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Welcome to Phantom Ranch. Having descended more than a vertical mile below the rim of Grand Canyon, you have reached the bottom of one of the largest canyons in the world. The ranch continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the national park system; its accommodations are often sold out for a year in advance. The only modes of access to the ranch are by foot, mules or rafting the Colorado River. The two suspension trail bridges near the ranch are the only Colorado River crossings within a 200-mile distance.
This is one of the first views of the ranch when hikers arrive. Designed by Mary Colter and constructed in 1922, Phantom Ranch provided food, lodging, and comfort against an austere backdrop. The site now includes cabins, two male and two female dormitories, a restaurant (serving only people who book meals ahead of time), a mule corral, emergency medical facilities, and a park ranger station. The ranch can accommodate about 92 people on a nightly basis.
These are the only two cabins that have a queen beds for lodging. Kathy and I were extremely lucky to obtain cabin #2 on the left. The cabins have heat and AC along with an inside toilet and a small cold water sink. The showers are only a short walk away.
Here's Kathy enjoying her chocolate cake after our wonderful steak dinner. Everything here is brought in and out by mules. This is the last place in America where the mail is delivered and taken out by mule.
Somewhere up there is our destination for tomorrow's hike out. Time for a good night's sleep.
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