Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail
The hike to Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon from the South Rim. South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the canyon after Bright Angel Trail and there are a variety of viewpoints along the way. Phantom Ranch is a set of lodges on the canyon floor, so use this route as part of a longer backpacking adventure. You’ll also pass the Bright Angel Campground on the way.
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Route Description for Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail is the second-most visited trail in the entire Grand Canyon. With several viewpoints accessible without any extreme hiking, it’s a great trail to wander down to take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Those bound for Phantom Ranch will deal with more intense grades and intimidating sections of the trail. We don’t recommend trying to do this hike in a day. Book in at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel to break up this big trek.
There may be mules on this trail packing out trash from Phantom Ranch. Should you come up to mules, listen to the handler’s directions on how to pass them. If you come up from behind, just announce yourself and listen for instructions on how to pass once it’s safe to do so.
From the trailhead, you’ll hike out along the ridge. About a half-mile into the outbound trip, you’ll pass Yaki Point on your right, a popular viewpoint. At the point, look out over the amazing view to the east. Ahead of you is Cedar Ridge, a popular turnaround point for casual hikers. Ahead of Cedar Ridge is O’Neill Butte, from which there’s plenty of canyon to appreciate in almost all directions. Hiking around the east side of the butte, you’ll continue to Skeleton Point. This is where things get interesting.
Descend through very steep switchbacks, then continue down to a suspension bridge. Hike off the edge of The Tipoff, winding down towards the river. More switchbacks take you to the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. Cross, pass Bright Angel Campground, and arrive at Phantom Ranch. The return trip follows the same route.
Getting to the Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail is on Yaki Point Road.
Route Information
Phantom Ranch via South Kaibab Trail Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off
- Pipe Creek Vista Hike
- Yavapai Geology Museum to Verkamp’s Hike
- Grand Canyon Rim Trail
- Skeleton Point via South Kaibab Trail
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- Plateau Point via Bright Angel Trail
- Indian Garden Campground via Bright Angel Trail
- South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
- South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
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- Shoshone Point Trail