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I am an avid night and day hiker, but until this year I had never seen a ringtail. In March, I was at a very popular hiking spot in Phoenix past park hours. It was about 2 am when I saw my first ringtail, actually I saw three of them! I was sitting with my back against a rock wrapped in blankets enjoying the view of the city lights while sipping hot cocoa. My friend and I had eaten some cheese and crackers earlier and the tupperware container was sitting next to us by our feet, so maybe the smell of the cheese is what enticed the little guys to come out and say hi. Suddenly our attention was snapped from the view of the city lights to the scene of three ringtails scuffling over the remains of our snack. That night was the catalyst for a new obsession of mine...photographing (or should I say) attempting to photograph a ringtail.

I have only seen a ringtail one other time since then and it was at Peppersauce Cave near Oracle, AZ. Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to get a clear picture. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck finding and photographing these adorable little creatures? If so, I would very much appreciate any tips you can give me!

FreespiritAZ wrote:Where exactly is Phantom Ranch?

Grand Canyon, where the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails cross the river. If you hang your pack on the poles provided at the designated campsite, you are absolutely guaranteed to have ringtails on it within a few hours of nightfall. They will unzip the zippers and strew your clothes all over the place in search of food.

If you don't want the critters such as ringtails, skunks, or bears sniffing your nose or licking your lips and face while sleeping at night do the following:
1) Eat your evening meal somewhere other than at your campsite.
2) Don't eat snacks just before bedding down for the night.
3) And don't brush your teeth with toothpaste as toothpaste will attract the critters.

P.S - and yes ringtails at some of the hardened campsites such as at Phantom Ranch have learned how to unzip your packs but for the most part they will just tear into and destroy a pack to get to the food inside. :-({|=

In response to FreespiritAZ:

Phantom ranch is at the bottom of grand canyon, there are few cabins and dorms to stay but you need to make reservations 4-5 months ahead.dorms are for ten people each and men and women stay in different dorms. they have good food in the cafeteria )
There is a ringtail living near the cafeteria area and climbs to windows and comes very close to people.

Earlier this week, someone left a ziploc bag full of sandwiches on the rock by the bathrooms near the Phantom Ranch cantina and I came out and found the ringtail on top of it. No camera, of course. Damn!

All of the critters at Phantom Ranch are particularly bold and educated as to our plastic-baggie ways. Too bad you didn't have your camera - I bet it was a classic moment!

In response to big_load:
Wow it sounds like ringtails sure can be a huge pain. Too bad they are so darn cute...otherwise I might avoid them, lol.

So a pal/hiking partner of mine went up Piestewa Peak the other day with one of our friends and got pictures of a ringtail. I am so jealous!! I had to work the evening shift and couldn't go on the hike. It was our friend's first time doing Piestewa at night AND the first time seeing the little critters. He sure was lucky...had his camera out and ready and got several good photos.

I honestly think that if I don't try then I will get a good picture of them. If I just give up then they will come to me...I guess they are kinda like cats :-P

Phantom Ranch is at the end of Bright Angel in the Grand Canyon. Ive been there. Didnt see any Ringtails when i was there though. Wish I did.

Drive up to Canyon Lake after 10pm. Park near the First Bridge and walk along the road towards the first boat ramp. Drive further up and check the area around Fish Creek.