Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 4 Day - 2026 Tour
A Quick Escape to the Hidden Depths of the Canyon
- Available: January, February, March, April
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
Highlights
- Hike two sensational trails to reach the floor of the Grand Canyon and return
- Rest at the renowned Phantom Ranch instead of camping between your hikes
- Learn about the canyon's rich geological and natural history from exceptional guides
Itinerary
Marvel at an Ancient Pueblo, Architectural Landmark & Grand Canyon Views
Day 1
Your trip begins after meeting up with your guides and group in Tempe or Flagstaff, Arizona. Together you head north through the Sonoran Desert and Sunset Crater National Monument with stunning views of its towering cinder cone and volcanic terrain. After a scenic stop for lunch, explore the stone foundations of 12th-century Wupatki Pueblo and the “breathing earth” at Wupatki National Monument, where past civilizations and natural wonders leave a lasting impression. As you enter the park, pause at the 70-foot-tall Desert View Watchtower, perched on the canyon's edge. Designed by Mary Colter in 1932, Desert View contains a wealth of murals depicting Hopi traditions and stories. Arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, you will have some free time to enjoy panoramic views of this awe-inspiring gorge. Feel the excitement rising at dinner this evening, as your guides explain what to expect during tomorrow's adventure down to Phantom Ranch.
Accommodation: Thunderbird Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge-Grand Canyon National ParkActivity: 3 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 4.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Descend the South Kaibab Trail & Arrive at Phantom Ranch
Day 2
Begin your journey into the inner canyon on the most direct—and one of the most scenic—routes to the Colorado River. The hand-built South Kaibab Trail follows open ridgelines that provide jaw-dropping 360-degree views throughout the seven-mile descent. Hiking down along a series of switchbacks, you eventually reach the aptly named Ooh-Aah Point before continuing on to Cedar Ridge, a flat plateau where you may encounter a mule train en route to the bottom of the canyon. At Skeleton Point, peer down and catch a glimpse of the mighty Colorado, perpetually carving its way through the canyon as it has for millions of years. The last part of your hike leads you along the big river itself, then over a suspension bridge as you approach Phantom Ranch, serenely nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek. Tonight, you enjoy a hot meal at the Phantom Ranch Canteen before stepping outside to gaze up at an inky canopy speckled with countless twinkling stars.
Accommodation: Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park
Activity: 7 miles hiking with 4,780' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reach the South Rim via Bright Angel Trail & Havasupai Gardens
Day 3
At sunrise, prepare to conquer the canyon, ascending on the iconic Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River, the path winds up to the shady oasis of Havasupai Gardens, where you'll eat lunch and replenish your water. Your next challenge is Jacob's Ladder, a steep climb through the Redwall layer. This demanding hike calls for endurance, but your guides will share essential tips for a successful ascent. With proper hydration, pacing, and determination, you'll soon be celebrating at the rim, exchanging high-fives and pats on the back. Just a few steps away, your lodge offers a well-earned retreat. Tonight, you'll relish your achievement with a celebratory gathering before settling in for a restful night.
Accommodation: Thunderbird Lodge-Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge-Grand Canyon National ParkActivity: 10 miles hiking with 4,300' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the South Rim & Depart
Day 4
For those eager to soak in more canyon views, the Rim Trail offers a scenic walk along the South Rim, with breathtaking overlooks and a chance to reflect on your journey. Stop by historic landmarks like the Mary Colter-designed Hopi House or explore the many interpretive centers to learn more about the canyon's geology and history. Enjoy a relaxed morning taking in the sights before departing for your drop-off location in Flagstaff or Tempe in the late afternoon. As your adventure winds down, depart carrying unforgettable memories of your time at the Grand Canyon.
Activity: 3 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss (optional)
Transportation: 4 hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek's long history working in concert with national parks makes authorized adventures to remote locations possible
Our compact four-day trip takes you to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up on two legendary trails and includes a night at sought-after Phantom Ranch
Expert guides are with you every step of the way, ready with helpful tips, friendly encouragement, and a wealth of Grand Canyon knowledge
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 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 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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. You will need to be in excellent shape so you can carry your large daypack weighing 15-25 pounds for 7 miles (4,780' elevation loss) down to Phantom Ranch and 10 miles (4,300' elevation gain) back up to the rim of the canyon the next day, maintaining a 2+ mile per hour pace.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
7 miles hiking with 4,780' elevation loss
Day 3
10 miles hiking with 4,300' elevation gain
Day 4
3 miles 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
Stay within the park while at the South Rim. Your night at Phantom Ranch is in shared, mixed gender cabins reserved exclusively for MT Sobek guests and guides.
Weather
Be prepared for anything as the weather varies. South Rim temperatures range from 27 F to 62 F. Phantom Ranch temperatures range from 42 F to 82 F.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
We recommend guests arrive in Phoenix, AZ the day prior to Day 1 of the itinerary due to the early pick-up time in Tempe. Your guides will meet you Day 1 at 8:00 am at Fairfield Inn and Suites Tempe and TownePlace Suites Tempe or, if you prefer to fly into Flagstaff, AZ, they will pick you up there at 10:30 am on Day 1, on the way to the park.
What is the best time of year to hike to Phantom Ranch?
Phantom Ranch is open year-round, offering unique experiences throughout the seasons. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) feature milder temperatures, with cooler weather at the canyon rim and warmer days at Phantom Ranch. These seasons are the most popular times to visit but be prepared for more visitors on the trails. Summer brings intense heat, especially in the inner canyon, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. To avoid the hottest part of the day, early morning starts are necessary. However, summer offers fewer crowds and great swimming opportunities. Winter blankets the canyon rim with snow, creating a stunning backdrop for your hike from the South Rim. As you descend, the weather becomes more pleasant, with daily highs in the inner canyon averaging between the 50s and 60s—ideal for outdoor activities and fewer crowds to share the trails with.
Can I skip some activities on this trip if I want more downtime?
This itinerary, while short, is intense and requires hikers to keep pace with the group on back-to-back days of challenging hiking. For a shorter Grand Canyon trip that offers more opportunity to relax at Phantom Ranch between big hiking days, check out our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 5 Day, offering a two-night stay at Phantom Ranch, with the chance to explore the spectacular Clear Creek Trail, or take a day off to relax before hiking back up to the South Rim.
How should I train for this Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch hike?
Each guest on this trip will descend from the canyon rim to the Colorado River and then, importantly, complete the full hike back out. There are no options to skip or take a shorter route. 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 4,800 feet over 7 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.
How is this trip different from the other MT Sobek Phantom Ranch Trips?
This is our shortest Phantom Ranch trip for 2026, and you'll spend one night at the South Rim before hiking down to spend one night at Phantom Ranch, then hike back up to the South Rim for one night before departing the park. If you would like more time at Phantom Ranch, check out our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 5 Day, offering a more immersive two-night stay at Phantom Ranch. Or, for a greater variety of scenery and a longer adventure, consider our rim-to-rim hiking adventures in summer or fall: Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Rim to Rim Hiking 5 Day.
Where can I find more information about Phantom Ranch?
Check out our Phantom Ranch information page for more info on reservations, length of stay, amenities, bathrooms, weather, history, 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.