Phantom Ranch Information

 

Phantom Ranch Area Closures 2026

Considering an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground?

CLOSED — as of August 29, 2026 - due to flash flooding:

• The entirety of Phantom Ranch, including Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen, and Phantom Ranch cabins.
  
• The entirety of the North Kaibab Trail. This includes the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch. This closure is a result of significant flash flooding to the Bright Angel Canyon on Friday 8/29.

Trail Status and Closures

CURRENTLY OPEN : (updated August 29, 2026)

• South Kaibab Trail from the South Kaibab Trailhead to the Black Bridge and the junction with River Trail.
• Tonto Trail from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens.
• Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point.
• Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Trailhead to River Resthouse.
• The River Trail east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction.

CLOSED AT THIS TIME:

• The entire North Kaibab Trail
• The Black Bridge spanning the Colorado River.
• The Silver Bridge spanning the Colorado River
• Phantom Ranch
• Bright Angel Campground

There is no estimated reopening of these closure areas at this time.

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Visit our Key Hiking Messages page for:

• Today's Critical Updates
• Inner Canyon Trail and Location Closures Map
• Drinking Water Availability
• Inner Canyon Weather Forecast and Heat Risk
• NOTE: Backcountry Permits are required to camp overnight inside the canyon.

 

Some Views of Phantom Ranch

NPS/Michael Quinn

Staying Overnight

Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders. Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase.

Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required. Reservations are made through Xanterra via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance. The park's Backcountry Information Center does not make reservations for Phantom Ranch lodging or meals. Overnight guests of Phantom Ranch who have advance reservations do not need to obtain backcountry camping permits.

Reservations for meals and lodging are required.
Make reservations on-line up to 15 months in advance at http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/phantom-ranch/
An NPS backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch

Learn more: Read the Phantom Ranch Lottery FAQ

To view more photos of Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/grand_canyon_nps/sets/72157627065986377/

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Mule Trip Information

Taking a mule ride at the Grand Canyon is a tradition that began more than 100 years ago.

Trips into the canyon - as well as rides through the park's woodlands to scenic canyon overlooks - are offered on both the North and South Rims. Details

 

Duration:

9 minutes, 50 seconds

Visit Phantom Ranch, a historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon; a storied place that can only be reached on foot, by mule, or by rafting the Colorado River.

 

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HIKE SMART - For a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

Prepare for your hike before you arrive:

• Your First time?
  To hike or backpack Grand Canyon? Find the basic information HERE.
• Review the Hiking Tips section.
• In summer read the Summer Hiking page and in winter read the Winter Hiking page.
• Check the Key Hiking Messages - Critical Updates and Closures webpage for current information on trail conditions and situations affecting the backcountry.
• Watch the Hiking Grand Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking video.
• Listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts (transcripts available).

 

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Phantom Ranch Self-guided Walking Tour

(2.60 MB PDF File) revised 12/2013

Like a long-forgotten diary in a dusty cellar, Phantom Ranch tells stories of a time gone by.

On this walking tour, follow along in the diaries and footsteps — of Phantom Ranch’s pioneers.

 

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