner gorge. The last part of our hike takes us along the Colorado River and over a suspension bridge until we find Phantom Ranch at trails end nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River. This former hunting camp originally found in 1903 is our home for the next two nights. All meals included.

  Hiking: 7 miles; Terrain: A well maintained but rocky and occasionally steep trail descends from 7,200 feet at the trailhead to approximately 2,500 feet at the Colorado River.

• Day 4 Clear Creek Trail – River Trail – Phantom Ranch

  A day in the very bottom of Grand Canyon is all yours with the canyon walls blocking out the rest of the world affording a feeling of tremendous peace and tranquility. Today we have the option to hike the beautiful Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. Many participants choose to use this day for relaxation, cheering on the Rafters, socializing with other adventurers, or stretching out in the shade with a book and a cold beer. Photographic and bird watching opportunities abound in this lush green riparian habitat fenced in by sheer walls of rock. Your guides will be available all day to share with you the secrets of one of the world's most special places. All meals included.

  Hiking: 3-5 miles optional; Elevation gain/loss: up to 1,000 feet.

• Day 5 Bright Angel Trail – Indian Gardens – Jacob’s Ladder – El Tovar Celebration

  The rising sun finds us preparing to conquer the canyon. Our exit is via the classic Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River, we'll follow the trail as it snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Indian Gardens. Here we will refuel and refill with water before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder through the Redwall layer. While always a tremendous challenge your guides will provide you with helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. With proper preparation, hydration, and diet the entire group will soon be high-fiving and hugging on the rim. We walk just a few more steps to our lodge perched right on the rim of the canyon. Tonight we celebrate our shared accomplishments at historic El Tovar Dining Room before retiring to our rooms for some well-deserved rest. All meals included.

  Hiking: 10 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with a 4,300 foot elevation ascent.

• Day 6 Rim Trail – Grand Canyon Village – Transfer to Phoenix – Farewell

  For those who can't get enough of the canyon, the fantastic Rim Trail awaits. Using the shuttle system we can hike one way along the rim. This is a great way to stretch your legs and get a birds-eye view of the route you traversed in the days prior. Other interesting cultural sites include Hopi House, condor talks, and the many interpretive centers. Following this relaxing morning, we will drive back to Phoenix, arriving around 4:00 pm. Lunch included (Breakfast is on your own).

  Hiking: 0-3 miles optional; Terrain: Maintained trails with some minimal elevation gain/loss.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please be aware that on our 2011 New Year holiday departure, we will descend into the canyon one day earlier than our published itinerary indicates, spending New Years Eve at El Tovar on the south rim, and concluding with our west rim trail hike on January 1, before the trip ends. Our 2012 holiday departures will follow our published itinerary.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations (hotels only), you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on this itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations (hotels only), we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures. Accommodations at Phantom Ranch are dormitory style and single rooms are not available.

Four nights in hotels (double occupancy) (three nights on South Rim Loop departures), two nights in Phantom Ranch Cabins/Dormitories in Grand Canyon (shared cabin/dorm); guide leadership; van transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and return; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; park fees, camping fees and local taxes.

Flights to/from Phoenix, AZ; airport transfers; one breakfast; alcoholic beverages; guides gratuities; excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4]. Trip members should have some previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition. We recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure, which includes hiking (preferably), walking or some other form of cardiovascular exercise (swimming, cycling) in order to prepare for the activity level of this adventure. Both the ascent and descent to/from Phantom Ranch of over 4,000 feet is challenging to even very fit hikers. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. The most difficult hikes are mandatory to complete the itinerary. Our guides will be sure to brief trip members on the vigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out. Minimum age requirement is 12 years.

During most months the canyon receives very little or no precipitation. However, please be prepared for a stray rainstorm or even snowstorm particularly in the winter months. July and August have sporadic afternoon thunderstorms and there is also a rare possibility of winter storms on the rim occurring during the months of March and April. You should mostly plan for warm, sunny days and chilly nights. The South Rim of the canyon is located at approximately 7,000 feet while the North Rim is located at about 8,000 feet. Phantom Ranch located at about 2,500 feet in elevation. It is common for there to be a temperature difference between the rim and Phantom Ranch of 30 degrees or more. This wide temperature range means you'll need to have layers of clothing available and your gear list is designed to help you with selection. On February and possibly on March departures should expect daytime highs to reach only the 40's or 50's at the South Rim, but can expect highs in the 60's and 70's at Phantom Ranch. On April and May dates, expect warmer daytime highs at the South Rim in the 60's as highs at Phantom Ranch creep into the 80's and 90's. Summer dates (June – August) will bring temperatures on the North Rim in the 70's and in the 80's on the South Rim, but temperatures at Phantom Ranch should be expected to top 100 degrees, while in the fall, daytime highs at Phantom tend to recede into the 90's or 80's while high temperatures on at the rim drop into the 60-70 degree range. Average nightly lows will be about 30 degrees cooler than the daytime highs indicated above.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

During most months the canyon receives very little or no precipitation. However, please be prepared for a stray rainstorm or even snowstorm particularly in the winter months. July and August have sporadic afternoon thunderstorms and there is also a rare possibility of winter storms on the rim occurring during the months of March and April. You should mostly plan for warm, sunny days and chilly nights. The South Rim of the canyon is located at approximately 7,000 feet while the North Rim is located at about 8,000 feet. Phantom Ranch located at about 2,500 feet in elevation. It is common for there to be a temperature difference between the rim and Phantom Ranch of 30 degrees or more. This wide temperature range means you'll need to have layers of clothing available and your gear list is designed to help you with selection. On February and possibly on March departures should expect daytime highs to reach only the 40's or 50's at the South Rim, but can expect highs in the 60's and 70's at Phantom Ranch. On April and May dates, expect warmer daytime highs at the South Rim in the 60's as highs at Phantom Ranch creep into the 80's and 90's. Summer dates (June – August) will bring temperatures on the North Rim in the 70's and in the 80's on the South Rim, but temperatures at Phantom Ranch should be expected to top 100 degrees, while in the fall, daytime highs at Phantom tend to recede into the 90's or 80's while high temperatures on at the rim drop into the 60-70 degree range. Average nightly lows will be about 30 degrees cooler than the daytime highs indicated above.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots) and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. Pack your camera and film in your carry-on, too.
• Winter temperatures on the south rim of the canyon can be quite cold and windy, but we will spend the vast majority of our time in the milder inner canyon. Since we must carry all layers that get shed, be mindful of weight and compressibility when selecting warm layers.
• To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather, but once it becomes wet it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics (Capilene, MTS or Thermax)
• Trekking poles add two additional points of contact to aid in balance on steep terrain with loose features. They also reduce the amount of shock absorbed by the knees when you are descending. They are not required for the trip, but are highly recommended.
• Make sure hiking boots are broken-in. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic (not cotton). Test your sock combination before you go on the trip. Add blister treatment to your personal first-aid kit, just in case.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Snacks: Plenty of food and snacks will be available at all times during the trip.