Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch

Near the bottom of the canyon is a hideout for adventurous souls who brave a strenuous 9.7-mile hike or mule ride from the rim downhill or rafting along the Colorado River – the Grand Canyon phantom ranch. Located alongside the Bright Angel Creek, the Grand Canyon phantom ranch is reached by only those three means.

Completed in 1922, the Grand Canyon phantom ranch serves as the only facility below the canyon that can house visitors in dormitory-style rustic lodges. The dormitory cabins are separately intended for male and female visitors. Each cabin has five bunk beds and is equipped with evaporative coolers to protect lodgers from the summer heat and also helps cool down exhausted backpackers. The cabins are furnished with cold-water sinks, toilets, and a separate shower house.

The Grand Canyon phantom ranch overnight stays are easily accessible for mule riders since they are included in the mule trips. However, it is not unusual to book a reservation in the phantom ranch 13 months in advance to avoid sleeping in a campsite nearby for hikers and rafters.

The menu in the Grand Canyon phantom ranch consists of a vegetable dinner ($21.00), vegetable stew ($21.00), and steak ($31). Breakfasts are also available at $18 while sack lunches are at $10. Meals also need to be reserved in advance at the Bright Angel Transportation desk at least before the descent.

Park officials advises hikers to pack plenty of water as it could be an arduous way back on the rim from the grand canyon phantom ranch. Alternately, if you choose to trek on the Bright Angel trail, water-refilling stations are available it three locations. There is none on the South Kaibab trail, although it's another safe route for hikers. The sun will probably melt your adrenaline up so quickly.

To avoid rushing yourself, begin hiking just before sunrise and find a shady place to rest by 10a.m. Do not attempt to pursue your hike between 10a.m. to 4p.m. where the sun is at its hottest and the ultraviolet rays can burn your stamina. Resume hiking uphill in late afternoon. You can also opt to go on a side trip to Plateau Point where you can enjoy a scenic view of the Grand Canyon while waiting out for the sun.

The canyon, particularly in the south rim, has a semi-arid climate where temperatures can go up to 20°C. Wherever you want to go in the canyon, pack lightly and bring only the most essential that you'll find useful in the trip. Remember, the canyon's depth is over a mile and the hike is 9.7 miles long – it's quite an uphill climb back to the rim.