Phantom Ranch Weekend Getaway

Phantom Ranch Weekend Getaway Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Rendezvous in Phoenix, get picked up in Flagstaff, or meet the group at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for a welcome and warm-up hike.

  Our trip begins today in Phoenix, Arizona. We'll meet our guides and the other trip members at the Springhill Suites Phoenix Tempe/Airport at 8:00 am to begin our transfer to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Our total travel time will be between 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours, with a stop (and optional pickup) in Flagstaff, AZ. 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 enjoy lunch (and meet any members of our group already in the park) at the village before heading out on the park shuttle to begin our afternoon hike along the Rim trail. We'll hike right to our lodge perched on the rim. Tonight we enjoy the desert sky, sunset, and dinner in Grand Canyon Village. We will get a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check, and packing tips. Meals included: lunch, dinner.

  Hiking: 3 miles; Terrain: Maintained trail with 100' elevation gain/loss total.

  Note on Lodging: Our lodging this evening will be at either Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, or one of the equivalent hotels at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. More specific details will be provided on the Final Bulletin you receive closer to your trip date.

• Day 2 Descend into the canyon via the long ridgeline of the South Kaibab Trail. Arrive tonight at 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 where're we'll find Phantom Ranch at trail's end. Nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River, this former settlement and hunting camp is a "bucket list" destination for many. The current camp was designed by famous architect, Mary E. J. Colter, and was completed in 1922. Reservations can be a challenge to come by on your own (often sold out a year in advance), but relax in the knowledge that this piece of history will be our home for the next two nights. All meals included.

  Hiking: 7.5 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 3 Enjoy a full day exploring the hidden depths of the park on the Clear Creek Trail and the River Trail, or relax at 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 and affording a feeling of tremendous peace and tranquility. Today we have the option to hike the spectacular Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. Beautiful panoramas await you as you climb this trail sometimes referred to as one of the canyon's "best kept" secrets. If you'd like to take it easy and rest up for tomorrow's ascent, you may 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 4 We'll climb to the rim via the Bright Angel Trail, then a brief stop in Grand Canyon Village marks the end of our adventure as we return to Phoenix.

  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'll take a brief pause to celebrate our shared accomplishments before hopping in the van to make the return trip to Phoenix via Flagstaff. Plan on arriving in Flagstaff for a light farewell dinner between 3:30-5pm, with a return to Phoenix between 7:00-8:00pm. All meals included (Breakfast and lunch provided by Phantom Ranch, dinner in Flagstaff).

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

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

One night in a hotel (double occupancy), two nights in Phantom Ranch dormitories in Grand Canyon (single gender dorm); guide leadership; van transportation from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and return; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; snacks; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; park fees, camping fees and local taxes. If you choose to meet the trip at the South Rim, you will be responsible for your own park entry fee. If you choose to remain at the South Rim upon conclusion of the trip, you will miss the group dinner in Flagstaff, AZ.

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

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, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, 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 half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

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 months of December, January, and February. 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 rim of the canyon is located at approximately 7,000-8,000 feet in elevation with Phantom Ranch located at approximately 2,500 feet in elevation. It is common for there to be a temperature difference between the two locations of 30-degrees or more. This wide temperature range makes it difficult to provide generalized weather advice for your adventure; please contact us for additional information.

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 all but the most physically fit. 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 14 years.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip 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 on safari is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.

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 & 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.