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Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 7 Day - 2025 Tour

Legendary Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike & Stay at Phantom Ranch


This weeklong ultimate Grand Canyon hiking adventure plunges nearly two billion years into the Earth's geological past, through the vastness of the canyon's wilderness, then emerges again on the other side having spent two nights at renowned Phantom Ranch. Experience the maze-like depths of the canyon and relax on the banks of the raging Colorado River while staying at legendary Phantom Ranch. Your time here is book-ended by two nights at a comfortable lodge perched near the rim of the canyon. The trip culminates with a celebration of your rim to rim accomplishment and recalling the stories collected along the way. Quite simply one of Earth's most awe-inspiring landscapes, the majesty of the Grand Canyon will not soon be forgotten.

7 Days • 6 Nights

This weeklong ultimate Grand Canyon hiking adventure plunges nearly two billion years into the Earth's geological past, through the vastness of the canyon's wilderness, then emerges again on the other side having spent two nights at renowned Phantom Ranch. Experience the maze-like depths of the canyon and relax on the banks of the raging Colorado River while staying at legendary Phantom Ranch. Your time here is book-ended by two nights at a comfortable lodge perched near the rim of the canyon. The trip culminates with a celebration of your rim to rim accomplishment and recalling the stories collected along the way. Quite simply one of Earth's most awe-inspiring landscapes, the majesty of the Grand Canyon will not soon be forgotten.

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Highlights


  • Hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, with a two-night stop at the famous Phantom Ranch
  • Walk back in geological history among the vastness of the Canyon
  • Explore the canyon's depths and relax on the banks of the Colorado River

Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim-to-Rim Hiking – 7 Day

Start: Phoenix, Arizona  End: Phoenix, Arizona

Itinerary


  • Get Ready for Your Epic Grand Canyon Adventure

    Day 1

    Meet your MT Sobek guides and fellow travelers this evening near Phoenix, Arizona. Head to a nearby restaurant where your guides will give a rundown of the trip itinerary, gear check, and packing tips, plus answer any questions you may have. Over a tasty dinner and drinks, begin getting to know each other in eager anticipation of the upcoming adventure.

    Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites Tempe
    Accommodation: TownPlace Suites Tempe

    Activity: 1-2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

    Meals: Dinner

  • Visit Astonishing Vermilion Cliffs en route to the Canyon

    Day 2

    Travel today to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with some interesting stops along the way. Take a 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), stop for lunch at the base of the extraordinary Vermilion Cliffs and marvel at their striated sandstone spires. Days end will find you settling into comfortable accommodations at Grand Canyon's North Rim.

    Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

    Activity: 2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

    Transportation: 6-hours private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Catch Canyon Views from Cape Final & Cape Royal Trails

    Day 3

    After breakfast, stretch your legs and learn the Canyon's natural history on a moderate hike and scenic drive. Begin with a hike to the rim of the Grand Canyon, at 8,000 feet above sea level. From the trailhead, follow the Cape Final Trail through beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest and arrive at the canyon's edge with magnificent views into Marble Canyon, Mount Hayden, and beyond. Following the rim hike, drive out to the remote peninsula of land leading to Cape Royal, which offers yet another fantastic vantage point to Angel's Window. The remainder of the day will be spent packing daypacks for two nights at Phantom Ranch and preparing for the challenge awaiting you in the morning.

    Accommodation: Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

    Activity: 4.2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Down North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch

    Day 4

    An early wake-up call signals the start of your big hike! 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 you drop from alpine to the desert, each step takes you 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 trail's end find Phantom Ranch nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek just before its confluence with the mighty Colorado River. A former hunting camp founded in 1903, Phantom Ranch is your home for the next two nights in shared mixed gender cabins.

    Accommodation: Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park

    Activity: 14 miles of hiking with 6,000' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Trails at the Bottom of the Canyon

    Day 5

    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 you have the option to hike the beautiful Clear Creek Trail and River Trail. Or 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.

    Accommodation: Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park

    Activity: 3-5 miles of hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Climb to the Rim on Bright Angel Trail

    Day 6

    The rising sun finds you preparing to conquer the canyon. Your 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 Havasupai Gardens. Refuel and refill with water here 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 food the entire group will soon be high-fiving on the rim. Walk just a few more steps to our lodge perched right on the rim of the canyon. Tonight celebrate your accomplishments at a lodge near the canyon's rim before retiring to your rooms for some well deserved rest.

    Accommodation: Thunderbird Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
    Accommodation: Kachina Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
    Accommodation: Maswick Lodge

    Activity: 10 miles of hiking with 4,300' elevation gain

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • A Final Hike and Stop in Grand Canyon Village

    Day 7

    For one last taste of the canyon, the fantastic Rim Trail awaits. nThis optional hike is a great 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 park interpretive centers. Following this relaxing morning, drive to the drop off location in the Phoenix area, arriving in the late afternoon.

    Activity: 3 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss (optional)

    Transportation: 4-hours private van transfer

    Meals: Lunch

Why Travel With Us?


  • Our expert guides provide travelers with helpful hints, techniques and hiking tips, plus knowledge on local wildlife, geology, and history.
  • Be one of the few to hike famed trails all the way to the canyon floor and spend two magical nights at the historic and highly coveted Phantom Ranch—the only lodge below the canyon rim.
  • MT Sobek's legacy of preservation and protection enables us to operate over 30 Global National Park adventures.

Know Before You Book


Phantom Ranch Accommodations
During your stay at Phantom Ranch, you will occupy shared, mixed-gender cabins reserved exclusively for MTS guests and guides. Single rooms are unavailable for the nights in the canyon. Each cabin varies in size, accommodating anywhere from two to ten occupants, and is equipped with bedding, a cold-water sink, a toilet, liquid soap, and hand towels. Showers, hot-water sinks, bath towels, and a combined liquid soap and shampoo are provided at a central facility available to all ranch guests.

Dates & Prices


Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Casey  H.

Casey H.

Casey has been guiding exhilarating outdoor adventures since 2016, leading guests though some of the most awe-inspiring places in the West, from Yellowstone to Zion and the Grand Canyon. He is all about showing people the beauty of the wild while keeping them entertained with captivating stories and cool facts, and ensuring they are well-fed and safe on the trail. Casey is a Wilderness First Responder.

Jerry W.

Jerry W.

Jerry started guiding in 2007 after moving to Colorado where he discovered mountain biking in the fresh alpine air. After years of guiding multi-day hiking and cycling trips, he has built up a depth of hands-on experience and wilderness wisdom that he brings to each adventure. He was raised in Florida, followed by four years in the military, then moving to Colorado, where the magnificent wilderness inspired him to guide.

Jordan M.

Jordan M.

Guiding since 2006, Jordan has led guests across six continents—from the rugged trails of the Grand Canyon to the high passes of the Himalayas. He grew up hiking, backpacking, and boating and at age 18 he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. What he loves most about guiding is seeing others connect with the outdoors, each other, and with themselves. He is a Wilderness First Responder, LNT Level 2 Instructor, and AIARE 1.

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Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 5. Trip members will carry their large daypack weighing 15-25 pounds 14 miles (6,000' elevation loss) from the North Rim down to Phantom Ranch and 10 miles (4,300' elevation gain) up to the South Rim of the canyon, maintaining a 2+ mile per hour pace.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 1

1-2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

Day 2

2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

Day 3

4.2 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss

Day 4

14 miles of hiking with 6,000' elevation loss

Day 5

3-5 miles of hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss

Day 6

10 miles of hiking with 4,300' elevation gain

Day 7

3 miles of hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss (optional)

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations


Spend two nights at renowned Phantom Ranch, book-ended by two nights at comfortable lodges near the rim of the canyon.
Thunderbird Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
Thunderbird Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park

Built near the Bright Angel Trail head and the Vercamps Visitor Center, the Thunderbird is a popular South Rim lodge. Contemporary 1960s architecture coupled with a wonderful vantage point ensure an unforgettable stay on the very edge (literally) of a natural wonder of the world. Comfortable rooms have all the expected amenities but the biggest draw is the location.

Kachina Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
Kachina Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park

Perched on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, the Kachina Lodge boasts a contemporary setup near the historic district, and rooms complete with amenities like full baths and flat-screen TVs. The lodge is a convenient and comfortable hub for guests eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park
Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park

Founded in 1903 as a hunting camp, Phantom Ranch is a National Park Service-owned and operated outpost in the depths of the Grand Canyon, and the only lodging below the canyon rim. Made up of a main lodge and shared dorm-style cabins, it's known for its hearty meals prepared by the rangers. The cabins are traditional and very comfortable, providing a peaceful place to rest your head.

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim

The only North Rim lodging inside the park, this rustic National Historic Landmark has limestone walls, timbered ceilings, and a magnificent dining room with canyon views. Cabins are within easy walking distance of the canyon rim at Bright Angel Point.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Tempe
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tempe
The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Tempe offers comfortable accommodations with a modern touch. The rooms are spacious, featuring separate living areas with a sofa. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and fitness center.
TownPlace Suites Tempe
TownPlace Suites Tempe
TownePlace Suites in Tempe, Arizona, offers a welcoming stay with all the comforts of home. Each spacious suite is designed for functionality and relaxation, featuring fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and a separate living area.
Maswick Lodge
Maswick Lodge
Maswik Lodge is a welcoming, rustic-style lodge nestled in the scenic forest just a short walk from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Located within Grand Canyon National Park, it offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and the natural beauty of the canyon's rugged landscape.

Weather


Be prepared for anything as the weather varies. Inner-canyon temperatures are generally very mild. South Rim temperatures range from 34 F to 62 F. Phantom Ranch temperatures range from 55 F to 82 F.

 
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Grand Canyon National Park 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Grand Canyon National Park
70
35
82
43
90
50
82
49

FAQs


Who will meet me on arrival?
Spring, fall and winter are excellent times. The temperatures in the inner canyon are warm and comfortable, and on the rim the weather will be refreshing.
What is the best time of year to hike to Phantom Ranch?
During the winter months, access to the North Rim is closed, so hikers seeking the rim-to-rim experience must travel when the North Rim is accessible. For this reason, MT Sobek offers this trip from June through October. Summer days can be intensely hot, particularly in the inner canyon, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C), requiring hiking times to be adjusted for very early starts to avoid travel during the hottest part of the day. Smaller crowds and great swimming opportunities are some advantages of summer visits, and temperatures are more enjoyable for hiking portions of this trip high on the North Rim and South Rim as well. Limited fall dates for this trip will fill particularly fast due to the more moderate temperatures in the inner canyon in October. If you want to avoid the heat altogether, our South Rim-based Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 3 Day Tour and Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 4 Day Tour operate in April, November, and December in 2025.
How should I train for this Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch hike?
This trip requires that all visitors descend from the canyon rim to the Colorado River and then, importantly, complete the full hike back out. You should do significant training and feel confident in your ability to hike uphill for as long as 8 hours. There is a steep elevation loss of 5,800 feet over 14 miles. The hike out ascends 4,300 feet of elevation over 10 miles. The trails in the Grand Canyon are well-used and maintained, but are uneven with significant daily elevation change, so it is important that hikers are fit and confident. Remember, the South Rim is also at an elevation of 8,000' so hiking will feel more strenuous near the top. If you don't have access to hikes with large elevation change, stair climbing and carrying your daypack with some water in it can help you get ready. Always train with the boots and socks that you'll be wearing on the trip for the best results.
Can I skip some activities on this trip if I want more downtime?
Yes, you may choose to skip the hiking on Day 5 for some additional downtime at Phantom Ranch.
How is this trip different from the other MT Sobek Phantom Ranch Trips?
On this extended rim to rim hiking adventure you'll spend 2 nights at Phantom Ranch and stay 1 night near Phoenix and 2 nights at the North Rim Lodge ahead of our hike. Explore scenic trails at the North Rim before descending the North Kaibab trail to Phantom Ranch. Enjoy a rest day between hikes or explore the Clear Creek Trail through the inner canyon before a final night at Phantom Ranch and our hike out to the South Rim. After a final night at the South Rim, you'll return to Flagstaff and on to Phoenix at the end of this adventure. If a rim-to-rim adventure appeals to you, but you're looking for something more compact, consider our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 5 Day Tour featuring 2 nights of camping on the North Rim and one night at Phantom Ranch. Or, for an even quicker escape during the cooler winter months, consider our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 3 Day Tour featuring one night at Phantom Ranch or our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend 4 Day Tour with 2 nights at Phantom Ranch.
Where can I find more information about Phantom Ranch?
Check out our Phantom Ranch information page for more on reservations, length of stay, weather, history, amenities, gear considerations, wildlife and to learn more about all the ways to visit Phantom Ranch with MT Sobek.
What is the minimum age for MT Sobek Phantom Ranch hiking trips?
The standard minimum age for these trips is 18, and hikers must be fit to complete the challenging hikes into and back out of the Grand Canyon. Families with fit younger teens may consider private and custom trip options.

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