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Starry Skies at Phantom Ranch
Backpacking Trips , Natural & Cultural History

Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour

Experience the thrill of staying at the legendary Phantom Ranch, nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon! 

  • Dates: February 2–5, 2026
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • 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)

Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Thumbnail

Hiking down South Kaibab

Hiking down South Kaibab PC: Jessica Janes

Phantom Ranch at Night

Phantom Ranch at Night PC: Darryl Partner

Cedar Ridge South Kaibab

Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail

Looking down on Phantom Ranch

Looking down on Phantom Ranch PC: @brentleftwich

Itinerary

Cancellation and Refund Policy 

Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip early for any reason: 

  • 60+ Days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.  
  • 59-45 Days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued
  • Less than 45 days prior to trip start date: no refund 

Reserved spots are transferable to different trips, if there is availability. This transfer can occur up to 45 days prior to the trip's start date.  

Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due the following circumstances; failure to meet the participant minimum and loss of scheduled staff due to injury or illness. In this event, participants will receive a full refund.  

In addition, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute may cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, natural disasters, park closures, and health emergencies, and there is no alternative trip is available to you. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If the trip is a multiday program and GCCFI cancels 2 weeks prior due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive full refund minus 10% administrative fee.  

Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute is not responsible for: flight tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.  

We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any cost incurred if cancellation occurs.  

Payment Plan Policy 

To secure your booking, a 10% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your reservation and guarantees your spot on the tour. An additional 50% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure

The remaining 40% of the balance is due 45 days before departure. Please ensure the final payment is made by this deadline to avoid any delays or complications with your tour. 

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the payment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Timely payments ensure we can provide the best possible experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on your tour.

Testimonials

Family of 4 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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.”

Family of 5 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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!”

Five hikers standing on forest cliff edge overlooking Grand Canyon 2017

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!”

Group of hikers standing and smiling in front of canyon from ground level at Grand Canyon

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.”

Field Institute guide educating group of hiker tourists seated on beach with water and canyon in background

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.”