Mule Rides at Grand Canyon For the more adventuresome visitor looking to create the memory of a lifetime, take a mule ride down into the Grand Cany
Descent in to the canyon on one of the famous Grand Canyon mules
Mule Rides at Grand Canyon
For the more adventuresome visitor looking to create the memory of a lifetime, take a mule ride down into the Grand Canyon or perhaps along the rim. We offer two guided rides using a time-honored method of canyon transportation: the sure-footed mule.
Horses may be iconic to the American West, but the equine of choice at Grand Canyon has long been its hybrid relative, the mule. These animals combine the sure-footedness of a burro with the larger size and strength of a horse, and have been carrying canyon visitors since the late 1800’s. More than 600,000 people have taken Grand Canyon mule rides since they were first offered in 1887. In 1904, Fred Harvey became the exclusive provider of mule rides at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Xanterra Travel Collection, then known as Amfac Parks & Resorts, purchased the Fred Harvey Company in 1968.
There is no Grand Canyon adventure more rewarding or more unique than a mule ride. The overnight rides go deep into the canyon, staying overnight at Phantom Ranch. If you think the view from the rim takes your breath away, wait until you experience the Grand Canyon from within. If you only have a short time to visit the South Rim, but are still longing for adventure, you can take the Canyon Vistas Rim Ride. While it doesn’t take you into the canyon itself, the views along the way are stunning.
Canyon Vista Mule Rides
Grand Canyon mule riders are able to take in the breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park while traveling along the rim of the canyon. Grand Canyon National Park Lodges offer a four-mile, three-hour mule activity (two-hours in the saddle) that departs five miles east of the Historic Grand Canyon Village at the Yaki Barn. Bus transportation is included to and from Yaki Barn and the Historic Village Livery Barn. The mule ride travels along the East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service. Wranglers will stop at least six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, human history, fire ecology, and more. There are up to 20 riders per departure.
March 1st through October 31st
The Mule Ride departs at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
November 1st through February 28/29th
The Mule Ride departs at 9:00 a.m.
PRICING – The cost of the ride is $142.83 per person, including tax, and is subject to change without notice. A souvenir water bottle is included. Rain jackets are provided.
RESERVATIONS — Mule rides may be reserved by calling 1-303-297-2757 or toll-free within the United States at 1-888-297-2757.
All riders must be present to check-in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk preferably the day before the ride or at least one and a half hours before departure time. All riders must be at the Historic Village Livery Barn 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. A short interpretive tour to the Yaki Barn and back is part of the adventure.
Overnight Mule Rides
This remarkable adventure begins at the stone corral adjacent to the historic Bright Angel Lodge. Here our Livery Manager will prepare you for the ride by reviewing the safety requirements and provide you with information about the trail and Grand Canyon. Next, our Wranglers will saddle you up and prepare you for your adventure. The descent down the Bright Angel Trail is 10.5 miles and will take approximately 5 ½ hours. No worries, there are rest stops along the way. You will enjoy a box lunch at Indian Garden, and then proceed along the rock face of the Inner Gorge, across the Colorado River on the Suspension Bridge, and up Bright Angel Canyon on the north side of the river to Phantom Ranch. Overnight mule rides stay the night at Phantom Ranch, a rustic historic oasis nestled deep in the canyon. Each cabin is furnished with bunk beds, sink, toilet, bedding, soap, and hand towels. Showers and bath towels are available.
On the evening you arrive you will enjoy a hearty meal served family style in the Phantom Ranch Canteen. After breakfast the morning of your departure, you return via the South Kaibab Trail. The ride back up is about 7.8 miles (5.5 hours). Upon your return to the rim you will be met by a driver who will bring you and your party back to the Bright Angel Lodge.
If you have special dietary needs, such as glucose intolerance or food allergies, please advise the reservation agent at the time of booking. Phantom Ranch will do their best to accommodate all special requests.
One-night ride (available year-round)
- $605.81 for the first person or two people for $1056.62 January 1 through December 31, 2019.
- Phantom Ranch accommodations.
- Sack lunch, steak dinner and breakfast.
- Each additional person is $464.81 January 1 through December 31, 2019.
- Rates are subject to change without notice.
- All rates quoted in U.S. Dollars and do not include applicable taxes.
Two-night ride (available November to March only)
- $875.02 for the first person, and $1440.04 for two people January 1 through December 31, 2019.
- Phantom Ranch accommodations.
- Breakfast and sack lunch for both days.
- Steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night.
- Each additional person is $593.02 January 1 through December 31, 2019.
- Rates are subject to change without notice.
- All rates quoted in U.S. Dollars and do not include applicable taxes.
We provide a small plastic bag (approximately the size of a 10 pound bag of ice) for essential toiletries, extra clothing, swimsuit, etc. Duffel service is available for additional personal items at an additional charge. Duffel service must be reserved and purchased in advance. In order to avoid late fees or charges for extra duffels, duffels must be dropped off on time, and must meet weight and dimension requirements. Guest is responsible for providing their own duffel. C-pap machines may be carried in by duffel service, or in the mule saddle bag, depending on the size. Please advise the booking agent if you will have a C-pap machine.
All riders must be present to check-in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk preferably the day before the ride or at least two hours before departure time. All riders must be at the stone corral, across from the Bright Angel Trail Head, in Grand Canyon Village 15 minutes before the designated time given at check-in.
GROUPS — Ten mule riders are designated as a Group. For Group reservations view Mule Trip Group
Additional Information
Our mules are thoroughly trained, and are well adapted to the unique environment and work situation at Grand Canyon. Although we have over 100 years of experience working with mules, they are animals and not always predictable. The restrictions we place on our rides are intended for safety and to avoid distracting or disturbing the mules. There are always elements of risk due to trail conditions, other trail users, and sudden appearances of wildlife native to Grand Canyon. While serious accidents or injury seldom occur, risk is minimized by carefully following the trail guide’s instructions. All riders must sign a risk acknowledgment agreement before taking the ride.
- Rider must be at least 9 years old.
- Riders must be in good physical condition.
- Phantom Ranch: Riders must weigh less than 200 pounds (90 kg), fully dressed.
- Canyon Vistas: Riders must weight less than 225 pounds (102 kg), fully dressed.
- Riders must be at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall (1.44 meters).
- Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
- Riders should not be afraid of heights or large animals.
- Riders age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
- Long sleeve shirts, long pants, broad brim hats, and close-toed shoes are required.
- Ski caps and gloves are recommended for winter riders.
- Rider’s height must be proportionate to his or her weight.
COMMENTS