Grand Canyon Rim to Rim - We got a cabin at Phantom Ranch!
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Published 2022-09-26
The holy grail of Grand Canyon trips involves a stay at Phantom Ranch. It only took me two years of trying, but I finally got a cabin. This meant we could ditch the heavy backpacks and go with day hiking gear, while still splitting the Rim to Rim hike into two days. Not to mention having a stay at what is basically the hotel with the best views in the world. This was happening!
We decided to hike from the Grand Canyon North Rim to the South Rim to save some of the elevaton gain. We shuttled trucks from the South Rim to the North, then set up camp outside the park on the north rim so we could get an early start.
6:00AM, we were at the North Kaibab Trailhead, ready to start our long day. The North Kaibab trail descends dramatically into the Grand Canyon in the first few miles, dropping thousands of feet in elevation. After a while you come to Roaring Springs and the Manzanita Resthouse. This is where you meet up with the creek where you will be near flowing water all the way down to the Colorado.
About halfway through the hike to Phantom Ranch, you come up to Ribbon Falls. Ribbon Falls is a unique and beautiful waterfall that is not to be missed! Well, unless you're Tina and you're completely exhausted and ready to get to your cabin at Phantom Ranch. I went solo and don't regret it for a second. Ribbon Falls is amazing.
Continuing on, you drop further and further into the canyon. The walls close in on you in the infamous "Box". The Box in the Grand Canyon traps heat and can be brutally hot at times. Luckily, the creek is nearby for relief.
And then you're there. Phantom Ranch comes into sight. Whether you're day hiking rim to rim or overnighting, it's definitely worth a stop at the canteen at Phantom Ranch to grab a lemonade or other snacks and supplies.
But for us, this was our destination for day 1. We had an amazing cabin, complete with electricity, a flushing toilet, beds and even air conditioning! I'm definitely not used to that kind of luxury when I hike. There are also showers! The vibe at Phantom Ranch is not to be missed. So laid back and chill.
We woke up and hit the trail by 3AM on day 2. I'm disappointed we missed the views of the Bright Angel Trail from the Silver Bridge up to Indian Garden Campground, but it was September and the heat was oppressive. For about a mile after crossing the Silver Bridge, you are on a trail on a sheer cliff adjacent to the Colorado River. I can't imagine the views and will definitely be back to see them when it's cooler.
At Indian Garden Campgrounds, it was time for a quick refill on water and a snack. Then it was on to the relentless switchbacks of the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail offers great views of the canyon below, but it seems to go on forever.
And then....that's it. You're at the parking lot and your journey is over. The crowds of tourists admiring the overlooks are jarring, yet you barely notice them because....you just hiked the Grand Canyon.
Overall, it's life changing. The Grand Canyon has me hooked and I can't wait to go back. Again and again and again.
Music by Artlist:
Love of Mine - The Hunts
Something Left to Hold Onto - James Forest
Hey Hey Honey - HillTopTrio
Woodland - Laurel Violet
Honey - Sunriver
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Bo - Lo Mimieux
As Pure as Driven Snow - Across the Great Valley
The Untold - Ever So Blue
All Comments (21)
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G.C. Doesn’t get any better. Problem is, what goes down must come up
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It’s so crazy how good your videos are, and views and subscribers don’t match what you deserved. The shots, editing, adventures, camera weight and just quality is a joy to watch. I was looking for hiking videos in Arizona and Utah and found your videos and a fan from the first video and been watching so many of them. Thank You for your work and adventures, new subscriber.
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There is something magical about having food and a couple of beers in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Great video.
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Jerry and Tina, just want you to know that whenever you post, I jump the queue of any other subscriptions offered to watch & view your posting first! It never disappoints!!! Thanks you two.
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Been there, done that, got the T-shirt... in 98. Enjoyed the video very much, thanks...
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Love your hats, got to have a great hat😂😂😂😂
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Just found you guys,, wonderful ❤
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Good sharing my friend 👍👍👍
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That looked awesome
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Awesome video. I hiked the North Rim trail down and back in 1985 and this video shows how beautiful but taxing it is. In July, 2022, I was in the ER in Flagstaff. My room mate was a 70 year old from Illinois who attempted this trail with his sons. He collapsed near the bottom and was rescued by the park service with a helicopter. He had nothing but kind words for the park service. The group had done research and done most things right. But this video shows how taxing the hike can be even going down. The two sons reversed steps and hiked back to the north rim. It was very difficult for them. Well done to Jerry and Tina and this is one of the most beautiful videos ever. Thank you!
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Tina is my soulmate 🤣🤣 This is me on EVERY backpacking trip.
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You two are awesome! Loved your trip and video. Wife and kids did it twice. First time was with our daughter who was three and son was six. We stayed one night at bottom. Second time was with our other daughter who was also three and out son who fifteen at that time. Kelsey our other daughter who had went the first time had passed away with an astrosytoma tumor. The trip was awesome both times. We complained too but the kids were troopers on both trips. Oh how I would Love to do it again! Thanks for sharing and rekindle old memories❤Thank you, David
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Thank you so much for this adventure ! Lovely all around and your wife is a real trooper. Found your channel on my recommendations and subscribed. Thank you...
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Great video I have done the rim to rim in a day . This is definitely the most true to the experience video :). Beautiful ❤️ but hot ! Great experience
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Ditto on the person below this! So love your videos...so proud of ya to have made it all that way..my body so appreciates you 🤣
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Thank you for sharing and continuing to inspire others to get out there!!
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Tina can check that trail off her bucket list. She is a real trooper. Now for Mexican! Cerveza frio.
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My husband and I were Grand Canyon,too. But we do not have enough time to travel. We need return for work And I made some video.too! Thanks for sharing!👏👍❤️🌹
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Jerry, that hat is fine for a costume party or something, otherwise you need another hat - almost any other hat. Heck, get a hat like Tina's :)
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Great video. I've done that trail and it beats you down pretty well. I dont blame her for being exhausted and a little cranky with you !!
