Clear Creek Trail with Grand Canyon Employee and Mule Wrangler “Tex!”

I got to do a hike I’ve been wanting to do for a long time- the Clear Creek trail! Built in 1934-35 by the Civilian Conservation Corp for mule rides, the 10 mile out-and-back trail starts 1/4 mile north of Phantom Ranch, heads east on the Tonto Plateau on the north side of the Colorado river, and ends at a campsite at Clear Creek. It stopped being used for mule rides when park visitation dropped during WWII, but remains open as a backcountry trail for hikers. I had the trail and campsite all to myself and saw two Grand Canyon Pink rattlesnakes. It was lovely.

October 19-21, 2023

Day 1:
South Kaibab trailhead to Phantom Ranch to Clear Creek campsite
17 miles, 9.5 hours (5:30am start, 9:20 Phantom Ranch [almost 4 hours down], 10:05 leave Phantom, 3:00 Clear Creek campsite)

Day 2:
Clear Creek campsite to Bright Angel campground
10 miles, 5 hours (8:20am start, 1:25 Phantom Ranch)

Day 3:
Bright Angel campground to South Kaibab trailhead
7.3 miles, 5 hours (4:05am start, 9:00 finish)