Hiking the Rim-to-Rim next week. I’m looking for an inexpensive (if one exists) motel outside the South Rim for one night next week. I know there are several motels there, but only a few seem to turn up on searches. Tons of agencies, however.
The “village” of Tusayan is probably your best bet–Tripadvisor has 9 places listed there. There might be a place or two farther south in Valle, but that’s about it for non-camping options. There are lots of places in Williams, but that’s a bit of a drive.
Yep - lots of places in Tusayan. There are shuttle buses, but it looks like that service has ended for the year:. I don’t know if there’s any other good way to get there from the park, short of sticking out your thumb.
Just makin’ sure: you do have a reservation at the Phantom Ranch, right?
Have fun, it’s one of the few things that are truly awe-some. Which trails are you taking?
Thanks. Best I could do was at Red Feather. Basic rate is 139, but by the time taxes and agency fee is added in, it’s at 172. Still less expensive than anything else I could find.
As to the hike itself, we 'll be waiting in line hoping for a no-show to get their permit. Assuming it works out we’ll take South Kaibob down, camp at Phantom, then camp at Cottonwood and up to No. Rim from that point. Camp at No Rim and take shuttle back next morning. If we strike out on the permit, we’ll do a day hike down So Kaibob and up Bright Angel. Playing it by ear after that.
I would suggest you reverse and go down the Bright Angel and up the Kaibab. BA is 11 miles, and the Kaibab is 8. I prefer the steeper route for going up.
Could you possibly reverse the hike and begin on the North Rim? The lodge is a wonderful place to stay (and eat) . . . and the individual cabins are a great place to stay, if rather rustic.