Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
7,334.00 ft (2,235.40 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
14.00 mi (22.53 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Ribbon Falls via Phantom Ranch is a 14-mile out-and-back route located in Grand Canyon National Park. This remote hike features unparalleled canyon hiking, a hidden waterfall, and some of the most spectacular gorge scenery! 

This route makes a great day trip for anyone spending the night at Phantom Ranch. Ribbon Falls is also a popular side trip for many visitors hiking rim-to-rim and/or traveling along the Arizona National Scenic Trail. 

From Phantom Ranch, hike north, following the creek, on the North Kaibab Trail for about 5.5 miles. Here, you should see signs indicating a juncture where the trail splits. Ribbons Falls is to the left, across the creek. If you continue north on Kaibab Trail you will be hiking towards the north rim. 

Once you have crossed the creek and you are headed towards Ribbon Falls its a few short ups and downs until you reach the actual waterfall. The waterfall is walled in and impossible to miss. Once you reach the waterfall you can enjoy the beautiful pool at the bottom of the fall or continue along the obvious footpath leading behind the waterfall for another unique and spectacular view. 

Be careful as you hike in this area because the ground may be wet and slippery or muddy depending on the time of year. 

Once you reach the waterfall, spend some time enjoying the awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping vision that pours out of the canyon wall in front of you!

Once you have had your fill, follow your footsteps back towards Phantom Ranch where you have hopefully secured a reservation for dinner!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Waterfall. Beautiful Gorge Scenery. Creekside Hiking.

Cons

Difficult to access overall.

Trailhead Elevation

2,645.00 ft (806.20 m)

Highest point

4,332.00 ft (1,320.39 m)

Features

Wildlife
Waterfalls
Backcountry camping
Geologically significant
Bird watching
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.