Phantom Ranch

Architect Mary Colter expanded and modernized David Rust’s simple inner canyon camp, adding conveniences and touches of elegance while maintaining the flavor of a rustic, family-run guest ranch.

Phantom Ranch opened in 1922, though construction continued until 1930. Designed to resemble a working ranch, the cluster of guest cabins and a canteen are the only accommodations in the inner canyon.

Shaded by cottonwoods, lying between Bright Angel Creek [1] and the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch is a riparian oasis.

In addition to native seep willow and coyote willow, peach, pomegranate, and fig trees grow around the ranch. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up a winter camp here and made several improvements.

For hikers [2], river runners [3], and mule riders [4] who spend a night or two, there’s plenty to explore. The CCC-built River Trail follows the south side of the river, leading to Pipe Creek. On the opposite side of the river, the CCC also built the Clear Creek Trail [5], which climbs the cliffs for excellent views of Phantom Ranch and the Inner Gorge [6].

Ribbon Falls, another possible day-hike destination, lies six miles north of Phantom Ranch along the North Kaibab Trail [7].

For some river runners, the trip ends here at Phantom Ranch or about a mile downriver at lovely Pipe Creek, followed by the long, steep hike up Bright Angel Trail [8]. For those who’ve booked lower-canyon trips, this is where the adventure begins. (Whether you’re hiking up or down, Bright Angel Trail is challenging—there’s no shame in arranging ahead of time for a mule to carry your gear, or you.)