Grand Canyon: Hiking to Phantom Ranch

4 Days Grand Canyon: Hiking to Phantom Ranch

Spend a thrilling weekend exploring the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park with the added treat of an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, the only lodging located in the heart of the Grand Canyon. The expertly guided journey to the bottom showcases 1.7 billion years of geologic history, exposed in colorful layers by the down-cutting of the Colorado River. Take in awe-inspiring views of freestanding buttes, sculpted alcoves, and massive cliffs, learn about the unique wildlife, geology and history of this premier World Heritage Site, and unwind with tasty meals.

Details Testimonials

Arrive: Phoenix, Arizona "Thank you for a wonderful trip! The guides, the meals and the prep materials were great." Depart: Phoenix, Arizona Fay S.

Duration: 4 Days "Our Grand Canyon: Hiking to Phantom Ranch Group Size: 4-9 Guests trip was an amazing adventure that I will never forget. Our guide gave us 110% and everything was Minimum Age: 13 Years Old over the top. I can't wait for my next adventure." Melanie D. Activity Level:

. REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 Our expert guides provide travelers On this exclusive 4-day getaway, MT Sobek's legacy of preservation with helpful hints, techniques and experience the Grand Canyon's top and protection enables us hiking tips, plus knowledge on attractions, including the Desert View to operate over 30 Global local wildlife, geology, and history. Watchtower and Bright Angel Trail. National Park adventures.

ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Legendary hikes, paired with Landscape-inspired lodges Be prepared for anything as the vistas of magnificent gorges, provide convenience and comfort. weather varies. Inner-canyon massive cliffs and plateaus, Spend a night at Phantom Ranch, temperatures are generally very giant meadows and creeks, the only lodging located in the mild. South Rim temperatures volcanic cones, and wildlife. heart of the Grand Canyon. range from 34 ºF to 62 ºF. Phantom Ranch temperatures range from 55 ºF to 82 ºF.

Originally from the Midwest, Gary came to Arizona as a Whitney’s passion for playing in wild places has been a professional portrait and landscape photographer and began constant throughout her life. She enjoys a variety of outdoor guiding in 1991. He is thankful that his current job allows him activities including road and mountain biking, rock climbing, to live out passion for the outdoors, and thoroughly enjoys of sea kayaking, cross country skiing, fishing, and backpacking. helping others experience sports like backpacking and hiking. She graduated from Prescott College where she earned a Gary enjoys reading philosophy and doing yoga in between degree in Adventure Education, and has spent the majority guiding trips to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. When asked of her time working with at-risk teens in a wilderness therapy his favorite trip to run, he says it’s whichever he is currently context. Whitney is also a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), leading and happily quotes Edward Abbey “This is the most EMT, and WEMT. beautiful place on earth. There are many such places.” Gary’s Whitney Schuette commitment to the finer details of a trip, mixed with his skill in the kitchen and his passion for interpretation, make him an MT Sobek favorite.

Gary Elbert Itinerary DAY 1 JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE GRAND CANYON Meet at 12:30pm at the Holiday Inn Express

Meals: D

DAY 2 HIKE THE SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL . After a hearty breakfast, descend 7 miles and 4,780 feet into the grandest of canyons, along the South Kaibab Trail famous for the most awesome panoramic views of any trail in the park. Descend past Ooh Aah Point to Cedar Ridge, for a gourmet lunch before continuing the trek. From here, traverse the Tonto Plateau before dropping into the Inner Gorge. On the last portion, hike along the Colorado River and over a suspension bridge until Phantom Ranch at the trail's end, nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek.

Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles hiking with 4,780’ elevation loss

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3 HIKE UP BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL In the morning, prepare to conquer the mighty canyon. The exit is via the Bright Angel Trail, a classic Grand Canyon trek. After crossing the Colorado River, the trail snakes its way up out of the inner gorge to the shady oasis of Indian Gardens. Refill with water before tackling the steep ascent up Jacob's Ladder through the Redwall layer. The guides provide helpful hints, strategies, techniques, and their insider knowledge of the keys to a successful ascent. Celebrate your accomplishments with a fine dining experience at El Tovar.

Activity: 6-8 hours/10 miles hiking with 4,300' elevation gain

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4 TAKE A SUNRISE HIKE & RETURN TO PHOENIX Hike to Trail View Overlook for a Grand Canyon sunrise. Walk back for a delicious breakfast at El Tovar and free time for last-minute photos or awe-inspiring views. Taking a different route back to Flagstaff, enjoy the drive along Highway 180, with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks, giant meadows, ponderosa forest, and volcanic cones. Look out for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Enjoy lunch in Flagstaff before resuming the journey to Phoenix; hotel or airport drop-offs can be arranged. Please book outbound flights for 7pm or later.

Activity: 1 hour/1 mile sunrise hike

Meals: B, L

2019

$ 2,895 per person

Additional Cost $ 45 National Park Fee $ 500 Single Supplement

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Extra alcoholic beverages at meals Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Potable water and snacks throughout Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) Airport transfers if arriving outside of the group transfer All group activities and ground transportation Optional travel protection Arrival and departure day group airport transfers Limited alcoholic beverages at meals