Presently, reservations for Phantom Ranch accommodations can be made on the first of each month for lodging 11 months out.  For example, on December 1, 1997, Amfac will accept reservations for lodging at Phantom Ranch through the end of November 1998.  On January 1, 1998,  reservations will be accepted through the end of December 1998.

On January 12, 1998,  reservations will be accepted through the end of December 1999.  And on the first of every month thereafter, reservations will be accepted 23 months out.  For example, on February 1, 1998, reservations will be accepted for accommodations through the end of January 2000. The reservations change was made to enhance convenience for prospective guests and to be consistent with the reservations for hotels on both rims of the Canyon, all of which can be booked 23 months in advance.

 �With the present procedure, we routinely sell out available Phantom Ranch beds and cabins on the morning of the first of the month for 11 months away.  By extending the reservations period, we are hoping that guests won�t feel so pressured to call us the moment reservations open up,� explained Steve Tedder, vice president of parks for Amfac.  While beds and cabins at Phantom Ranch do tend to sell out quickly, guests making reservations with a shorter lead time can often  book rooms during the slower summer and winter months, Tedder added.  Phantom Ranch offers a total of 90 beds in dormitory-style facilities and in 11 cabins.  Lodging is available only to hikers and to those taking overnight mule rides to the bottom of the Canyon.

Reservations for Phantom Ranch and other Grand Canyon lodges as well as hotels at Death Valley National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, can be made by calling 303-29-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. MST/MDT.

The largest park-management company in the country, Amfac operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at resorts in Napa, Calif.; Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Nebraska City, Neb.; Ohio State Parks and Georgia State Parks.