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Arizona

Hiking Grand Canyon from Rim to River: An Adventure to Phantom Ranch

Program No. 8144RJ
Hike and learn about the ancient landscapes of the Grand Canyon on some of its most awe-inspiring trails. Plus, spend two nights within the Canyon at historic Phantom Ranch!

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At a Glance

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is one of the most rewarding experiences for any seasoned backpacker and shoulder season hikes provide an opportunity for solitude and scenery not found during other times of the year. On this program, hike into the Grand Canyon and enjoy expert-led presentations and day hikes on the rim. At the bottom of the canyon, spend two nights at Phantom Ranch beneath towering rock walls, under ancient cottonwoods and adjacent to Bright Angel Creek.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Challenging
I love pushing myself, and I can keep a steady pace on rugged and steep terrain. This is as challenging as it gets? Great. Let’s do this. At the end of the day, I want to feel like I’ve had a real workout.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

What You'll Learn

  • Spend four days hiking in the Grand Canyon; travel down the South Kaibab Trail and back up the Bright Angel Trail; spend a day at Phantom Ranch hiking in the inner Canyon.
  • Enjoy rare reservations at remote and historic Phantom Ranch.
  • Hike with naturalists who truly know and love Grand Canyon; listen to canyon and river stories and learn about your surroundings a vertical mile deep into this natural wonder.

General Notes

For less-strenuous Grand Canyon hiking programs, see "Hiking Grand Canyon: Adventures On and Below the South Rim" (#6112) or "Hiking Granite Gorge and Havasupai" (#7704) Special cancellation policy applies. Call or go online for details. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Joel Kane
Joel Kane grew up roaming Appalachian Pennsylvania but has called the Southwest home for years. After serving in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of California/Los Angeles. He later worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service at Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming, Zion National Park in Utah, Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. He is pursuing his master's degree in geology at Northern Arizona University/Flagstaff.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Joel Kane
Joel Kane View biography
Joel Kane grew up roaming Appalachian Pennsylvania but has called the Southwest home for years. After serving in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of California/Los Angeles. He later worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service at Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming, Zion National Park in Utah, Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. He is pursuing his master's degree in geology at Northern Arizona University/Flagstaff.
Profile Image of Kyle Storey
Kyle Storey View biography
Kyle Storey is an urban planner with a passion for creating sustainable and livable communities. He possesses a love for nature and agriculture and is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Kyle works towards implementing cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and transition towards a more sustainable future. Kyle is also a seasoned outdoor group leader who is deeply in touch with the natural world. He has led numerous outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping trips to wildlife expeditions and nature exploration.
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Meals
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Apr 21, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
  • Apr 21, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024
3 nights
Grand Canyon
At Yavapai Lodge®, natural beauty meets the magic of convenience. Set within the incredible scenery of the park, this Grand Canyon hotel occupies a prime location in the canyon. It's about a one-mile walk from the canyon's South Rim and steps from the general store, bank and post office. Of course, it's more than just the perfect place to start your adventure. Its newly-remodeled main lodge makes it a great place to relax and recharge, thanks to cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio. The park’s free shuttle-bus service has a stop directly in front of the lodge that provides access to park viewpoints, Grand Canyon Village and Visitor Center. Rooms in Yavapai West are located in 10, single-story Mid-Century Modern buildings from the heyday of Route 66. These rooms are built on a single story, and contain a ceiling fan to help keep you cool.
2 nights
Grand Canyon
Our Phantom Ranch trip offers lodging in a 10 bed co-ed group cabin.





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