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Mule Trip Group Request Information
Ten mule riders are designated as a Group. Maximum group space allowed at Phantom Ranch (total of hiker and mule groups) is 20 people per day. The 3 Hour Abyss Overlook mule trips are limited to a maximum of 10 riders on any given day. For safety, mule riders must not weigh more than 200 lbs. (91 kilograms) fully dressed on the Overnight Phantom Ranch ride, and 225lbs. (102 kilograms) on the 3 hour Abyss Overlook ride (each rider is weighed at check-in). Riders must be at least 4 feet, 7 inches (55 inches/1.38 meters) in height. Riders must be able to speak and understand fluent English. Riders must be in good physical condition (all trips are strenuous). Riders should not be afraid of heights or large animals. Riders can’t be pregnant.
Group space opens to requests on the 1st of each month, for the entire same named month of the next year (i.e. Group space for July 1-31, 2008 may be requested beginning on July 1, 2007, etc) via written request only. Requests received on the first of the month (no earlier than 12:00:01 a.m. Mountain Standard Time [MST] - Arizona doesn't observe daylight saving time) will be processed prior to requests received before midnight (which is still the last day of the previous month), since the request period is closed at that time.
Requests must include:
- Total number of people in your Group.
- Date(s) of stay: Please submit as many valid dates (or even specific time frames) in your request as you wish, to improve your chances. Limiting yourself to a very narrow time frame and/or specific days of the week may limit your chances for success. Include all possible alternatives, and indicate your first choice, etc.
- Please do not indicate a time frame in seasonal format such as spring or fall as this is quite subjective. Indicate by month and/or date only, e.g.: "any night between April 15 and June 15 of (include year)."
- Two-night Phantom Ranch Mule Trips are only offered November 1 through March 31.
- Contact information. Please be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. In addition, please include your fax number and email address if you have them.
Please fax group request to: 928.638.0982
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.
Trip descriptions
3 Hour Abyss Overlook Trip
If you feel like an adventure but an Overnight Mule ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is too much, take a ride from the Grand Canyon Village to the spectacular Abyss overlook. You will pass through a Ponderosa Forest and a Piñon and Juniper woodland filled with abundant wildlife on your way to a magnificent cliff at the edge of the canyon. While at the Abyss, riders will dismount their mules and stretch their legs while viewing the Grand Canyon for the first time on the ride. Here they can take photos atop the 3,000 foot vertical drop and marvel at the beauty of the Grand Canyon's many colorful pinnacles, buttes and mesas. Your total ride time includes 2 1/2 hours in the saddle and roughly 30 minutes at the Abyss overlook. Bota bag, water and snacks are included. The 3 hour mule ride departs twice daily, through October, and once daily through mid March from the Historic Mule Barn just a short walk from the Bright Angel Lodge. $117.40 including tax, per person. Includes a light snack, and water. To make reservations please call our central reservations center at 1-888-29-PARKS (297-2757) or outside the US 1-303-297-2757.
Phantom Ranch overnight Trip
The one night trip begins the same way as the plateau point ride, including lunch at Indian Garden. Riders have a steak dinner at phantom ranch, overnight accommodations in a cabin, and breakfast at phantom ranch before riding out by way of the south Kaibab trail. The 10-person cabin is furnished with bunk beds, sink, toilet, bedding, soap, and towels. Showers are available. After returning to the rim, bus transportation to bright angel lodge will be provided.
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Rates
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| One Person |
$401.16 |
| Two People |
$709.46 |
Additional Person
(up to 10 max) |
$312.11 |
| Ten People |
$3,278.34 |
Rates are subject to change without notice. Prepayment guarantees space not rate. The ten-person total costs may include a slight adjustment (in-rounding), due to tax rates.
Two Night Trip
The two-night trip (only offered November - March.) Includes a second night at phantom ranch. Riders receive a sack lunch during breakfast, and then are on their own for the day. On the last night they will have the stew dinner, spend the night in the cabin, and have breakfast the next morning before riding out.
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Rates
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| One Person |
$565.70 |
| Two People |
$945.68 |
Additional Person
(up to 10 max) |
$405.60 |
| Ten People |
$4,190.48 |
Rates are subject to change without notice. Prepayment guarantees space not rate. The ten-person total costs may include a slight adjustment (in-rounding), due to tax rates.
Confirmation
If space is available for your group, you will receive a contract within 2-3 weeks. If space is not available, notification will be sent within 1 week. A deposit in the amount of 50% is due 14 days from the date a contract is issued, with the balance due 90 days prior to the group’s arrival. Please do not include a deposit with your request for group space.
Cancellations
Group reservations must be cancelled at least 30 days prior to arrival to receive a refund.
Less than 10 people
Parties with less than 10 people must make their reservations directly with our Central Reservations office at Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Phone: 303.297.2757 or 888.297.2757.
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