I know that many people hesitate to plan a overnight trip into the Grand Canyon because about 95% of the time it means that you have to lug a heavy pack and not everyone loves the thought of sleeping in a tent. There is an alternative to Grand Canyon backpacking and that’s planning a hike to the bottom with a stay at Phantom Ranch.

Phantom Ranch is an historic guest ranch that is nestled along the Bright Angel creek on the bottom of the Canyon. Don’t expect a 4 star hotel but it is has a wonderful rustic charm and, most of all, beds instead of sleeping bags. The Ranch has several guest cabins and hikers dorms for sleeping accommodations and all meals are available from the ranch canteen. Dinner can be a treat especially during the cooler months. Nothing tastes better than a hearty beef stew or even a steak dinner after 5 hours on the trail even if the food is overpriced. (It is brought down by mule, after all) There are even showers which is considered a luxury in backcountry. Furthermore, no heavy backpack to carry. All you need to pack are your clothes, personal items and snacks for the trail.

Sounds pretty good? Obviously, this is the luxury way to ”camp” in the canyon and its really appealing to a large group of people. As a result the Ranch sells out about a year in advance with rooms going on sale on the first day of the month a year ahead of time. For example, February 2010 rooms will go on sale at 7 am Mountain time on February 1st 2009. It’s best to get on the phone right away and keep it on redial because you have to be persistant to get through.   Most of 2009 is already sold but there are spaces available for non busy months if you are willing to be flexible with dates.

Just Roughin’ It has some Phantom Ranch trips already set up for September and November of this year. Each trip includes a stay at the Ranch as well as 1 dinner and 1 breakfast. We’ll take care of lunch and snacks, especially since our lunches are much better than the hiker’s lunch from the Ranch.

The Canteen At Phantom Ranch

There is a down side to staying at Phantom Ranch as opposed to backpacking. With a Ranch stay, you are committed to hiking from the bottom to the top in one day since you are not carrying gear. This is a hike of almost 10 miles with a 4,460 foot elevation gain on the Bright Angel Trail or a 7 mile but steeper hike on the South Kaibab Trail. My experience is that this hike can take 6 to 8 hours to complete. That’s a long day even with a small pack. By comparison when you backpack out, you can stop for a night at Indian Garden Campground which leaves a 4.5 mile hike on your last day with a 3,000 ft elevation gain. I’ve had folks in average shape complete the hike on the final day in about 4 to 4.5 hours.

Options are good, that’s why I’ve decided to give you all some info on this option which you can use whether you decide to make the trip on your own or choose to go on one our guided trips to the Ranch.

Happy Hiking.