At Last...Phantom Ranch

Hiking down the North Kaibab Trail in one day will be a challenge second only to the hike out of the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail.  We know that we're going to need to recharge our bodies and mentally prepare for that ascent.

Phantom Ranch will be our "home" for two nights. Phantom Ranch has seemed mysterious ever since I first learned about it. Maybe the name contributes to the mystic. The idea of having a group of buildings and a year-round living area in such a remote environment is amazing.  How to get the supplies that are used? How to keep the surrounding area pristine with all the people traffic?

We're looking forward to our 5 p.m. steak dinner on the first night and then hitting the bunks.  Yes, bunks. Phantom Ranch offers limited dorm-type bunkhouses:  10 bunks for boys and 10 for girls. This is part of the reason why getting reservations are so difficult, limited space.  There are cabins, however, they are reserved for the mule trips, not for hikers.

The second day of our adventure the plan is to do a couple easy hikes around Phantom Ranch and spend the rest of the time relaxing and just exploring the area (map of Phantom Ranch area).  The hikes of interest:

• Clear Creek Overlook.  Sounds like it's just a couple mile hike that looks over Phantom Ranch and gives some great views/photo ops of the Canyon.  A steep ascent but generally not too taxing.
  
• River Loop. Hopefully we can get refreshed enough during the day that we can enjoy this scenic hike around sunset.  A nice way to end the day and get to bed early for an early departure the following morning.

In addition we look forward to the Ranger talks and camp fires in the evening that are raved about in reviews we've read.  We'll have pictures and chronicle our entire experience when we return.

We understand there is a phone there and calls can be made using a calling card.  Interested in getting a call from the floor of the Grand Canyon?  Send us your phone number and we'll add it to our calling list.

Of course there's a gift shop there (where ISN'T there a gift shop any more).  Phantom Ranch t-shirts are only sold there, they're not available at the rim or anywhere else.  We'll have to get a Phantom Ranch t-shirt.  I wonder if they have any "I Survived My GC Hike to Phantom Ranch" type of t-shirt?

Summary of Day Two: Rest, get our legs back under us, hydrate and energize while soaking in all the beauty and wonder from way down there at the floor.  The reality of what's ahead the next day will be heavy on our minds I'm sure.