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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a hike up a narrow canyon to a waterfall appeals to you, Ribbon Falls is your hike. This hike is accessed from either Bright Angel campground or Phantom Ranch. You can hike in via the Bright Angel trail or the South Kaibab trail. Alternatively, you can reach this area from a river rafting trip on the Colorado River. This canyon is located at river mile 88 on river right. Yet another way to see this waterfall is via the Cottonwood campground, which is reached by hiking the North Kaibab trail from the North rim of the Grand Canyon. From the Cottonwood campground, Ribbon Falls is accessed by an easy 1 mile walk downstream of the campground. Be Aware of: Creek crossing. This is a Moderate difficulty hike. 35 yr old Recommendation: If you have a rest day at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel campground, this hike is a wonderful way to enjoy the area. Elevation change: About 1200 ft gradual ascent.
[Elevation from Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls] Distance: 11.4 miles round trip (to the waterfall and back) Time: It took us about 5.0 hours total. Time of year: All year Solitude: Not so good during the Spring to Fall season. This corridor is among the most heavily traveled hiking in the entire Grand Canyon area. In the winter you can expect some solitude, as the North Rim access is closed. When I did this hike in January, I only saw 1 other hiker. Map: Click here for map So you're at Phantom ranch waiting for the next group of rafters to hike down so you can continue your river trip. Or perhaps you've hiked down the Bright Angel trail, camped at Bright Angel Campground, and you're looking for a hike to explore the area. Here's a good way to stretch your legs and still enjoy some nice scenery without too much climbing. Ribbon Falls is a lovely oasis located about 5.7 miles up the Bright Angel canyon from Phantom Ranch. There has been a great deal of trail work on this section of the North Kaibab trail, so it makes for easy walking. From Phantom Ranch, this trail heads north through an area known as 'the box' because the canyon narrows significantly and the trail crosses the creek a few times while staying high off the river. This section of the trail is especially enjoyable, as you'll be walking on a narrow trail above a perennial creek for several hours. There are also some bridges to cross the creek that add to the experience. After this section the canyon starts to widen. Eventually, Ribbon Falls will be visible to your left across Bright Angel Creek. There is a sign on the trail pointing to 'Ribbon Falls bridge access'. If the water in the creek is high (or you don't feel comfortable rock hopping across the creek), continue on the North Kaibab trail to reach the bridge. Unfortunately, there is a healthy hill to climb and then descend to get to the bridge crossing. It is less work to take the faint trail to the left that heads directly to Ribbon Falls. There are a number of places to cross the creek without getting your feet wet. The trail to the base of Ribbon falls is more rocky and requires some minimal bush whacking to reach. Ribbon falls is an excellent reward for your effort. The water falls onto a huge rock, completely covered in moss. There is also an alcove to your right to explore to give a different view of the waterfall. When ready, return the way you came.
[Bridge over Bright Angel Creek]
[Ribbon Falls]
[Happy Deer along the trail]
[The trail along Bright Angel Creek] We did this hike in late January 2009. |
