Is there such a thing as taking a helicopter ride back up from the bottom of the Grand Canyon after hiking down the 4hrs. to the bottom? We can hike down but there is no room at the Phantom Ranch overnight. Would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks.

No, not unless you have a medical emergency, in which case you'd be billed for the cost ($2500+).

Last time I was there the ranger told us that the cable car was out of operation so the only way up was to walk.

No easy way up---you have to walk!

But keep calling for space at Phantom---they get cancellations from time to time, and you might get lucky.

I think you may have heard of the one for havasupai (west of the south rim village). They used to have the helicopter ride up (but not sure if that's still in operation after 9/11. I was not aware it was ever available for phantom ranch. i would suggest keep calling as enzian suggested also or do the half day to plateau point.

I don't believe tourism helicopters are allowed in the park, unless it's for a medical emergency rescue. Havasupai is not in GC National Park, so they don't have the same rules. Having a helicopter operating in the park to ferry tourists back from the river would be so counter to the sense of peace and space that you get from being in the canyon.

When we were there this past summer we were told the only way up was to walk or be part of the round trip mule ride down and up again.
Helicopters are not even supposed to fly right over the GC since 911.
It would have to be a REAL emergency to get the copter to bring you up and it would cost much $$$$$$$$!!!!

Thanks so much for your input. We may have to rethink this whole thing. Thanks again.

You definitely can't hike down and back up in a day, but you could camp instead of staying in a cabin. Otherwise, there are often cancellations at Phantom Ranch since people book so far ahead, so I'd recommend checking with them often. There may be openings on a mule caravan as well; Phantom Ranch sets aside bunk space for all riders and you can sometimes grab a cancellation there as well.

Finally, you can do a partial hike down and back in the day ... just not the whole trip.

Actually, camping spots at Bright Angel campground are almost as difficult to get as reservations at Phantom. You must apply for a permit several months in advance---April 1 for permits to camp in August, for example---and there is generally more demand for them than permits.