Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Hiking 3 Day - 2025 Tour
Hike to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon & Stay at Phantom Ranch
- Available: April, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Rustic Lodging, Comfortable Hotel
Highlights
- From the South Rim, hike down (and back up) some the park's most scenic trails
- Spend one night at canyon bottom in historic Phantom Ranch
- Exceptional guides enlighten you on the canyon's geological and natural history
Itinerary
Travel to the Grand Canyon & Take in Spectacular Views
Day 1
Begin your adventure near Phoenix, AZ, where you'll meet your MT Sobek guides for a brief orientation before driving north through the Sonoran Desert towards Grand Canyon National Park. Entering the park from the east, and stop for lunch at iconic Desert View Watchtower, a 70 foot tall stone tower perched on the canyon's edge. Designed by Mary Colter in 1932, Desert View contains a wealth of murals depicting various Hopi traditions and stories. Continuing to your hotel near the South Rim, check in with time to stretch your legs on a walk along the Rim Trail enjoying panoramic views of this awe inspiring natural wonder. At dinner this evening get excited as your guides describe what to expect during tomorrow's adventure down to Phantom Ranch. Spend tonight at a South Rim hotel.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Maswick LodgeActivity: 3 miles of hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 4.5-hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Descend to Phantom Ranch on Breathtaking South Kaibab Trail
Day 2
Gather for an early breakfast before slinging on daypacks and tightening up laces in preparation for today's big hike. Begin our 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 the 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, enjoy a hot meal at the Phantom Ranch Canteen before stepping outside to gaze up at an inky canopy speckled with countless twinkling stars. Sleep in mixed gender cabins at Phantom Ranch tonight.
Accommodation: Phantom Ranch-Grand Canyon National Park
Activity: 7 miles of hiking with 4,780' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Bright Angel Trail to the Rim & Return to Phoenix
Day 3
Rising before the sun this morning, eat a hearty breakfast in the canteen before beginning the demanding but dazzling 10-mile hike back to the South Rim. Exit the canyon on Bright Angel, a classic Grand Canyon corridor trail. Unlike the South Kaibab Trail which follows a ridgeline, Bright Angel follows a natural fault, making it less exposed but equally awe-inspiring. After bidding an early farewell to Phantom Ranch, cross the Colorado River and follow the trail as it snakes its way up to the shady oasis of Havasupai Gardens, your halfway point. After a short rest, tackle the final steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder through the canyon's Redwall layer. While always a tremendous challenge, your guide is nearby sharing helpful tips and stories to keep you energized along the way. Reaching the South Rim by early afternoon, celebrate your epic accomplishment and gaze into the depths of the canyon one last time, enjoying a newfound appreciation for its hidden treasures that only a small percentage of visitors ever get to see. Loading into the van, begin the drive back to the Phoenix area, planning to arrive late this evening.Activity: 10 miles of hiking with 4,300' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
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
- 2025
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $2,599 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$225 Single OccupancyWaitlistConfirmed - $3,899 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$225 Single OccupancyAvailable - $3,899 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$225 Single OccupancyAvailable
Looking for a different date? Check out our Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 4 Day Tour!
Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 4 Day – 2026
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
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.
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Trip members will carry their 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, maintaining a 2+ mile per hour pace.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3 miles of hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
7 miles of hiking with 4,780' elevation loss
Day 3
10 miles of hiking with 4,300' elevation gain
*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 a night at renowned Phantom Ranch, with a stay at a comfortable lodge near the canyon.
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.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
The chalet-style Grand Hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Located in the town of Tusayan, it sits just six miles from the breathtaking rim of the Grand Canyon and offers an upscale experience with amenities nearby.
Maswick Lodge
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.