Grand Canyon Mule Tours
The Grand Canyon, made a National Park in 1919, is roughly 277 miles long, a mile deep and almost 18 miles wide. It is is home to animals such as mountain lions and elk, and archaeological artifacts almost 12,000 years old. There are many ways to explore its vast terrain, by foot, by canoe and, perhaps, most intriguing, by mule.
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About the Mule Trips
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Grand Canyon mule rides have been have a popular attraction since the opening of the South Rim's Bright Angel Trail in 1891. Today, two companies operate mule tours. Xanterra Parks & Resorts conducts mule tours from the South Rim and Grand Canyon Trail Rides conducts mule tours from the North Rim.
South Rim
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The "Abyss Overlook Mule Ride" starts as the Livery Barn located in Grand Canyon Village and takes riders through the woods filled with Pinyon Pines and the occasional elk to the Abyss Overlook. Marvel at the canyon's dramatic drop, 3,000 feet down, and the canyon's colorful mesas and buttes. The ride takes 3 hours, including the half hour spent at the abyss.
Mule trips at the canyon's south rim are offered year-round and reservations may be made up to 13 months in advance by calling Xanterra Parks & Resorts at 888-297-2757. Reservations cannot be made at their website, however, you can use their website to change or cancel existing reservations.
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North Rim
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There are several options for mule rides departing from the North Rim and they are all offered by Grand Canyon Trail Rides. Take an one hour trip to the rim and back or choose from two half-day trip options. Traverse the rocky terrain and pine forests of the Ken Patrick Trail to Uncle Jim's Point which overlooks the canyon or ride along the slowly descending North Kaibab Trail to the Supai Tunnel. Riders must meet at the Grand Canyon Lodge where a shuttle bus will bring them to the trail head.
Mule trips from the North Rim are only offered from May 15 to October 15. Reservations can only be made by calling Grand Canyon Trail Rides at 435-679-8665.
Overnight Rides
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Experience the canyon at night with an overnight mule trip to the Phantom Ranch, a Xanterra Parks & Resort property. The ride down to Phantom Ranch, the only lodging located south of the Canyon rim, is 10.5 miles long and takes roughly 5 and a half hours. The ranch is open year-round and has dormitories and cabins. Mule riders will spend the night in a cabin outfitted with bunk beds with bedding, sink and toilet. Public showers are located nearby. The ride includes a mid-ride break for lunch and dinner and breakfast at the Phantom Ranch Canteen. The ride back is also 10.5 miles long and takes roughly 6 and a half hours. Small bags are provided for essentials, toiletries and underclothes, and duffel service for larger, bulkier items is provided for an additional fee.
Overnight mule are offered year-round and reservations may be made up to 13 months in advance by calling Xanterra Parks & Resorts at 888-297-2757.
Safety & Rider Qualifications
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Those taking the Abyss mule ride must not weigh more than 225 pounds and those participating in the overnight mule ride must not weigh more than 200 pounds. Each rider is weighed prior to the trips. Riders must understand and speak fluent English, must be at least 4 feet and 7 inches tall and cannot be pregnant.
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- Photo Credit esel image by kexchen from Fotolia.com
