Mule Rides at the Grand Canyon
For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we offer two guided rides using a time-honored method of canyon transportation: the sure-footed mule.
Abyss Overlook Mule Ride
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.
Overnight Rides to Phantom Ranch
Overnight rides stay the night at Phantom Ranch, a rustic oasis nestled deep in the Canyon.
Similar to the Plateau Point ride, you will have lunch at Indian Garden, then proceed along the cliffs 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. Each cabin is furnished with bunk beds, sink, toilet, bedding, soap, and towels. Showers are available.
After breakfast the next morning, you return via the South Kaibab Trail, which provides different, yet more unforgettable, panoramic views. After reaching the top, you return via bus to Bright Angel Lodge in time for lunch.
The ride down is about 10.5 miles (5.5 hours) and back up is about 7.3 miles (4.5 hours). We provide a small plastic bag for essential toiletries, extra underclothing, swimsuit, etc. Duffel Service is available for additional personal items.
This service must be reserved and purchased in advance. One-night ride: $477.34 for the first person or two people for $842.60 and includes accommodations, breakfast, lunch and steak dinner. Each additional person is $378.08. The two-night ride: $667.69 for the first person, and $1,111.22 for two persons and includes tax, accommodations, breakfast, lunch, steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night. Each additional person is $469.16.
Please inquire about rates for additional riders.
Ride Safety
Our mules are carefully selected for strength, endurance, and temperament. They are thoroughly trained by our guides so that they are well adapted to the unique environment and work situation of the Grand Canyon.
Although we have 80 years of experience in 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 is always an element of risk due to trail conditions, other trail users, and sudden appearances of wildlife native to the Grand Canyon. While serious accidents or injury seldom occur, risk is minimized by carefully following the Trail Guide's instructions.
Rider Qualifications
Each Overnight Phantom Ranch rider must not weigh more than 200 lbs. (91 kilograms) fully dressed. Each 3 hour Abyss overlook rider must not weigh more than 225 lbs. (102k). Yes, we do weigh everyone. Each rider must be at least 4 feet, 7 inches (55 total inches or 1.38 meters) in height, regardless of previous riding experience. Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English. Each rider must be in good physical condition. Riders should not be afraid of heights or large animals. Rider cannot be pregnant.
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