Ribbon Falls from Phantom Ranch

Ribbon Falls is one of the few year-round waterfalls in the Grand Canyon. The spring-fed stream plummets approximately 100 feet, free-falling for the first half before cascading over a massive, moss-lined travertine dome formed by mineral-rich spring water. On a hot day in the inner canyon, where shade is scarce, the mist and chilly pool at the base offer a refreshing respite. Hikers can also scramble up a short path to stand directly behind the waterfall. This route begins at Phantom Ranch and follows the North Kaibab Trail north through Bright Angel Canyon. The spur trail to Ribbon Falls is located about 5.6 miles north of Phantom Ranch and approximately 1.4 miles south of Cottonwood Campground. The total round-trip distance is roughly 11.3 miles with about 2,270 feet of cumulative elevation gain. The footbridge crossing Bright Angel Creek to Ribbon Falls was damaged and removed. Reaching the falls now requires fording the creek, which can be done near the old bridge site or at a crossing located several hundred yards to the south. Fording is typically straightforward but requires wading through water, so water shoes and trekking poles are recommended. Hikers should avoid crossing during periods of high runoff or flooding.

This waterfall site for Zuni Native Americans, who traditionally consider Chimik'yana'kya Dey'a (Ribbon Falls) their people's place of emergence into the world.