New Year's Eve at Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon - South Kaibab & Bright Angel Trails

[@DWilton]

Tina for President. It's just that simple! Love your hikes!

[@gaylepolovitch1951]

The best video ever, phantom ranch, the stars, I'm there too, buddies❤❤❤❤❤

[@BackcountryExposure]

That rain was wild! I have yet to visit the GC. Your videos are upping the need for a visit.

[@JerryArizona]

Man, you HAVE to do it. Avoided it for years (out of intimidation), then I finally did it and now I'm hooked. Our trip earlier in the year (Hermit Trail -> Granite Rapids (camp night 1) -> Indian Garden (camp night 2) -> Out Bright Angel was an amazing route. Highly recommended for a first trip. Indian Garden would probably be the toughest reservation, but I bet you could find an alternative route on the way out that is easier to get with your experience.

[@RyanGuzy]

Great video! My daughter and I hiked down South Kaibab on New Years Eve too, we stayed in the campground. She is the one that did the Scorpion Drop this year! We hiked out Bright Angel on Monday, it was a great trip.

[@JerryArizona]

Your daughter is amazing. Couldn't believe a 5(?) year old was down there, hiking in and out and even carrying her own pack! AND almost passed us on the way in. Impressive, and way to give her some great memories.

[@RyanGuzy]

@@JerryArizona thanks! This was her 6th New Years trip down The Canyon, and she is turning 6 next week! Her first trip was at 11 months old, and she hiked half of Kaibab and half of Bright Angel before she turned 4. This year was her first full one-day Kaibab descent. And then on Monday she hiked all the way from the campground to the Rim on Bright Angel. We took about 10.5 hours. Super proud of her, and we do have a lot of fun hiking and biking all over. Hope we run into you out there on the trails again soon!

[@golsamoradi8841]

Is it safe for a solo traveller, first-time visiting America, to drive LA to GC at New Year Eve? I was planning for one-two night(s) stay near by, but after watching your video. I'm not sure if the my plan is doable. I have no experience driving in snowy weather.

[@mikekenney1947]

Back in the 60’s two college friends and I came up Bright Angel in a storm. They took shelter but I stupidly pressed on up through a cloud layer and rain. I arrived at the south rim, exhausted from all the slipping and sliding and covered with mud and collapsed on the grass at the trailhead. A Ranger came and stood over me and laughed. He said that he’d never seen anything quite like that last leg, but that I should come and look at something special. Beneath us, stretching across the canyon, was a huge rainbow. The other two showed up that evening and always razzed me about leaving them to “follow my rainbow.” So lucky

[@garypalmer2066]

In January 1999 I backpacked 256 miles in the Grand Canyon from west to east. Spent 20 winters backpacking the GC every Nov to March 1983-2003.

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome. I was intimidated by it forever, but since I finally went, I'm hooked.

[@pw2883]

Hi Jerry, You’re among the best of the travel and adventure KZbinrs. As always, stunning and majestic scenery, uplifting music, and your quirky sense of humor. Superb videography! Excellent entertainment! Thank you!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! Love comments like this and I'm really glad you like the videos.

[@overwatchxrescue]

The canyon definitely looks quite different in the winter! Amazing footage.

[@rafaelrieck6655]

You must be very lucky to see all these wonderful places! Fantastic videos!

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

Awesome documentation as usual! The Grand Canyon is a magical place during the winter... Less crowds too! South Kaibab is one of my favorite trails in the park...

[@JerryArizona]

South Kaibab is an amazing trail. Instantly fell in love with it and already want to go hike it again without the clouds/fog at the top.

[@johnking9754]

Made that exact trip Thanksgiving of 1987. This brought back a lot of memories- great video! Thanks!

[@d.w.3325]

In my experience of life sometimes we are only lucky to see 20 feet ahead of ourselves.

[@pappysproductions]

Excellent video.

[@nathannutter3424]

Dude, we did the same trip as you this past weekend (even a cabin at Phantom Ranch, but the steak dinner instead of beef stew)…hammered by 18” of snow at the top! Rained then snowed the whole way to the top. No mule trains were running and no one hiked down on our way up yesterday. It was awesome! Felt like we almost had the canyon to ourselves!

[@JerryArizona]

That's borderline too much adventure. Bet it was amazing though. Something about the snow....

[@bradleykasemeier5591]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@narwhal004]

This reminds me of my first trip down. We woke up at Indian Gardens floating on our mats. We got up early and had to hike out with heavier packs than we started because of all the rain. At the top, we were sludging through a foot of snow that fell during the few miles out. Kinda fun (after the fact). :)

[@JerryArizona]

Those kind of conditions and experiences always make for great memories. Even if they're not always fun in the moment.

[@narwhal004]

@@JerryArizona It also teaches you how to not build your camp in a water runoff path. But yes, always a great story.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Wow, all the comforts of home in that cozy cabin!

[@JerryArizona]

Phantom Ranch is so much fun. Showers, hot food, cold drinks, indoor plumbing.....And all at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

[@nathanriggs1125]

This was so good. Such intense weather comin back up.

[@JerryArizona]

The Grand Canyon always seems to have a weather related surprise or two waiting for me....Makes for a good adventure.

[@nathanriggs1125]

@@JerryArizona sounds like fun. Your channel is really entertaining and fun to watch.

[@saellis80]

You should see the snow here now lol, we got probably 2 ft of snow and its not done with us yet. I wondered what S. Kiabab trail looked like, thanks for taking us with you!

[@JerryArizona]

Sounds like you're getting hammered up there. Can't imagine. The roads were bad enough on this trip.

[@cathymoore1739]

Phantom on NYE!! 🥰 Even slopping down South Kaibab & snow up Bright Angel. Epic adventure!! Entire Canyon looks great, refreshed by all the moisture. Thanks for sharing!

[@seansteede]

Cool is uncool, and yeah - you guys were most definitely cool! Love every bit of this video. Thank you.

[@tedkeaton7098]

Incredible achievement! Great film as well 👍

[@BRadFromChinHo]

Thank you for the Video . I was always wondering and wishing I'd get a chance to Visit this place one day, but today is that day, visually. It freed my mind . Maybe, one day, I'll have the honor and pleasure to be employed at Thee Phantom Ranch . God bless Yall. - from Tselani Springs AZ

[@billj5645]

Well that looks like fun, somewhat. Certainly a lot more unique than what I did on New Years. I've been down there when it was very hot and dry, interesting to think about it being not so hot and not so dry.

[@andyblack5657]

Did this exact trip and hike three years ago! Only, we didn't have a cabin down at Phantom! It was great to warm up for a few hours of good cheer at the Canteen, though!

[@JerryArizona]

It's great they have the canteen open again, finally!

[@andyblack5657]

@@JerryArizona Yes, even without the fireplace going, we were able to warm up. I really enjoy your videos. Always real. Always entertaining. And they always make me want to go back!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Oh, Gosh! Would so absolutely totally do this! We've backpacked down to Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch three times. Have been on the South Rim when it snowed as many times again. The Grand Canyon is a magical place in the snow, because when snow happens it is a fleeting fairy fantasy. Good to see Clint was along to keep an eye on you again! What a fantastic trip! Thank you for this.

[@corydriver7634]

I’ve hiked Bright Angel and overnighted at Phantom Ranch, there were plenty of slick flat rocks when it was hot and dry, I can only imagine when theres ice on the trail.

[@danielvr4053]

Nice story telling and fun too.

[@macimages4215]

Another trip on our bucket list thanks to you! Maybe not in the snow though

[@MattNowell]

so beautiful! makes me want to go to the grand canyon now!! thanks for the consistent uploads its awesome to live vicariously through you

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Nice video Jerry, you're making want to visit the Grand Canyon to film some episodes.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Go once any you'll be hooked. It definitely got ahold of me.

[@mikegrier2829]

Tina, ever the smart one. 😂 Glad you guys had fun!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Are you sure that was blue sky...it looked like a patch of snow to me. Amazing video

[@philhurst9053]

Best time to hike the Canyon below the rim. South Kaibab is my favorite trail in the tourist corridor..

[@JerryArizona]

Agreed. Loved the views (even when they were mostly clouds and fog.)

[@mikerobinson9504]

We always preferred "Halloween" ... Yeah, we memorized the "ghost stories." Yeah. It's just such a FANTASTIC journey, any time of year. (And we usually took and would recommend the same route.) Thanks for sharing.

[@Dirtbag.G]

Awesome as always!

[@CacklingChick]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 The bloopers were the BEST!

[@Zoomdak]

Count me as a new sub, this is such quality content!

[@gaylepolovitch1951]

Music is great, tooo

[@ctaylor0425]

Hey that's funny this article came up, because I was at Phantom Ranch on New Years eve. The scorpion drop was really cool and the hot cocoa hit the spot after a long day's walk. The hike back however was almost the death of me. Lol. Luckily I made it out without having to call for help. By the hair on my chin. Lol. All in all the 5 day adventure was amazing. I can't wait to go back asap.

[@JerryArizona]

The Canyon has a way of getting you hooked and forgetting the brutal hike out.

[@mike9856]

Muita coragem andar nessas trilhas com esse tempo. Não teria essa coragem.😂

[@johngordon2929]

Thought you were going to base jump for a minute there

[@AlexLovern]

Went down this last August and they were still only serving food out the side where the coffee was. I was also down there one year on the 4th of July and they had a parade with the staff down there.

[@JerryArizona]

Same for me in September. Not sure when they opened the canteen, but I'm glad they finally did.

[@MoonJuiceHikes]

Been looking forward to this one!

[@JerryArizona]

I'll get to Herman's Cave....eventually.

[@danielp489]

Have you ever run Garden Creek? It's an amazing canyon. My wife and I ran it in September. We hiked down, did the canyon, and hiked out in a day. I don't recommend it. But the canyon is beautiful.

[@JerryArizona]

Haven't done it yet. A few of my canyoneering partners have. One of these days. Heard the best way is to stay at Indian Garden and then hike it out on day 2, which I can only imagine. Bright Angel from the river is a long walk.

[@Smashycrashy]

Looks perfect to me.

[@JerryArizona]

Agreed, even though I didn't at all moments I was there.

[@Smashycrashy]

@@JerryArizona Patagonia Torrentshell is like $90 right now (40% off sale), goretex, 3 layers, pit zips. Nice layers help a lot in bad weather.

[@justlookin3]

As many times as I have seen hikes down and up the Grand Canyon this is the worst weather ever recorded for KZbin. Thanks for sharing it.

[@JerryArizona]

Every time I go to the GC, it surprises me with weather extremes. It's part of the fun. I hear they got absolutely dumped on with snow a week or so after this.

[@kimbruns2084]

Great video Jerry. How would you compare the difference between the South Kaibab hike to Phantom Ranch vs. Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids. I’ve done the former and the Bright Angel a couple times. I’m doing the latter in April so heat won’t be an issue and I understand where the water is. Any thoughts, thanks!

[@philhurst9053]

Outside footage is great, love the Canyon, party footage better not seen.

[@oldboater]

Love how you keep it real, the burping, drinking & celebration. I don’t trust people who don’t drink. Hope you & Tina have a great 2023.

[@rayray4192]

I don’t trust people who declare they don’t trust people who don’t drink. What an asinine thing to say.

[@jrlong3490]

Thanks for the video of current conditions. I head to the GC in 3 weeks for a 1 day down to Phantom, 1 rest rest, and then 2 days up with stop at Indian Garden. Hopefully less rain and snow in a few weeks. Yea, I hear lotssss of elevation gain in that last stretch, so hope this rookie can make it. Not looking forward to that last day. And I assume you have survived the Jess and G Sex Room? :) Safe travels.

[@Rawvirgin]

Awesome❤

[@dantheman1624]

Not so bad when you get in a bit…

[@sheahill3340]

I’ve been twice to GC but never hiked down. I’ve hiked PHX and Sedona areas. Would you say an intermediate hiker could do that hike to Phantom Ranch ( not in bad weather)? Oh and the cabin wiggle at the end was hilarious 😂

[@JerryArizona]

I avoided the Grand Canyon forever because I was intimidated by the elevation gain to get out. Then, one day, I did it. And now I'm hooked. Maybe start by taking S Kaibab down to one of the overlooks. Or if you're a backpacker, break it out into several days for lower elevation gain. But yeah, an intermediate hiker can do it. So much less rugged (on the main corridor trails, anyway) than something like the Superstitions.

[@TimmyCramer]

Richardson's restaurant my treat Jerry and Tina! Timmy C Arizona

[@XploreAz]

Another awesome video! Did you have to enter the lottery for the cabin?

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Actually got lucky and snagged a cancellation.

[@rickmiller1425]

We love your videos and unfortunately we are all caught up. Now we have to wait for new videos to be uploaded! Since we need more of this genre I have to ask, does Clint have a channel?

[@JerryArizona]

He sure does: www.youtube.com/@TheNotLostNomad

[@golsamoradi8841]

Is it safe for a solo traveller, first-time visiting America, to drive LA to GC at New Year Eve? I was planning for one-two night(s) stay near by, but after watching your video. I'm not sure if the my plan is doable. I have no experience driving in snowy weather.

[@JerryArizona]

I’m not sure what you mean by safe. Not super familiar with LA, but the area near the GC is safe. When we went on this trip there was a major snowstorm that made the road conditions kinda sketchy, so you’d have to keep an eye on the weather. But that much snow is pretty abnormal.

[@jameswalton8873]

You and Clint make a cute couple. Great video boys!!!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Tina's going to start getting jealous.

[@paulashaham6282]

Which trail are you walking on?

[@westcoastislander6699]

South Kaibab down. Bright Angel up

[@JerryArizona]

Correct. I've done Bright Angel before, but never South Kaibab. It was a beautiful trail.

[@FATL0L0]

What kind of drone did you take with you ?

[@JerryArizona]

This was all shot hand held with a GoPro 11. No drones allowed in the Grand Canyon. Sometimes, it's all about the camera angle.

[@bradleyfrancis2211]

It's honestly super hard to beat the S. Kaibab Trail views. Doing R3 in a day in April, starting at like 3 AM, won't be seeing these views haha.

[@JerryArizona]

So far, I think S Kaibab is my favorite trail in the GC. Even when I missed half the views on it. I'll be back. Enjoy your hike!

[@paulashaham6282]

At 4 minutes. South Kaibab

[@JerryArizona]

I figured out the issue (I think) after the fact. The GoPro stabilization is done through programming by aligning images with the software. Sort of like Warp Stabilizer in Premiere Pro. My theory is that the motion blur from the filter makes it difficult for the program to align the images. Not 100% sure though. Normally I just shoot in 60p so I can go full speed or reduce all the way to 40% and export in 24p without dropping frames.

[@LEM19284]

I knew that alcohol would show up in terrible ways. Ugh 😩

[@brianmiller7348]

love your snarky attitude! great video and Tina is hot!

[@JerryArizona]

I agree with your assessment of Tina.

[@stephengarfield4691]

Kind of a waste of a hike to head into the Grand Canyon when you can't see anything.

[@Smashycrashy]

You can get Grand Canyon views almost anytime, much harder to get a Rim 2 River 2 Rim hike in rain and snow.

[@JerryArizona]

Wish I'd had the views from the upper portion of S Kaibab, for sure. But the weather is half the fun in the Grand Canyon. No regrets. And I'll be back.