Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour
Take the trip of a lifetime to the bottom of Grand Canyon and stay at the legendary Phantom Ranch. Immerse yourself in captivating beauty and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the canyon. Enjoy lodging at the historic Phantom Ranch Cabin in a 10-person co-ed bunkhouse.
- Dates: February 11–14, 2025
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trip Length: 4 Days
- Cost: $1,900
- Group size: 8
Trip Highlights
- Lodging and meals at the legendary Phantom Ranch
- Expert guiding on trail with duffel service for your gear and equipment to the bottom and back up
- Introduction to Grand Canyon geology, flora and fauna, and its many life zones as you descend and ascend through the canyon
- Water management and climate science of the Colorado Plateau
- Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter’s contributions to National Park architecture
What's Included
Price for the trip includes:
Our expert guide
Two night stay at Phantom Ranch large group cabin
Two breakfasts, two sack lunches and two dinners
Duffel service (10 pounds per person)
What's Not Included
You are responsible for:
Your backpack and personal items
Transportation to and from the canyon
Lodging before and after your trip
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance)
Hiking down South Kaibab PC: Jessica Janes
Phantom Ranch at Night PC: Darryl Partner
Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail
Looking down on Phantom Ranch PC: @brentleftwich
Itinerary
Please note that itinerary details are subject to change. Specific trails and distances traveled may be adjusted due to weather, trail maintenance or closures, or other factors outside our control. We will communicate any adjustments to the itinerary details during orientation.
Meet your Grand Canyon expert
Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff
PhDMarjorie “Slim” Woodruff was born in Arizona. Growing up in primeval desert, she became comfortable with things that crawl, sting, bite, and gnaw, which served her well when she started working with adolescents. While attending Northern Arizona University, she spent much of her free time exploring Grand Canyon. After graduation she led backpacking trips, taught cross-country skiing, drove a tour bus, and otherwise participated in outdoor education and recreation. Slim considers herself a lifelong learner, and employs her time researching Canyon history, anthropology, geology, and natural history. Her writing has appeared in the Grand Canyon anthology On Foot, and in High Country News Writers on the Range.
Cancellation Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip for any reason:
- 60+ days of program start date: full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee will be issued
- 59 - 45 days prior start date: 50% refund will be issued
- Less than 45 days to start date, or once trip has begun: we will retain your entire program fee with no exceptions.
Reserved spots are non-transferable to different programs. However, you may substitute members of your party, specific to the trip date with GCCFI approval, with no penalty, up to 30 days prior to departure date.
GCCFI reserves the right to cancel all, or a portion, of a trip for circumstance beyond our control. Circumstances might include, but are not limited to—public land closures, road closures, weather events, fires, or other natural events. Refunds are not offered in these situations. A full trip credit will be issued, minus any non-refundable expenses occurred by GCCFI if the program is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. GCCFI staff will work to change itinerary to another trail or move hiking locations to a safer area.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip if sign-up is inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate. In this event, we will give a full refund of the trip price.
GCCFI is not responsible for: air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We HIGHLY encourage the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any costs incurred if cancellation occurs
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”