GRAND CANYON MULES

Mules have been transporting people into the depths of the Grand Canyon for over 100 years, and today, a mule ride down to the Phantom Ranch must be reserved a year in advance. There is a wait list for last minute cancellations, but if you're on that list, don't hold your breath.

The 7 hour ride down the Bright Angel Trail starts each day at 7am, and is one of the many adventures here at the Grand Canyon that Patty and I will not have the opportunity to experience, at least not this year. The main reason is that we have not made a reservation, and for me, I'm just a little over the 200 pound maximum weight limit allowed for riders. But, I'm pretty close, and if we return next summer, there will be plenty of time to make the reservation and lose those last few pounds. Hey, that just might be the motivation I need to get down to a weight that I haven't seen for many, many years!

This photo was taken inside the Bright Angel Lodge "History Room"

One of the remarkable things about riding the mules on the Bright Angel and the South Kaibab Trails for so many decades, is that the worst injury sustained by any rider, was a sprained ankle by a lady who was dismounting her mule. These sure footed animals have carried famous people like President Teddy Roosevelt (bet he didn't meet the 200 lb. limit), and countless other celebrities into the canyon, without ever losing their balance or slipping off the trail. When you look at the very steep Bright Angel Trail, with it's switchbacks on the canyon wall, you wonder how that impressive safety record has been possible, and continues to this day.

Yesterday, I rode my bicycle down into the village, and stopped at the Mule Barn, talking to one of the lady mule wranglers. My curiosity was more for our friend Nancy, who expressed an interest to Patty about possibly working here in the park next summer. The gal I talked to didn't have much information about possible employment, but did say that summer seasonal help is added almost every year. If you're serious Nancy, the process starts with an application with Xanterra.

Other than walking down to, or rafting the river, the only other way to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon here at the South Rim, is to ride one of the world famous Grand Canyon Mules. When you ride all the way down to Phantom Ranch, an overnight stay is required, with the ride back to the top on the next day. The rate for 2 people, including the ride down & back, meals and accommodations at Phantom Ranch is $850. A little pricey, but certainly an adventure of a lifetime for most people. The mule ride, and a raft trip through the Grand Canyon, has become a blip on my bucket list radar screen.