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    Hikes/United States/Arizona/Grand Canyon National Park

    Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6-8.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    23.2 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    722 m
    User Ratings
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    If you’re down at Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon, use this route guide to reach Cottonwood Campground. Backpackers traveling rim to rim can also use this route no matter which way they’re headed through the canyon. This route reflects an out and back journey, but you can halve the distance if you only need to follow it one way as a point-to-point hike. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

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    Route Description for Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch

    The route from Phantom Ranch to Cottonwood Campground is an important one for hikers traveling rim to rim or those backpacking in the Grand Canyon. Connecting the main lodge and accommodations in the canyon to the closest major campsite to the North Rim, this route reflects an out and back journey but the distance can be halved to plan a point-to-point route.

    You’ll hike through a canyon on this route, a lively stream keeping you company. The scenery is divine and the constant access to water makes refueling and hydrating easy. Remember to book your sites and permits early, especially if you plan to hike rim to rim.

    The route begins just south of Phantom Ranch near Bright Angel Campground, but no matter which spot you’re staying at, you’ll hike north through Phantom Ranch on North Kaibab Trail. The route weaves through a gorgeous canyon, the flowing creek your soundtrack for the duration of the hike. Water crossings may be required.

    Take an optional side trip to Ribbon Falls when they pass on your left. Soon, you’ll arrive at Cottonwood Campground.

    Getting to the Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch Trailhead

    The trailhead for the hike to Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch is at the north end of Bright Angel Campground.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Bright Angel, Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground

    • When to do

      May-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch Elevation Graph

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    Cottonwood Campground via Phantom Ranch Reviews

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