Grand Canyon Part 2: Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is one of those impossibly romantic and nostalgic places that really does take you back in time (well, except for the hot and cold running water, electricity to charge you iPhone, and the cold and tasty Bright Angel IPA). The camp was beautifully designed by architect Mary Jane Colter in 1929. It was then already a tourist camp called Rust's Camp (est. 1902) after the man who populated the area with cottonwood and fruit trees. Teddy Roosevelt used the camp during a hunting trip to the North Rim in 1913 and the camp was renamed Roosevelt's Camp. In 1922, the Fred Harvey Company commissioned Ms. Colter to redesign the area. The buildings, many still in use today, were designed using native materials and blend well with the natural beauty of the area. 

Part 3 (Bright Angel)

The dorms (two female and two male) each have five bunkbeds. We stayed in No. 13, second from the end.

The beds were comfy, the shower was clean and hot, and the rest of the plumbing was modern. Not bad digs, but next time, I plan on camping because the skies are amazing in the virtual blackout conditions of the camp.

Bright Angel IPA from Lumberyard Brewing in Flagstaff. Actually, a delicious IPA and only six bucks. However, you had to consume it in the dining canteen (below), forcing everyone to commune over drinks. Not a bad thing all-in-all.

The canteen, where we spent any time not outside or sleeping in our bunks. Dinners at 5 and 6:30; breakfasts at 5:30 and 7. Dinner was steak and potatoes (after a hike?), beef stew, or Vegetarian chili. The vegetarian chili was basically just beans and onions (obviously made by a carnivore), but tasty none-the-less. There was cornbread and salad, both well-wrought. Breakfast was eggs and pancakes, and chunks of animal flesh, flat or tubular, for those who didn't get enough the night before.

Private cabins were also available for anyone wanting to share a bed.

Dusk view of the South Rim, looming 5,000 feet above.

Bright Angel Camp, right, where I plan to stay during my Rim to Rim hike.

Morning view of the South Rim as we begin our hike out.

Horse & burro corral.

What, me worry?

My friend Ira Yedlin (that's right, grand/father to the Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin) looking none the worse for the wear. He's an amazing hiker I will say.

Some of the cowboys and horse people who joined us hikers at the camp.