South Rim Mule Rides | Hit the Trail

Below is the information provided on the company’s website. Prices for the mule rides and information on making reservations are located on the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges website. Please don’t contact me regarding prices and reservations. I can’t help you beyond providing the information below and links to the concessioner.

If you’re intrigued and would like an idea of what a mule ride might be like, you might enjoy reading these trip reports on the following pages: A Mule Ride in the Grand Canyon is a Unique Adventure about an overnight trip and The Ride of Their Life about a day trip.

Follow along with Bryan and Kelli Millican as they share a slideshow of their mule ride to Phantom Ranch and back out by visiting the Phantom Ranch Mule Ride Gallery.

Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

The Canyon Vistas Ride is a four-mile, two-hour mule ride that travels directly along the east rim of the canyon. The entire adventure to include travel time to and from the barn is 3 hours. The Mule Wranglers that lead the trip will stop six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, cultural history, the area’s native people, the surrounding forest, and more. There are up to 20 riders per departure.

March 15th through Oct. 31st: The Mule Ride departs at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
November 1st through March 14th: The Mule Ride departs once each day at 10:00 a.m.
Reservations: Mule rides may be reserved by calling 1-303-297-2757 or toll-free within the United States at 1-888-297-2757.

Riders must confirm their ride 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 main livery barn in Grand Canyon Village 30 minutes before departure. A short interpretive tour to the Yaki Barn and back is part of the adventure.

Overnight Rides to Phantom Ranch

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 rests along the way. You will enjoy 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.

The evening you arrive, you will enjoy a hearty meal served family-style in the Phantom Ranch Dining Room. After breakfast the morning of your departure, you return via the South Kaibab Trail. The ride back up is about 7.8 miles (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.

One-night ride (available all year)

Phantom Ranch Accommodations
Breakfast, sack lunch, and steak dinner
Rates are subject to change without notice.
Reservations: Visit Grand Canyon National Park Lodge’s Mule Rides page for pricing and to book reservations.

Two-night ride (available only from November 1 – March 31)

Phantom Ranch Accommodations
Breakfast and sack lunch for both days
Steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night
Rates are subject to change without notice.
Reservations: Visit Grand Canyon National Park Lodge’s Mule Rides page for pricing and to book reservations.

We provide a small plastic bag 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.

Rider Qualifications: (These apply to all mule ride activities)

The 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 weigh 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.

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Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

Overnight Rides to Phantom Ranch

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