Phantom Ranch Tour

PACKING LISTS

IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED

Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).

Packing List Video

For more guidance on the packing list, we recommend watching our Wildland Packing List Video. A senior Wildland guide and outdoor retail expert walks us through each item with examples and insights. Click here to see the video.

STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST

The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, and ideally well broken in (Boots GG – Shoes GG)
  (Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Secondary Footwear – supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for camp comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
  (Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters)
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
• Cotton T-shirts – 2 short and/or long sleeve cotton t-shirts.
  (Note: April-October only. Cotton retains moisture and helps to cool the body down in hot, arid desert environments. Cotton shirts are critical garments in terms of safety and comfort in the hotter months.)
• Hiking Shirt – 1 non-cotton, breathable long sleeve shirt (Shirts GG – Sun Hoodies GG)
  (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layer GG)
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Pants GG – Shorts GG)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. (Rain Coats GG)

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (OCTOBER TO APRIL)

• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (GG)
• Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layer GG)
• Rain Pants – waterproof pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. Look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Pants GG)

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the exception of the “Cotton T-shirts” section above (which are important!) Feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference our Gear Guide.

GEAR CHECKLIST

• Hydration System – 3+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG)
  (Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamps GG)
  (Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries)
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
• 2 Bandanas
• Contact Lenses and Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
• Prescription Medication – please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
• 1-2 Face Masks (Recommended but Optional)
• Toiletries – small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
• Money – for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
  (Note: tipping is optional but appreciated, industry recommendation is 10-20% of your trip cost based upon the quality of your experience)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Personal Trekking Poles – as a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
• Swimsuit – only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
• Stuff Sacks – various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
  (Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions)
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
• Camp Reading Material – lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
• Cell Phone or Camera 
• Spare Batteries – for camera, headlamp or other electronics
• Solar Charger or Charging Bank – small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics
• Vitamins & Supplements
• Quick Dry Towel – lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work

TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING

MEETING TIME & PLACE

Unless we tell you otherwise, you will meet your guide and group in the lobby of the Bright Angel Lodge at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins. For Private Phantom Ranch Tours your guide can meet you at your hotel in Tusayan or at the South Rim at an agreed upon time.

TRIP CONCLUSION

This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES

Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.

GATEWAY CITIES:

Phoenix or Flagstaff, Arizona

SHUTTLE FROM PHOENIX/Flagstaff TO The South Rim

Groome Transportation

TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD

We utilize national park transportation from the South Rim Village to our starting trailhead. Our ending trailhead is at the South Rim Village.

STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES

The best place to store your luggage and vehicle is at your hotel.

PRE & POST-TRIP LODGING

National Park Lodges
Website / 1-888-29-PARKS (888-297-2757)

Grand Canyon Squire Inn (Tusayan, AZ)
Website / Phone: 928-638-2681

Grand Hotel (Tusayan, AZ)
Website / Phone: 928-638-3333

TRIP INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover inside of 30 days (prior to your trip departure date) that you are unable to travel, no refund is available. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.

Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR TRIP

We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. There are two elevations to check when looking at Grand Canyon weather forecasts:

• South Rim
• Phantom Ranch (Bottom of Grand Canyon)

PACK WEIGHT AND CONTENTS

You will be hiking with a day pack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip – clothing, extra layer(s), rain jacket, water, snacks, personal items…etc.

ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 15-25 POUNDS

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

TRAINING TIPS

The better shape you’re in the more fun you’ll have! We recommend very strongly that you train for your trip.

TRAINING BY HIKING

If you have access to hiking trails in hilly or mountainous terrain, this is the ideal way to train. If not, we recommend using the Stairmaster machine (with rotating stairs like an escalator) or actually training on stairs. Nothing prepares you for a trip better than the activity itself!

Train at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes or workouts (1-hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and intensity of your hikes/workouts and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip. It’s best to begin your training regimen at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Also be sure to use the boots you’ll have on your trip to break them in.

Following is how a program may look:

SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING IDEAS

There are many other activities that are easily incorporated into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross training is important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it helps to avoid over-use injuries. Supplemental training ideas include:

• Bike to work or when running errands.
• Gym activities including step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling, or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight training program focusing on the muscles that support the ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.
• Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.
• Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by walking and carry your groceries home in a backpack.
• Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.
• Intramural sports
• Jogging is another option, however if you are not a regular runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.

FLEXIBILITY AND HYDRATION

Flexibility is an important part of training. Remember to stretch before and after your workouts. For the two weeks leading up to your trip cut your workouts in half to avoid arriving fatigued. Also for a 72-hour period before your trip commences, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids. Doctors agree that hikers increase the likelihood of experiencing problems if they are sodium depleted (e.g., follow a low sodium diet) or are dehydrated (due to travel or using diuretics such as coffee or alcohol).

Important note: Always consult with your physician before commencing with a workout program.

GROUP TRAVEL

Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.

It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.

Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.

TIPPING YOUR GUIDE

Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated!  Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!

The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!

GUIDE SHIFTS

Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

Grand Canyon Maps

Grand Canyon National Park requires guide companies to provide every guest access to a map of the area(s) we’ll be hiking. You’ll find the map link(s) below. If you’d like, you can download and print  or download to your phone for access during the trip. Your guide will also have a high quality, detailed, waterproof topographical map that you can reference out on the trail.

• Corridor Area Map