Lakes White Mountains

Wildlife

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim travel and visitor guide

Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Rides

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 14, 2026.

Guided mule ride at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Compliments of Xanterra Lodge

Grand Canyon mule rides are a long-standing South Rim tradition and offer visitors a guided horseback-style experience aboard sure-footed mules. The current Canyon Vistas Mule Ride travels through forest and along scenic areas near the canyon rim rather than descending to the Colorado River. Overnight mule rides to Phantom Ranch have historically provided a much deeper canyon experience, but those trips are currently suspended because of trail conditions. Reservations, rider restrictions and operating schedules can change, so confirm current information before planning your trip.

Grand Canyon South Rim cliffs and scenery near mule ride routes

Current Mule Ride Options
Canyon Vistas Mule Ride
Phantom Ranch Mule Ride Status
Rider Requirements
Required Clothing
Reservations & Check-In
What To Expect
Mule Ride Safety
Mule Ride Photos
FAQ

Current Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Ride Options

South Rim mule trips are offered throughout the year through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. The principal currently available day experience is the Canyon Vistas Mule Ride, a three-hour guided trip through forest and scenic areas near the South Rim.

Historically, overnight mule trips have descended to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Those overnight rides are currently suspended because of trail conditions and are not expected to resume before March 2027.

Grand Canyon South Rim landscape viewed from historic trail country

Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

The Canyon Vistas Mule Ride is the primary South Rim mule experience currently offered at Grand Canyon National Park. The guided ride lasts approximately three hours and travels through forest and scenic areas near the canyon rim rather than descending all the way into the inner canyon.

From March through October, current departures are scheduled at 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. From November through February, the current scheduled departure is 10:00 AM. Riders should verify the schedule when reserving because operating times can change.

The Canyon Vistas ride is a good choice for visitors who want the traditional Grand Canyon mule experience without committing to a strenuous overnight journey to the canyon floor.

Phantom Ranch Mule Ride Status

Current update: Overnight mule rides to Phantom Ranch are cancelled through February 28, 2027 because of trail conditions. Visitors should not make travel plans based on older descriptions, schedules or prices for these trips.

When operating, Phantom Ranch mule rides descend from the South Rim into the inner canyon and include an overnight stay at historic Phantom Ranch near the Colorado River. These trips are substantially longer and more physically demanding than the Canyon Vistas ride.

Phantom Ranch lodging and mule-trip reservations are highly limited and normally use an advance reservation or lottery process. Check Grand Canyon National Park Lodges for the latest reopening information before planning an overnight mule trip.

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Requirements

Riders must be at least 9 years old.
Riders must be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Riders must weigh less than 225 pounds fully dressed for the Canyon Vistas ride.
Riders must be in good physical condition.
Riders must be able to speak and understand fluent English.
Riders should not be afraid of heights or large animals.
Riders age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
Height must be proportionate to weight.

Required Clothing For Grand Canyon Mule Rides

Long-sleeve shirt
Long pants
Broad-brimmed hat
Closed-toe shoes
Warm layers appropriate for current South Rim weather
Ski cap and gloves for cold-weather rides when appropriate

Riders should follow the operator's current clothing requirements even when weather appears mild, since temperatures and conditions can change quickly at the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Reservations And Check-In

South Rim mule rides can be reserved through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. Reservations may be available as far as 15 months in advance, and popular dates can fill early.

Riders should reconfirm their trip at least two days before the scheduled ride. Current Canyon Vistas instructions recommend checking in at the Bright Angel Lodge Transportation and Activities Desk the day before the trip whenever possible.

If riders cannot check in the previous day, they should arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. All riders must be present at check-in and must report to the Historic Village Livery Barn before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect On A Grand Canyon Mule Ride

Grand Canyon mule trips combine guided riding with forest scenery, changing elevations and views around the South Rim. Mules are selected and trained for trail travel, but riders still need to remain balanced, attentive and prepared to follow the wrangler's instructions throughout the experience.

The ride can feel very different from ordinary horseback riding. Riders may encounter uneven ground, steep terrain and changing weather. Anyone uncomfortable with heights, large animals or several hours in the saddle should consider whether the trip is a good fit before reserving.

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Safety Tips

Follow every instruction given by the wranglers and trail guides.
Never attempt to pass another mule unless directed by a guide.
Remain seated and balanced when traveling over uneven terrain.
Do not intentionally distract or startle your mule or another animal.
Wear the required clothing and closed-toe footwear.
Tell the operator about medical or mobility concerns before booking.
Be prepared for changing temperatures, wind and precipitation.
Do not participate if you are uncomfortable with heights or large animals.

2026-2027 Phantom Ranch Mule Ride Alert

Phantom Ranch mule rides are currently cancelled through February 28, 2027 because of trail conditions. Canyon Vistas Mule Rides continue to operate on the South Rim. Check current Grand Canyon National Park Lodges information before traveling because trail conditions and operating dates can change.

More Information

Xanterra
Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.
PO Box 699
10 Albright Street
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Same Day Reservations
(928) 638-2631

Phantom Ranch Groups
(928) 638-2525

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Photos

Mule riders descending a Grand Canyon South Rim trail Grand Canyon view from the historic mule trail route

Scenic Grand Canyon view along a South Rim mule ride Phantom Ranch area at the bottom of the Grand Canyon

Ribbon Falls near Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon Inner Grand Canyon scenery along a mule-trip route

Grand Canyon mule wrangler near Phantom Ranch Historic stone cabin at Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Canyon Mule Rides

Are mule rides currently available at the Grand Canyon South Rim?

Yes. Canyon Vistas Mule Rides currently operate on the South Rim throughout the year, subject to weather and operating conditions.

How long is the Canyon Vistas Mule Ride?

The Canyon Vistas ride lasts approximately three hours.

Does the Canyon Vistas Mule Ride go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

No. The Canyon Vistas trip travels through forest and scenic areas near the South Rim rather than descending to Phantom Ranch or the Colorado River.

Are Phantom Ranch mule rides operating in 2026?

No. Phantom Ranch mule rides are currently cancelled through February 28, 2027 because of trail conditions.

How old do you have to be to ride a mule at the Grand Canyon?

Riders on the Canyon Vistas ride must currently be at least 9 years old.

What is the height requirement for a Grand Canyon mule ride?

Riders must currently be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

What is the weight limit for the Canyon Vistas Mule Ride?

Riders must currently weigh less than 225 pounds fully dressed. Different mule-trip products may use different limits.

Do you need horseback riding experience?

Previous riding experience is not normally required, but riders must be physically capable of participating, follow instructions and be comfortable around large animals and heights.

How far in advance can Grand Canyon mule rides be reserved?

South Rim mule rides may generally be booked as far as 15 months in advance, and popular dates can fill early.

What should you wear on a Grand Canyon mule ride?

Current requirements include a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, broad-brimmed hat and closed-toe shoes. Cold-weather riders should also bring appropriate warm clothing.