Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Hiking & Trekking Tours

Extremely! Phantom Ranch is one of the most sought-after places to stay in the Grand Canyon, and reservations are highly competitive too. The lottery system for overnight stays opens 15 months in advance, and spots fill almost instantly. As a trusted outfitter, MT Sobek has been able to secure a limited number of spaces at Phantom Ranch so you can experience this extraordinary place with world-class guides. Furthermore, all the details are conveniently arranged for you! 

Most visitors stay one or two nights. One night allows for a short but rewarding experience, while two nights give you time to rest, explore stunning side canyons, and enjoy the solitude.
In 2025, MT Sobek offers four unique ways to visit Phantom Ranch: 

Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 3 Day Tour 
Our shortest trip in 2025, you will spend one night at the South Rim before hiking down to spend one night at Phantom Ranch. Return to the South Rim the next day, then head back to Flagstaff or Phoenix. 

Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 4 Day Tour 
Spend one night at the South Rim, then descend to Phantom Ranch for a more immersive two-night stay. Explore the spectacular Clear Creek Trail, or take a day off to relax at the ranch. Then hike back up to the South Rim and return to Flagstaff or Phoenix. 

Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 5 Day Tour 
Hiking Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon is the experience of a lifetime. On this trip, you’ll enjoy 2 nights of comfortable camping with scenic hikes along the canyon’s remote North Rim before descending the challenging 14.2-mile North Kaibab Trail, past breathtaking Ribbon Falls to arrive at Phantom Ranch. After one night at Phantom Ranch, you’ll ascend to the South Rim for a celebration dinner and final night at the Grand Canyon. Then enjoy a brief morning exploration of the South Rim, travel back to Flagstaff or Phoenix at the trip’s end. 

Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 7 Day Tour 
Our extended Rim to Rim adventure includes two nights at Phantom Ranch. It kicks off with a night near Phoenix before the hike, followed by two nights at the North Rim lodge, exploring scenic trails before hiking down the North Kaibab Trail. Once at the Ranch, enjoy a rest day or hike the Clear Creek Trail through the inner canyon. The journey ends with a hike to the South Rim, followed by a night there before returning to Flagstaff or Phoenix, wrapping up this unforgettable adventure.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) bring mild temperatures, with cooler weather at the rim and warmer days at Phantom Ranch. Moreover, these seasons are the most popular, meaning more visitors on the trails and at Phantom Ranch.

Summer can be intensely hot, especially in the inner canyon, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C). Hikes start early to avoid the midday heat. Summer offers smaller crowds and great swimming spots. North Rim temperatures are cooler, making overnight stays and high-elevation hikes more comfortable for rim-to-rim experiences.

Winter brings snow to the rim, closing access to the remote North Rim and creating a stunning South Rim starting point. Expect fewer crowds and pleasant hiking conditions on the way to Phantom Ranch, where daily highs in the inner canyon range from the 50s to 60s—perfect for outdoor adventure.

MT Sobek offers two distinct South Rim hikes in the cooler months and two options for epic rim-to-rim hikes in summer and fall: 
Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 3 Day Tour  Apr, Nov-Dec 
Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 4 Day Tour  Apr, Nov- Dec 
Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 5 Day Tour  May-Aug  
Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 7 Day Tour  Jun-Oct 

Phantom Ranch was built in 1922, designed by famed architect Mary Colter for the Fred Harvey Company. What’s more, it’s the only lodging in the national park below the Grand Canyon rim and has been a sought-after retreat for close to a century. Originally intended as a deluxe outpost for adventurous travelers, it maintains its historic and rustic charm today. 

Staying at Phantom Ranch is a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s not a traditional hotel stay – it’s an adventure. Guests arrive by hiking from the North Rim via the North Kaibab Trail (14.2 miles), from the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles) or South Kaibab Trail (7.5 miles), or by rafting the Colorado River. Once there, you’ll find: 

Rustic Cabins & Dorms – Simple yet cozy accommodations with bunk beds, basic furnishings, and a heating/cooling unit. These are mostly used for sleeping, so expect to spend little time in the cabins or dorms. 

Canteen Meals & Community Space – Reservations are required for meals, featuring legendary steak or stew dinners and hearty breakfasts for hungry hikers. Enjoy meals in the historic Phantom Ranch Canteen, a spacious community area perfect for relaxing indoors. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase.

Bathroom Facilities – Each cabin at Phantom Ranch has a private bathroom and sink, while the shared dorm accommodations have a shared restroom and shower. Some guests feel most comfortable walking a short distance to the central bathhouse. Here you’ll find dedicated showers, sinks, bath towels, liquid soap and facilities designated for men and for women. 

Limited Amenities – No Wi-Fi, spotty cell service, and no in-room bathrooms (shared facilities only), but the setting more than makes up for it. Forget the FOMO and embrace the JOMO (Joy-Of-Missing-Out!) in this remote and secluded location. 

Stunning Scenery – Towering canyon walls, star-studded night skies, and the tranquil Bright Angel Creek make for an unforgettable stay. 

Cabins at Phantom Ranch sleep 4–10 people and include bunk beds, climate control, and a bathroom with a sink and toilet. Each cabin is reserved as a full unit, and MT Sobek groups share them. Phantom Ranch also has male or female dorms, each with five bunk beds (10 spots), a shower, and a shared restroom. MT Sobek does not currently use dorms on guided trips.

On MT Sobek trips, you’ll stay in 4-person or 10-person cabins at Phantom Ranch. These are mixed-gender, shared accommodations with bunk beds, a heating/cooling unit, and a bathroom with a flush toilet and sink. A short walk from the cabins is a larger bathhouse with male and female shower facilities, towels, and liquid soap.  

Sturdy, well-fit hiking boots, layered clothing, sun protection, and a comfortable day pack are essential for this trip. Bring enough water-carrying capacity for the hikes. MT Sobek provides trekking poles if needed. A detailed packing checklist will be sent before your trip.

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon will see deer, elk, and squirrels, including the Kaibab squirrel with its tufted ears. A variety of birds, such as the enormous California condor, are common. Coyotes, bobcats, bears, and bison live in the area but are rarely spotted. The canyon is home to various desert reptiles, insects, and fish, too.

The standard minimum age for these trips is 18. Hikers also need to be strong enough to complete the challenging hikes into and back out of the Grand Canyon. Families with fit and motivated younger teens may consider private and custom trip options.