Trip Description
Our Phantom Ranch hiking tour will offer you one of the most famous hikes in the world! And it’s great for people who are new to Grand Canyon and not interested in camping. We start our hike on the famous South Kaibab Trail, which offers the shortest possible route to the Colorado River and the bottom of Grand Canyon. On the way down the trail, you will enjoy spectacular views of Pipe Creek Canyon, Cremation Canyon, the North Rim and Inner Gorge. The idyllic Phantom Ranch is our home for the next two nights. Our second day will be spent exploring the trails and hidden secrets in the bottom of the Canyon. Hike all day or spend some time relaxing beneath a shady cottonwood tree, gazing up at the towering canyon walls surrounding you. There are many options for this day that can suit the needs and desires of everyone. The last day we climb back to the top of the South Rim on the historic Bright Angel Trail. Our Phantom Ranch hiking tours offer the best way to experience a few nights below the rim without having to rough it too much!
*Due to a temporary closure of sections of the Bright Angel Trail, this trip will require an altered itinerary from October 21, 2024 through May 14, 2025. The hike will exit the canyon on Day 3 via the South Kaibab Trail.

Overview
Type: Lodge-Based Hiking
Days: 2 or 3 Days
Distance: 23 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate +
Origin: Grand Canyon Village
Price:
$2,050/person - 3 Days
$1,725/person - 2 Days
Single Supplement:
N/A
Itinerary
Day 1
This classic Grand Canyon hiking tour starts on the famous South Kaibab Trail. It’s nothing but fantastic views from top to bottom on this well-traveled route. Upon reaching the Colorado River, we cross the impressive Black Bridge, just a few minutes from our home for the next two nights at Phantom Ranch. Enjoy a refreshing shower when we arrive and a little time to relax before a delicious dinner. In the evening, take in a ranger-led program while the night sky fills with an unimaginable number of stars.
Distance & Elevation: 7 miles, 4800 foot descent
Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Our second day affords us the opportunity to explore the many wonderful side canyons and trails in the bottom of the Canyon. In the morning, we will hike up the Clear Creek Trail to stunning views of the Colorado River. The afternoon offers an exploration of The Box, a stretch of narrow canyon bound by 1000-foot cliffs of ancient granite and schist. Other opportunities exist for this day, as well, and your guide will be sure to outline all options for this day.
Distance & Elevation: up to 8 miles, variable elevation
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
After an early breakfast we will begin our hike back up to the South Rim. Enjoy stunning views along the Colorado River before heading up Pipe Creek along the Bright Angel Trail. This trail offers a wonderful contrast to the views found along the Kaibab Trail on Day 1. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep and the endangered California condors soaring overhead. Enjoy a tasty lunch along the way while taking in the sweeping views across to the North Rim. You will thrill at the feeling of reaching the trailhead in Grand Canyon Village, knowing that you have just completed one of the greatest hikes in the world.
Distance & Elevation: 9.5 miles, 4400 foot ascent
Breakfast, Lunch
*2-Day Itineraries follow Days 1 & 3 of the above described itinerary.
Temporary Itinerary Change(October 21, 2024 through May 14, 2025)
Due to a temporary closure of the Bright Angel Trail, all Phantom Ranch trips will exit the canyon via the South Kaibab Trail on the last day.
Details
What's Included
- 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)
What's Not Included
- 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
How Many People Are in The Group
This trip can accommodate up to 9 participants with 2 guides.
Are There Age Restrictions?
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.
How Do I Sign Up?
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.
Travel Logistics
Where does the trip begin/end?
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).
Where do meet our guides?
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.
What do we do with our car and extra stuff?
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.
What time will we get back on the last day?
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.
Trip Dates
Please Note: The Phantom Ranch dorm accomodations are currently closed until further notice due to a major renovation project on the wastewater treatment system. Any listed dates above will include shared, mixed-gender cabin accommodations.
2025 Trip Dates
Click on a date to request a reservation! Or contact us to request custom dates.
2026 Trip Dates
Click on a date to request a reservation! Or contact us to request custom dates.
Don’t see your dates? Custom dates may be available!
Call 1-928-525-1552 or email us for details.
Guest Testimonials
List of Services
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John M.
“Awesome trip from start to finish. Matt was incredibly knowledgeable and did a wonderful job of helping us navigate the canyon. Everything was taken care of, so my father and I really had the opportunity to experience all that Phantom Ranch and the canyon had to offer. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a way to experience the canyon from top to bottom!”
John M.
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Steven H.Steven H.
“Great communication leading up to trip from Dave. He provided helpful information and made minor adjustments based on our requests to arrive at South Rim a day early.
On the trip itself, we could not have been happier with Bob – he was an excellent team leader. He adapted the pace based on the needs of the group and kept us all going. The meals he prepared were healthy and outstanding quality. Bob also had great suggestions for what to do on our “off” day and led us on a really nice hike into the Box.
This was a once in a lifetime trip for us and we are so grateful that we were able to get it in. Highly recommend Four Seasons.”
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Jackie L.Jackie L.
“My friend and I recently returned from a fantastic trip down the Grand Canyon to Phantom Ranch. I am so thankful to Four Season Guides for everything! Dave, you did a wonderful job matching us with a very fun couple. It was so nice to get to know them and share this experience. Our guide Matt was truly one of a kind and did the best job leading us. His knowledge and confidence helped us to relax and enjoy the beauty and peace of the Canyon! If you are thinking of doing this trip, book with Four Season Guides, follow the suggested workouts and you will have the best time of your life! This was a trip I will never forget and hope to be back someday! Matt get your next trip ready for us!”
Price: 
$2,050/person - 3 Days
$1,725/person - 2 Days
Single Supplement: N/A
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