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*Phantom Ranch Updates - for the most up-to-date information, please check the official Phantom Ranch Lodging page.
Visiting and staying overnight at the Grand Canyon’s historic oasis, Phantom Ranch, is on every adventure traveler’s bucket list…and for good reason too! As the only lodging at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Phantom Ranch allows visitors and hikers to experience the canyon’s beauty and serenity after hours.
My 3-day, 2-night adventure in Phantom Ranch in November 2023 is hands-down one of the most rewarding and unique experiences I’ve had. Being able hike below the Grand Canyon rim to stargaze below the rim in an International Dark Skies Park was MOVING, with some of the biggest and brightest stars I’ve seen! And the Milky Way performed for us too. But what I truly enjoyed was being able to indulge in the beauty and remoteness that comes when you’re at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. With no service and no distractions, you could just truly live in the moment without a single worry.
But because of the extreme demand to stay at Phantom Ranch by adventurers all over the world, getting reservations to stay here is incredibly hard. Not only does getting a reservation requires advanced planning and flexibility, but also luck.
In this ultimate Phantom Ranch travel guide, you’ll find:
For everything you need to know to plan your trip to Phantom Ranch, check out my "Ultimate Phantom Ranch Travel Guide"!
Spending a weekend in Phantom Ranch is on the more expensive side when it comes to outdoor adventures, but it’s worth it. To hike to and spend 3 days and 2 nights at Phantom Ranch in November 2023, our group of 4 spent a total of $1,013.46 ($253.37/person). Here’s the breakdown of the Phantom Ranch prices we paid (including taxes):
For a detailed cost breakdown of Phantom Ranch prices and how much it costs to go to Phantom Ranch, check out my ultimate travel guide “The Ultimate Phantom Ranch Travel Guide - How to Visit the Grand Canyon’s Hidden Gem”
Advanced reservations are required to stay at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand Canyon National Park. Emphasis on “advanced reservations” because you’ll need to start planning your trip to Phantom Ranch at least 15 months before your desired trip dates!
Because Phantom Ranch is on every adventure traveler’s bucket list, demand is EXTREMELY high, and getting a reservation is incredibly difficult. It takes persistence and luck to be able to get a reservation for Phantom Ranch. Here’s how to make a reservation to stay at Phantom Ranch:
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You must enter the Phantom Ranch lottery for a chance to make a reservation 15 months in advance.
If you are not having any luck winning the Phantom Ranch lottery or looking for last-minute reservations, you can check the General Phantom Ranch Availability. These reservations are any unsold or unclaimed availability left after eligible lottery winners book their reservations.
I highly recommend spending at least 2 nights in Phantom Ranch so you have enough time to experience and explore the best that the bottom of the Grand Canyon has to offer. From wildlife watching to stargazing, to relaxing by the Colorado, there are so many things to do below the Grand Canyon rim.
Hiking to and staying overnight at Phantom Ranch is not only the best way to explore Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, but it’s one of those unique and rewarding lifetime adventures! Although it’s extremely difficult to get a reservation to stay at Phantom Ranch, with some advanced planning and luck, you can make this trip happen.
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