3-Nights Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking from $3,495

MT Sobek

OFFER ID 1680441

Challenge yourself to a short but incredibly sweet adventure, hiking from the South Rim down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up the next day with a well-earned night in the comfort of Phantom Ranch in between. You'll cover 17 miles on two of the park's most scenic corridor trails, descending almost 4,800 feet along the spectacular South Kaibab Trail to the banks of the Colorado River, and climbing back up to the rim on famed Bright Angel Trail, enjoying classic Grand Canyon views the entire way. Although the hiking can be demanding at times, this trip provides a fantastic opportunity for very fit hikers to enjoy a truly immersive experience in the Grand Canyon wilderness.

Highlights:

Hike two sensational trails to reach the floor of the Grand Canyon and return
Rest at the renowned Phantom Ranch instead of camping between your hikes
Learn about the canyon's rich geological and natural history from exceptional guides

Important Trip Details:
You will need to be in excellent shape so you can carry your large daypack weighing 15-25 pounds for 7 miles (4,780' elevation loss) down to Phantom Ranch and 10 miles (4,300' elevation gain) back up to the rim of the canyon the next day, maintaining a 2+ mile per hour pace.

Minimum Age: 18

3 nights from $3,495 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

MT Sobek: Arizona Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch South Rim Hiking 4 Day

Day 1 Marvel at an Ancient Pueblo, Architectural Landmark & Grand Canyon Views
4.5 hours private van transfer
3 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Your trip begins after meeting up with your guides and group in Tempe or Flagstaff, Arizona. Together you head north through the Sonoran Desert and Sunset Crater National Monument with stunning views of its towering cinder cone and volcanic terrain. After a scenic stop for lunch, explore the stone foundations of 12th-century Wupatki Pueblo and the "breathing earth" at Wupatki National Monument, where past civilizations and natural wonders leave a lasting impression. As you enter the park, pause at the 70-foot-tall Desert View Watchtower, perched on the canyon's edge. Designed by Mary Colter in 1932, Desert View contains a wealth of murals depicting Hopi traditions and stories. Arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, you will have some free time to enjoy panoramic views of this awe-inspiring gorge. Feel the excitement rising at dinner this evening, as your guides explain what to expect during tomorrow's adventure down to Phantom Ranch.
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge
(L, D)

Day 2 Descend the South Kaibab Trail & Arrive at Phantom Ranch
7 miles hiking with 4,780' elevation loss
Begin your journey into the inner canyon on the most direct—and one of the most scenic—routes to the Colorado River. The hand-built South Kaibab Trail follows open ridgelines that provide jaw-dropping 360-degree views throughout the seven-mile descent. Hiking down along a series of switchbacks, you eventually reach the aptly named Ooh-Aah Point before continuing on to Cedar Ridge, a flat plateau where you may encounter a mule train en route to the bottom of the canyon. At Skeleton Point, peer down and catch a glimpse of the mighty Colorado, perpetually carving its way through the canyon as it has for millions of years. The last part of your hike leads you along the big river itself, then over a suspension bridge as you approach Phantom Ranch, serenely nestled on the banks of Bright Angel Creek. Tonight, you enjoy a hot meal at the Phantom Ranch Canteen before stepping outside to gaze up at an inky canopy speckled with countless twinkling stars.
Accommodation: Phantom Ranch
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Reach the South Rim via Bright Angel Trail & Havasupai Gardens
10 miles hiking with 4,300' elevation gain
At sunrise, prepare to conquer the canyon, ascending on the iconic Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River, the path winds up to the shady oasis of Havasupai Gardens, where you'll eat lunch and replenish your water. Your next challenge is Jacob's Ladder, a steep climb through the Redwall layer. This demanding hike calls for endurance, but your guides will share essential tips for a successful ascent. With proper hydration, pacing, and determination, you'll soon be celebrating at the rim, exchanging high-fives and pats on the back. Just a few steps away, your lodge offers a well-earned retreat. Tonight, you'll relish your achievement with a celebratory gathering before settling in for a restful night. Please Note: Portions of the Bright Angel Trail are currently closed due to ongoing work on the Transcanyon Waterline Project—planned through June 30, 2026. When the Bright Angel Trail is closed, the group will return to the rim via the South Kaibab Trail. For the latest updates, please visit:
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Explore the South Rim & Depart
4 hours private van transfer
3 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss (optional)
For those eager to soak in more canyon views, the Rim Trail offers a scenic walk along the South Rim, with breathtaking overlooks and a chance to reflect on your journey. Stop by historic landmarks like the Mary Colter-designed Hopi House or explore the many interpretive centers to learn more about the canyon's geology and history. Enjoy a relaxed morning taking in the sights before departing for your drop-off location in Flagstaff or Tempe in the late afternoon. As your adventure winds down, depart carrying unforgettable memories of your time at the Grand Canyon.
Accommodation: Kachina Lodge
(L)

Featured Destinations

North Rim

The breathtaking North Rim rewards travelers with greater silence and isolation than can be found on the South Rim. It receives only a fraction of the park's total visitors, partly because it closes in the winter and partly because it's in a rather remote location.

The park boundary on the North Rim is 30 mi/50 km south of Jacob Lake, Arizona, on Highway 67, making it more convenient to Utah than to central and southern Arizona. The canyon itself is the barrier that makes it time-consuming to go from the South Rim to the North, and as a result, the North Rim is often seen on a separate trip, if it's seen at all.

The North Rim is usually accessible mid-May to late October. (The exact dates vary each year, depending on the weather.) Generally, the road from Jacob Lake to the North Rim opens around 15 May, as do the lodge, campground and other services. They close in mid-October, but day visits to the area are allowed until the snow falls. There is no public transportation to the North Rim other than the Trans-Canyon Shuttle from the South Rim.

The North Rim is strikingly different from the South. When the Colorado River cut through, it headed south of the main Kaibab Plateau uplift, leaving the North Rim standing more than 1,000 ft/300 m higher than the South Rim. It has cooler temperatures, and thick forests of spruce, fir, locust and ponderosa pine are mixed with stands of aspen and meadows of wildflowers. It resembles the pine forests of Colorado more than the desert that most people identify with Arizona. You're also likely to see more wildlife: mule deer, porcupine, beaver and the rare Kaibab squirrel.

The main facilities on the North Rim are near Bright Angel Point. There you'll find the impressive Grand Canyon Lodge, a historic stone-and-log structure perched right on the rim of the canyon. Camping, restaurants and other concessions are available in the area, but there are fewer options than on the South Rim. The North Rim offers many of the same activities, however: scenic drives, mule trips and hiking (everything from short jaunts on nature trails to multiday backpacking journeys into the canyon).

The drive to Cape Royal from Bright Angel Point is considered by some to be better than either of the South Rim drives. Because this is a winding road with many stunning sights along the way, take at least a half-day to enjoy the drive. The road runs for 23 mi/37 km, passing many overlooks as it heads east to Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Visitors can enjoy a number of short trails along the way. A self-guided walking tour of the Walhalla Ruins, where Pueblo people dwelled a thousand years ago, is an interesting stop. The Cliff Springs Trail (across the road from the Angel's Window Overlook), which meanders down a wooded ravine past a small Pueblo ruin, is a 1-mi/2-km hike (round-trip) that can be done in about an hour. From the parking lot at the end of the Cape Royal road, an easy 0.6-mi/1-km trail leads to Angel's Window, a scenic rock portal. The views there are fantastic.

More adventurous souls in search of an even more pristine view far from the crowds should make the two-hour drive to Point Sublime, about 17 mi/26 km west of the Widforss Trailhead. Note that four-wheel drive is required to reach this viewpoint, as the only access is via a fairly rough dirt road. Check with rangers regarding road conditions before attempting the trip.

Grand Canyon National Park

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/04/2026 - 04/07/2026

from $3,495 per person

06/18/2026 - 06/21/2026

from $3,495 per person

06/24/2026 - 06/27/2026

from $3,495 per person

10/29/2026 - 11/01/2026

from $3,495 per person

11/27/2026 - 11/30/2026

from $3,495 per person

12/18/2026 - 12/21/2026

from $3,495 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,495 per person

Length

3 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1680441

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