ultimate weekend in the canyon
Description:
This guide is designed for the fly-by visitor to the Grand Canyon. It is ideal for an active family or a small group of friends determined to mix adventure with leisure. Trip party will meet at the South Rim (most likely driving either from Flagstaff, AZ or Las Vegas, NV), from where they will hike into the canyon and stay at the rustic Phantom Ranch. This is a great spot to become intimately acquainted with the Colorado River, nearby ruins, and of course, the canyon itself.
Author: kgboggs
Day 1 - Grand Canyon National Park
This day begins bright and early at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Canyon Star restaurant is a great place to meet up with your party and get a good meal. From the restaurant, you'll drive to the Rim itself and acclimate yourself to the canyon by walking the short Rim Trail. This is a great photo opportunity and a chance to get your barrings before a long day of hiking.
From the South Rim, you can either hike the South Kaibab Trail or you can reserve a mule. The trail begins with a steep descent into the canyon. This is a beautiful, historic trail that is full of tremendous photo opportunities. Upon reaching the Colorado River, the trail will head right along the river where it will meet up with the Bright Angel Trail. Eventually the trail leads to a large metal suspension bridge which takes you over the mighty Colorado River, past the Bright Angel campgrounds and straight to Phantom Ranch.
Note that reservations for lodging and mule must be made well in advance. Reservations can be made here: http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/reservations-427.html
If you would like to camp instead of stay at Phantom Ranch, you will need a back country permit, which can be obtained here: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm
Make sure to bring plenty of water. Also, although there is a Canteen where you can eat, it is recommended that you bring a few meals worth of food with you. Once you're there, plenty of day hike options are available to you and you don't want to have to come back to the Ranch each time there is a rumble in your belly.
1
Canyon Star
Location:
view in google maps149 State Highway 64
Grand Hotel
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 33332
Rim Trail- South Rim
Location:
view in google mapsSouth Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 78883
South Kaibab Trail
Location:
view in google mapsAlong the side road to Yaki Point
(Short distance from East Rim Drive)
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 78884
Mule ride to Phantom Ranch
Location:
view in google mapsPhantom Ranch
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
5
Phantom Ranch Canteen
Location:
view in google mapsPhantom Ranch
P.O. Box 699
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
+1 928 638 2631Day 2 - Grand Canyon National Park
Welcome to you first full day of fun in the sun at the bottom of the canyon. From Phantom Ranch, there are plenty of unique opportunities for short day hikes or lounging near the river. You can take the North Kaibab trail as far as you'd like, where you'll find spectacular panoramic views and great places to play near small waterfalls and native ruins. Wear sunblock. The sun bakes the bottom of the canyon; don't let it bake you.
Or you can cross the bridge, turn left and walk alongside the Colorado River where you'll find the Bright Angel Trail. Though it eventually leads back to the South Rim, there are some great spots worth exploring. There is also the River loop, the Clear Creek Overlook, and Ribbon Falls (located about 5 and half miles up the North Kaibab Trail).
Indulge your monstrous hiking appetite at the Phantom Ranch Canteen.
2
North Kaibab Trail
Location:
view in google mapsNorth Kaibab Trailhead
(2 miles north of Grand Canyon Lodge)
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86022
Phone:
+1 928 645 6845Day 3 - Grand Canyon National Park
Today you climb out of the canyon. You can take one of two major trails. You can either go back the way you came on the South Kaibab Trail or if you would like to experience the canyon in a different way, which is a bit longer, but provides more shade, take the Bright Angel Trail.
Upon arriving at the South Rim, the first thing you'll want other than a hot shower is a hot meal. Cafe Tusayan is a great place for quick filling grub and microbeer. And they won't mind you walking in with dusty boots.
1
Bright Angel Trail
Location:
view in google mapsBetween Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 78882
Café Tusayan
Location:
view in google maps110 Hwy 64
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 2151