The Phantom Ranch is one of the most popular overnight destinations in Grand Canyon National Park.
The ranch is located along Bright Angel Creek on the north side of the Colorado River. Phantom Ranch is the only lodging available below the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Getting to the remote Phantom Ranch requires that you either hike, ride a mule, or raft the Colorado River. Hikers reach the ranch by hiking the Bright Angel or Kaibab trails.
Originally, Phantom Ranch was designed by architect Mary E.J. Colter and was finished in 1922. The main lodge and cabins are made of wood and stone and blend into the natural surroundings.
Accomodations at Phantom Ranch include cabins and dormitories. Both the dorms and cabins are heated and cooled during the summer.
The dormitories are separate for men and women. Each dorm has ten bunk beds, a restroom, and a shower.
There are eleven rustic cabins at Phantom Ranch. The cabins have a set of bunk beds, bedding, a toilet, cold water sink, soap, and towels. Showers are located nearby.
The cabins are included as part of the overnight mule trips to Phantom Ranch. With advance reservations, both the cabins and dormitories are available to hikers.
The Bright Angel campground is also located nearby and requires a backcountry permit. If you are staying at the Phantom Ranch cabins or dorms, you do not need a backcountry permit.
The popular Phantom Ranch Canteen is where meals and beverages are served. You must reserve your meals well in advance of your trip to Phantom Ranch. The mule rides do include a lunch on the way down, a steak dinner and breakfast. Hikers need to arrange for meals separately and prior to traveling down into the canyon.
If you are planning on eating or staying at Phantom Ranch, make sure that you make your reservations early. You can make your meal and lodging reservations at the same time.
Phantom Ranch reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, they begin accepting reservations for the entire month of the following year. Remember that Phantom Ranch is an very popular destination and you need to make your reservations early.
You can not make your Phantom Ranch reservations online. You need to fill out a Reservation Request Form. Be sure to provide complete information on the form.
If you are planning on staying at Phantom Ranch with a group of 10 to 20 hikers, or 10 mule riders, you will be designated as a group and you need to make your reservations through the Phantom Ranch Group Sales at Group Reservations.
Have a great stay at Phantom Ranch. It will definitely be a trip that you will remember!