Optional Mule Rides Into The Grand Canyon South Rim At Bright Angel Trail

Compliments of Xanterra Lodge

Taking a mule ride into the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It's a time experience old west fantasies on a mule trip down the winding trails on sure-footed mules as they hug the cliff edges. It's an opportunity see the same spectacular views that prehistoric Indians witnessed thousands of years ago. Xanterra Parks and Resorts manages and operates mule rides into the South Rim led by real expert cowboy trail guides. Contact information is at the bottom of this article.

South Rim Grand Canyon Views

One Day Plateau Point Ride

The One Day Mule Ride is a total 7 hour tour that begins from the Stone Corral at the trail head of Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim. Rest stops are scheduled every 30 to 45 minutes giving riders the chance to take pictures without dismounting the mule. Following a 15 to 20 stop at Indian Garden, the mule train makes its way to Plateau Point on the Tonto Plateau. Riders are rewarded with incredible panoramic views across the canyon and the Colorado River 1,300 feet below the point. A box lunch is provided while the One Day riders rest for the turnaround back up Bright Angel Trail to the origination point. The approximate 7 hour trip has tourists back to the Stone Corral by mid-afternoon. The Two Day Mule riders will continue on the journey to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. The fee for the One Day trip is $154 per person and is subject to change.

South Rim Grand Canyon Views

Overnight Mule Ride To Phantom Ranch

When the One Day riders begin the return trip, the Overnight Riders continue on the journey to Phantom Ranch where riders have the option of staying one or two nights. The journey proceeds 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 ultimately reaching to Phantom Ranch, a rustic oasis nestled deep in the canyon. Phantom Ranch is a tree-shaded, creek-side oasis built in 1922.

Phantom Ranch cabins are furnished with bunk beds, sink, toilet, soap and towels with showers available. A steak dinner is enjoyed by all the evening of arrival. Breakfast is served the next morning before returning to the top of the canyon via a different route on the Kaibab Trail which features different and even more incredible views than experienced on the Bright Angel Trail.

The mule ride down to Phantom Ranch on Bright Angel Trail covers about 10 miles and takes about 5.5 hours. The return ride up Kaibab Trail covers 7.3 miles and takes about 4.5 hours. When reaching the top of the canyon, a bus will return the tourists to the Bright Angel Lodge in time for lunch.

This Overnight Ride must be reserved and purchased in advance. The One Night ride is $420.09 for the first person or two people for $743.03 and includes accommodations, breakfast, lunch and steak dinner. Each additional person is $335.77. The Two Night ride is $592.83 for the first person, and $991.38 for two persons. The fees and include tax, accommodations, breakfast, lunch, steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night. Each additional person is $424.19. Fees are subject to change.

Rider Requirements & Safety

The weight of each rider may not exceed 200 pounds (91 kliograms) fully dressed and each will be weighed. Riders must be a minimum of 4 feet, 7 inches tall (1.38 meters) regardless of prior riding experience. Riders must speak and understand fluent English, be in good physical condition, not afraid of heights and cannot be pregnant.

All mules are selected for strength and endurance. They are thoroughly trained and adapted to the environment. While serious accidents or injury seldom occur, risk is minimized by carefully following the Trail Guide's instructions. Contact Xanterra for proper dress, planning, guidelines and what you will need to carry on the trip.