Reservations for lodging at Phantom Ranch at Grand Canyon National Park are moving to a lottery system/NPS

Wishing you could land a night or two at Phantom Ranch on the floor of Grand Canyon National Park? Well, your odds of reserving space in one of the coveted dormitory rooms or cabins might have improved, or not, with the decision to use a lottery system to dole out reservations.

The historic ranch is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders. Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase. For reservations beginning in January 2019 -- yes, 2019 -- you'll have to go through the lottery.

In general, applications for 2019 stays are being accepted beginning the 15th month prior to the stay month. Submissions for hiker beds and overnight mule rides are accepted from 12:01 a.m. on the 1st of the month through 11:59 p.m. on the 25th of the month.

So, for example, stays in January 2019 can now be applied for through the lottery system through this November 25. The lottery for January 2019 will be run this December. Winners will be notified and provided up to 10 days to guarantee their reservation. Unsold or unclaimed inventory will open to the general public beginning on the 13th month prior to the stay month. So, any availability left after this December's lottery will be put out to the general public on January 2, 2018.

For an overview of the system, check out this page.