Phantom Ranch is nestled in the Grand Canyon basin on the Colorado River--a location hardly visible from the rim and only accessible after a journey through scores of geologic layers. The only way there is by river rafting, hiking, or mule, and with each foot of the journey, the traveler descends 30,000 years in geologic time. While at Phantom Ranch, the view looking above is of 1.7 billion years of geology, all swirling together in an alphabet of colors. Grand Canyon's Phantom Ranch is the story of the rustic buildings designed by architect Mary Jane Colter in 1921, of the park's first peoples, river rafters, the early trail and bridge builders, and dramatic flash floods. When travelers leave Phantom Ranch, they are never the same. For some of them, departing is as if they have just said good-bye to an old friend. Of all the Arcadia Publishing Images of America books "it's doubtful that many are as intriguing as 'Grand Canyon's Phantom Ranch.'" It "includes rare and intriguing photographs through the years. The book offers a chance for people to travel vicariously both down to the bottom of the canyon and back in time --- and visit one of the most curious Inner Gorge features." Seth Muller, "Arizona Daily Sun" March 18, 2012 "Audretsch's new book Grand Canyon's Phantom Ranch explores the history of Phantom Ranch and sheds new light on one of the Canyon's most fascinating subjects. ...out of the 205 photos, at the most, eight photos have been published previously. He dug up old hotel registers from Phantom Ranch. Along with the book's historical emphasis, Audretsch weaves personal experiences throughout the pages as well." He incorporates "emotion along with raw facts to effectively tell the story of a place." Ryan Williams "Williams-Grand Canyon News" March 14, 2012. "Audretsch captures the mystery, history and haunting beauty of a canyon oasis in Grand Canyon's Phantom Ranch. The real jewels here are the hundreds of photographs depicting life and labor, people and places, flora and fauna on the floor of the Grand Canyon." Bruce J. Dinges, Journal of Arizona History, Summer, 2013. Robert W. "Bob" Audretsch first hiked to Phantom Ranch in 1977 and has logged over 10,000 miles on canyon trails below the rim. Audretsch worked as a park ranger at the canyon for nearly 20 years, retiring in 2009. During that time, he extensively studied its geology, natural history, and human history. This book shares his intimate knowledge of the Grand Canyon, along with his thorough research in archival collections. Since his retirement he has devoted his full time to researching the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps. His latest book is Selected Grand Canyon Area Hiking Routes, Including the Little Colorado River and Great Thumb.   He resides in Lakewood, Colorado.