south rim mule tours

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Last updated: February 5, 2021

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PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

928-638-7888

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World famous mule rides.

Travel Advisory: Please note that due to trail conditions, Phantom Ranch mule rides are cancelled through November 30, 2024 . The National Park Service also continues to move forward with major infrastructure rehabilitation projects, and these projects may impact some of our concessions operations. As a result, we have paused lottery entries / bookings for Phantom Ranch overnight mule rides between December 2, 2024 and March 14, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to seek lodging at one of our properties on the rim.

Mule Rides at Grand Canyon National Park

For the more adventuresome visitor looking to create the memory of a lifetime, take a mule ride down into the Grand Canyon or perhaps along the rim. We offer two guided rides using a time-honored method of canyon transportation: the sure-footed mule.

Horses may be iconic to the American West, but the equine of choice at Grand Canyon has long been its hybrid relative, the mule. These animals combine the sure-footedness of a burro with the larger size and strength of a horse, and have been carrying canyon visitors since the late 1800’s. More than 600,000 people have taken Grand Canyon mule rides since they were first offered in 1887. In 1904, Fred Harvey became the exclusive provider of mule rides at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Xanterra Travel Collection®, then known as Amfac Parks & Resorts, purchased the Fred Harvey Company in 1968.

There is no Grand Canyon adventure more rewarding or more unique than a mule ride. The overnight rides go deep into the canyon, staying overnight at Phantom Ranch . If you think the view from the rim takes your breath away, wait until you experience the Grand Canyon from within. If you only have a short time to visit the South Rim, but are still longing for adventure, you can take the 2-hour Canyon Vistas Rim Ride. While it doesn’t take you into the canyon itself, the views along the way are stunning.

2-Hour Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

Travel Advisory: Canyon Vistas mule riders should plan to provide their own rain gear as necessitated by local weather forecasts. All mule riders are strongly encouraged to check in at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk the day prior to their ride. If unable to check-in the day prior, guests should check in at least 90 minutes prior to the tour departure time. You must reconfirm your reservation at least two (2) days prior to your tour date by calling 928-638-3283.

Grand Canyon mule riders are able to take in the breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park while traveling along the rim of the canyon. Grand Canyon National Park Lodges offer a four-mile, three-hour mule activity (two-hours in the saddle) that departs five miles east of the Historic Grand Canyon Village at the Yaki Barn. Bus transportation is included to and from Yaki Barn. The mule ride travels along the East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service. Wranglers will stop at least six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, human history, fire ecology, and more. There are up to 20 riders per departure.

March 1st through October 31st The Mule Rides depart at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (you must check in by 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively).

December 1st through February 28/29th The Mule Ride departs at 10:00 a.m. (you must check in by 8:30 a.m.).

PRICING – The cost of the ride is $177.72 per person, including tax, and is subject to change without notice. A souvenir water bottle is included.

RESERVATIONS — Mule rides may be reserved by calling 1-303-297-2757 or toll-free within the United States at 1-888-297-2757 .

All riders must be present to check-in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk preferably the day before the ride or at least 90 minutes before departure time. A short interpretive tour to the Yaki Barn and back is part of the adventure.

Overnight Rides to Phantom Ranch

Travel advisory:.

Phantom Ranch mule riders should plan to provide their own rain gear as necessitated by local weather forecasts. All mule riders are strongly encouraged to check in at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk the day prior to their ride. If unable to check-in the day prior, guests should check in at least 90 minutes prior to the ride departure time. You must reconfirm your reservation at least two (2) days prior to your tour date by calling 928-638-3283.

This remarkable adventure is often called the “easy” way down to Phantom Ranch, but it can actually be more strenuous and challenging! The ride 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 rest stops along the way. You will enjoy a box 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.

On the evening you arrive you will enjoy a hearty meal served family-style in the Phantom Ranch Canteen . After breakfast the morning of your departure, you return via the Bright Angel Trail. The ride back up is about 10.5 miles (5.5 hours)

If you have special dietary needs, such as glucose intolerance or food allergies, please advise the reservation agent at the time of booking. Phantom Ranch will do their best to accommodate all special requests.

One-night ride ( available year-round )

• Each additional person is $1025.75.
• Phantom Ranch accommodations.
• Sack lunch, steak dinner, and breakfast (June 1st to August 31st 5:00am breakfast; September 1st to May 31st 6:30am breakfast).
• Rates are subject to change without notice.
• All rates quoted in U.S. Dollars and include applicable taxes.

Two-night ride ( available November to March only )

• Each additional person is $1219.98.
• Breakfast and sack lunch for both days.
• Steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night.

We provide a small plastic bag (approximately the size of a 10-pound bag of ice) 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 . In order to avoid late fees or charges for extra duffels, duffels must be dropped off on time and must meet weight and dimension requirements. Guest is responsible for providing their own duffel. C-pap machines may be carried in by duffel service, or in the mule saddlebag, depending on the size. Please advise the booking agent if you will have a C-pap machine.

All riders must be present to check-in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk preferably the day before the ride or at least 90 minutes before departure time. All riders must be at the stone corral, across from the Bright Angel Trail Head, in Grand Canyon Village 15 minutes before the designated time given at check-in.

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. All riders must sign a risk acknowledgment agreement before taking the ride.

• Rider Qualifications
• Things To Know
• What to Bring and Wear
• 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 (unless emancipated) must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older (or emancipated).
• Long sleeve shirts, long pants, broad brim hats, and close-toed shoes are required.
• Ski caps and gloves are recommended for winter riders.

Mule Ride Departures

Check-in: riders should call 928-638-3283 to confirm their reservations 2 days prior to the ride. This will allow us to inform you of any weather or trail conditions that may affect your trip.

We strongly urge you to check in at the Bright Angel transportation desk the day before your trip. By doing so, we can prepare you in advance so you can be ready to go the following day. If you are unable to check in the day before, you must check in by 5:45 am the day of the ride for the Phantom Ranch overnight ride and no less than an hour and a half prior to departure for the Canyon Vistas ride. Failure to check in on time may result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your deposit.

Standby Waitlist for Rides

Persons arriving at the Grand Canyon without mule reservations can place their names on a waitlist for the three hour Canyon Vistas ride or overnight trip. Every day, Bright Angel Transportation Desk starts a wait list for the following day. Names are taken IN PERSON only starting at 6:00 a.m., and over the phone at 7:30 a.m.

During the winter it is reasonably easy to obtain the mule ride; however, summer visitors may encounter long waitlists. Please inquire at the Bright Angel Transportation and Activities desk to get information regarding the current waitlist.

Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is a comfortable oasis nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The friendly staff at Phantom Ranch stands ready to ensure your comfort and share with you the wonders of this unique wilderness location. Learn more about Phantom Ranch .

As part of our world-famous mule rides, we’re happy to provide the following items to make the most of your experience: a new canteen when you check in that you get to keep when you’re done; and for our Phantom Ranch overnight mule riders, a small plastic bag to put your overnight things in for transport to Phantom Ranch. Phantom Ranch guests will want to take clothes to change into once they arrive at the ranch. For all mule rides, we require that hats, cameras, glasses, and sunglasses be secured to your person–see below!

Required Items for Your Ride

• Wide-Brimmed Hat (April through October only): The hat must tie underneath your chin – we have string or you can buy a hat at the Transportation and Activities Desk. Ball caps are not allowed, as they do not provide enough coverage.  In the winter months (November-March), a warm hat that fits snugly to your head is required to protect from the cold.
• Long-Sleeved Shirt: Lightweight in the summer to protect from sunburn and dehydration. Wear a tank top or T-shirt underneath if you like. In the winter, a long-sleeved shirt combined with sweaters or sweatshirts.
• Long Pants: No shorts or capri pants.
• Smooth, hard soled, closed toe shoes, similar to a cowboy boot, are recommended: In the summer, tennis shoes are acceptable. Flip flops are not allowed . For the winter, shoes that provide insulation from the cold, such as a winter boot, are highly recommended. Shoes with a heavy tread are never encouraged, as their tread may get caught in the stirrups.

Recommended for Your Ride

• One compact camera, or one pair of binoculars per person: They must be on a strap or string around your neck, leaving your hands free. A cellphone can be used as a camera, as long as it has a neck strap and you leave it on silent.
• Rain Pants: Experience has taught us that when it’s cold, wet, and windy, waterproof and windproof pants keep you warm and dry. Ponchos are not permitted.
• Gloves: Recommended from October through May.
• Swimsuit/Shorts/Water Sandals: For Phantom Ranch riders, Bright Angel Creek is perfect to get in and cool off from April through October.
• Scarf or Bandanna: Year-round. Cotton for summer, wool or silk for winter.
• Layered Clothing: During winter months-thermal style underwear, fleece, wool shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. for temperatures below freezing.
• Flashlight: Many guests find a flashlight helpful on overnight trips.
• Sunglasses: Good quality with UV protection. Eyeglasses must be secured by a string or strap.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip sunscreen, or moisturizer is always recommended.

Not Allowed Any Time of Year: Backpacks, waist packs, extra camera lenses, camera bags, full-sized video cameras, two-way radios, or purses. Wallets and keys should be moved from a back pocket to a front pocket so you don’t lose them on the trail (or sit on them all day, leaving an indelible impression). No talking or texting allowed on cell phones during the ride.

Available at Phantom Ranch

Guests spending the night at Phantom Ranch often wish to purchase a variety of items for sale at the bottom of the canyon, including beer and wine, snacks, stamps, post cards, T-shirts, first aid supplies, and toiletries. Major credit cards and cash are accepted, but personal checks are not. Cash is best.

Bright Angel Gift Shop

The gift shop at Bright Angel Lodge has an assortment of essential hiker and mule rider items, such as first aid kits, blister treatment, hand and foot warmers, Chill Skins, phone lassos and electrolyte replacement items.  Be sure to stock up so you are well prepared for your Grand Canyon adventure!

Grand Canyon National Park - Mule Trips

1. South Rim - Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch

2. South Rim - Abyss Viewpoint

3. north rim - rim trail.

4. North Rim - Uncle Jim Point

5. north rim - north kaibab trail.

• Grand Canyon South Rim: Vistas Mule Ride – 3 hours

A beautiful vista ride on mules! This interpretive three-hour mule ride (two hours in the saddle) travels along a new East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service. Your Wrangler will stop along the way to provide information about the geologic formations, human history and more.

All riders are welcome for this breathtaking South Rim vista ride, but you must be at least 4’9″ and weigh less than 225 pounds fully dressed (everyone will be weighed). Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English and be in good physical condition. You should not go on this ride if you are afraid of heights, large animals, or are pregnant.

• Min Age of 9, Min height 4’9″
• Max Weight 225 lbs

Our expert trip planners are ready to help. Contact us today to start planning the trip of your dreams! Request Booking Info

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Grand Canyon Mule Rides

Everyone needs to experience the Grand Canyon through the ears of a sure footed mule. From the North Rim of the Grand Canyon we offer a one hour and a couple three hour trips.

The three hour mule ride to Supai Tunnel will descend into the canyon 2300 hundred feet, following the North Kaibab trail into the natural wonder, the Supai Tunnel.

The three hour Trip to Uncle Jim’s Point follows the Ken Patrick Trail.

The one hour Rim of the Grand Canyon mule ride offers a relaxing ride through the Kaibab Forest and along the majestic Canyon Rim.

For a day of fun & excitement come out and ride a mule. All rides are with experienced guides and our mules are selected for their gentle temperament, being trail wise and sure footed.

Shuttle bus to trail head leaves the lodge one half hour before trip departure times.

The following rides are for the North Rim ONLY

Season Dates: May 15 - October 15

One Hour Rim of the Grand Canyon

Age Limit: 7 years +

Weight Limit: 220 lbs

Departure Times:

$60 per person

Three Hour Rim Ride - To Uncle Jim's Point

Age Limit:  10 years +

$120 per person

Three Hour Ride to Supai Tunnel - Descends into the Grand Canyon

Weight Limit: 200 lbs

Cancelation Policy – 24 hours in advance of reservation to qualify for a refund for the cost of the ride. Online booking fees are non-refundable.

Gift cards are now available. Click on the button below to buy.

Grand Canyon Trail Rides is an Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service.

Where Does The Ride Start

Check in point for the rides in Grand Canyon are at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim. Click below for directions. Please arrive 30 minutes before the start of the ride.

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Grand Canyon Guided Mule Rides

Mule rides at the grand canyon.

If you are looking for a wild west experience when you come to the Grand Canyon there are several options for a horse or mule rides in Grand Canyon National Park and other Grand Canyon Destinations . Professional wranglers will saddle you up to ride several trails both along the rim and into the heart of the Grand Canyon. The most popular trips are mule rides that start from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park , Grand Canyon West near the Skywalk and the trail to Havasu Falls. The North Rim, South Rim and West Rim all offer one-day trips both on the Rim and into the Grand Canyon.  From the South Rim and the Havasu Falls trailhead you can do multi-day mule trips to Phantom Ranch and to the Havasu Falls Campground or Havasupai Lodge. Read the guide below to learn more about taking a guided mule ride at the Grand Canyon.

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Popular Mule and Horseback Rides

Grand canyon south rim.

This 4-mile mule ride along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park traverses the rim from Yaki Point in Grand Canyon Village to Shoshone Point. This one-day trip is a great introduction to riding a mule and a unique perspective of Grand Canyon National Park run by  Xanterra Parks and Resorts .

Tusayan Arizona near the South Rim

Apache Stables located right outside Tusayan, AZ offers horseback rides through Kaibab National Forest trails near the South Rim. They feature several options including mellow trail rides, nighttime campfire rides and wagon rides.

Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch

This adventure takes riders on a 10-mile journey down the Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Riders than spend the night at Phantom Ranch Lodge and return the next day up the South Kaibab Trail. This is an overnight trip and must be booked in advance with Xanterra Parks and Resorts.

Phantom Ranch is currently open with limited services. Grand Canyon National Park will be making critical repairs to the waste water treatment facility at the bottom of Grand Canyon which will reduce use at Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. Phantom Ranch will be pausing lottery entries / bookings for Phantom Ranch overnight mule rides beginning January 01, 2023 and hiker cabins for stays arriving May 01, 2023 onward. To learn more about what is currently available at Phantom Ranch check out their official website .

Grand Canyon North Rim

This 3-hour trip down the North Kaibab Trail goes from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park to Supai Tunnel. This mule ride offers awesome views on the only one-day mule trip that goes into the Grand Canyon as well as a trip with fewer visitors due to its less visited North Rim location.

West Rim (Havasu Falls)

This West Rim Mule Ride starts at the Havasu Falls trailhead (Hualapai Hill Top) and stops 8 miles into the canyon at Supai Village or continues with riders the full 10-miles to the Havasu Falls Campground. This is an overnight trip and must be booked in advance, learn more about trip to Havasu Falls .

West Rim (Hualapai Ranch)

Grand Canyon West, home to the Skywalk also offers several other tours including mule and horseback rides. These mule trips follow the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. If you’re staying the Hualapai Ranch and cabins you can also experience a wild west show during your stay.

West Rim (Bar 10 Ranch)

Located in the far western Grand Canyon near Tuweep, Bar 10 Ranch offers trail rides on horseback for ranch guests. There are several different options from short 30-minute rides, to half-day excursions.

West Rim (Oldwest Outfitters)

Oldwest Outfitters offer multi-day horseback rides through National Parks in Southern Utah and Arizona, including a stop at Toroweap Overlook in Grand Canyon National Park.

Check out other recommended tours below.

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Private Southwest Tours

Recommended grand canyon area tours.

Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

Duration: 11 hours Rating: 5 out of 5 from $185 on Viator

South Kaibab Trail Day Hiking Tour

Duration: 5-7 hours Rating: 5 out of 5 from $304 on Viator

45-minute South Rim Helicopter Flight

Duration: 45 minutes Rating: 5 out of 5 from $279 on Viator

One-Day Whitewater Rafting (Self-Drive)

Duration: 10-12 hours Rating: 5 out of 5 from $399 on G.C. West

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Grand Canyon Mule Rides & Horseback Riding

Horseback riding tours.

Become a part of the Old West as you step into the stirrups of your guided horseback ride tour. Experience the thrill of trail rides down into the canyon – or the excitement of being at a camp fire wagon. Feel like a natural cowboy from the historical past of the Grand Canyon – while your guide expertly directs your tour to see the natural wonders of the Park.

Contact:  www.apachestables.com or (928) 638-2891.

As one of the most historical tours of the Grand Canyon, enjoy a mule tour that takes you deep down below the South Rim. Step back in time as you ride your mule down the rugged trail. Then, enjoy a stay at Fred Harvey’s Phantom Ranch where overnight lodging and meals are provided. Create family memories with an unforgettable mule ride in one of the most amazing places on earth. Please note – it is important to book the Phantom Ranch several months in advance.

Contact: (928) 638-2631 Bright Angel Transportation Desk

Highly recommended Grand Canyon Tours

Pink jeep tours, helicopter tours, airplane tours, smooth water bus trip, imax showtimes.

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

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

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.

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.

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.

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

Related Reading and Viewing

Part 1: Mule Experience By Danny Smith

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Ride a Mule into the Grand Canyon

Explore the depths of the grand canyon on popular trails like the bright angel and south kaibab trail on a mule. trips start from south or north rim..

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Riding a mule into the Grand Canyon is an adventure in itself and will provide you with plenty of stories and memories to share. While a mule ride also isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s a great way to see the Grand Canyon’s depth’s that is easier on your legs, lungs and feet. The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is situated at 7,000 feet elevation; its interior is situated at about 2,000 feet. And what goes down must come up!

Mules, the offspring of a male burro and a female horse, have been carrying people and their gear into the Grand Canyon since the late 1800s. These sure-footed creatures are well-suited to descending and climbing the steep switchbacks into the canyon and were used by miners with prospecting claims in the canyon before tourism became the main industry below the rim. When Fred Harvey Co., built Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, everything besides the stone had to be carried in on the backs of mules. Today, all supplies for Phantom Ranch are still carried in by mule, and trash and mail are carried back out.

While there were allegations of mistreatment of the mules on the Havasupai Indian Reservation as recently as 2018, the mules that operate inside the national park are thought to be well-treated. They even get regular visits from a chiropractor. Visitors can book a mule ride to Phantom Ranch through the park’s concessionaire, Xanterra, or catch sight of the mule trains descending into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail in the mornings.

Why mules and not horses? It’s much easier for a mule to make that trip. Summers can be hot up on the canyon’s rim, but the environment gets even hotter as you descend down the trail and mules can take the heat. Mules are also a better choice for rocky, cliffside trails because they take small, sure-footed steps. When they take a solid step with their front legs, they repeat that exact placement with their back legs. Plus, they are less likely to spook than horses. Horses rear up when they get startled, but a mule will just plant itself and not move. All these are good thing on canyon trails.

You need to book a mule ride well in advance, though, as this is a very popular way for visitors to explore Grand Canyon.

From the South Rim

Mule Rides from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts and are extremely popular. It’s necessary to book your reservation as far in advance as possible. For peak season (Summer), these often fill up 12 months in advance. Call Xanterra Parks & Resorts, at 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757 or check their website at www.grandcanyonlodges.com/things-to-do/mule-trips/  to book your reservation, and for more information.

A two-hour, four-mile Canyon Vistas Rim Ride along the East Rim is a popular family trip. Check in at the Bright Angle Lodge . Trail guides make six stops for interpretive information. Rides serve a maximum of 20 riders.

Overnight and two-night rides that include a stay at the Phantom Ranch at the Canyon’s bottom include accommodations and meals. These mule trips are extremely popular and reservations are often sold out a year in advance.

From the North Rim

Mule trips on the North Rim are operated by Grand Canyon Trail Rides from mid-May to mid-October. There are one-hour rides that take visitors along the North Rim, or half-day trips that tour the Rim, or the depths of the Canyon.

For reservations, call 435-679-8665 or go to www.canyonrides.com or register in the lobby of the Grand Canyon Lodge at the “Grand Canyon Trail Rides” desk from 7 am – 5 pm daily.

Popular on Grand Canyon National Park Trips

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Home > USA Parks > Grand Canyon > Discover the Grand Canyon… On a Mule!

Discover the Grand Canyon… On a Mule!

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The Grand Canyon has been drawing visitors from all over for more than a century, and it is impossible to be prepared for the awe and amazement you will feel when you visit the canyon carved by the Colorado River. What are the different ways to enjoy this view? There are many options to choose from for how to visit the Grand Canyon :

• You can get around by car or shuttle and get off near the various viewpoints located along the scenic Desert View Drive (in the case of the South Rim );
• You can visit the canyon on foot , walking either along the rim of the canyon or descending to the bottom via long, strenuous trails ;
• You can observe it from above on a helicopter or plane tour , some of the most popular tours available;
• Or you can also explore it the old-fashioned way, that is, by… riding a mule !

That’s right, on a mule. While the first three options might have been anticipated, the idea of visiting the Grand Canyon on the back of a mule must certainly sound unconventional!

Grand Canyon Mule Rides: Price and other Information

2-hour canyon vistas mule trip, grand canyon mule ride to phantom ranch, a brief introduction.

Normally we would associate horses with the Wild West, but what you may not know is that mules were used to transport goods. Slow yet strong and stable , the mule is a hybrid of donkey and horse that is capable of completing the arduous journey from the canyon rim to the river and back.

As you may have guessed, “Grand Canyon Mule Rides” are not a recent tourist invention. In fact, the first organized tours of the park dating back to the late 1800s consisted of carriage rides (to the canyon rim) or mule rides (to the canyon floor). To this day, mules carry not only tourists but also some materials from the bottom to the top of the canyon and back (mail, trash, food, etc.). In 1904, British entrepreneur Fred Harvey bought the exclusive concession of mule tours to the Grand Canyon, which now belongs to Xanterra Travel Collection , a tour operator that offers two very different kinds of tours (we will see them shortly).

Here are some very important tips and rules that apply to hiking:

• Mule rides are available  year-round . The price ranges from $170.28 to $1164.83 per person depending on the tour.
• There are not many mules, and mule rides are in high demand. The rangers’ advice is to  book on the official website 15 months in advance , especially if you go in summer (in winter you should find availability even without booking). Make sure to confirm your reservation a couple of days before the tour in the manner specified by the tour operator. If you go to the Grand Canyon without a reservation, you will be put on a waiting list valid for the next day, but that is a risk I do not recommend you take.
• Don’t assume that hiking on a mule is easy. You need to be in  good shape  and not suffer from vertigo, and you must always remember that no matter how highly trained they are, mules can always have unexpected reactions or behaviors.
• To participate in a mule tour, you must be  at least 4’8  tall  and weigh less than  198 lbs  (including clothes) to descend to the river, and no more than  225 lbs  (including clothes) to hike down the slope.
• The minimum age is  9 years  old .
• Minors under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Required attire : Long-sleeved shirt or sweater, long pants, wide-brimmed hat (in summer), closed shoes, and sunglasses. Obviously in the winter it will be necessary to wear additional layers, including sweatshirts, sweaters, waterproof pants, gloves etc.
• No   backpacks  are allowed during the mule ride. If you are on a long hike to the canyon floor, you are permitted to bring a bag with overnight necessities. The rest will be taken care of by the tour company.
• If you bring a camera, you will have to carry it  around your neck . A phone may also be used as a camera, but it must be carried around your neck as well and cannot be used to perform other functions during the trip.
• If you have to arrive very early at the meeting point and  are   looking for accommodations in or near the park , click the link below to view the options:

Grand Canyon: where to stay

Tour options

There are two tours available: 2-Hour Canyon Vistas Mule Ride and the Overnight Ride to Phantom Ranch . Here are details for the two tours:

As you can tell from the name, this tour includes a 2-hour mule ride (3 hours total) and takes place entirely along the South Rim of the canyon. In other words, on this tour you do not go down inside the canyon . Instead, you will only view it from above.

From March 1 to October 31 tours depart at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The rest of the year there is only one tour at 10:00 a.m. Check-in is always at the meeting point an hour and a half before the tour . The cost is $177.72 per person (including tax).

The tour usually has about 20 participants and departs from Yaki Barn , which can be reached by shuttle for free. You will ride the mule for 4 miles on the East Rim Trail . There are 6 stops along the way, where the guide will pause to give information about the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area.

More information can be found here .

This will be a very difficult yet undoubtedly unforgettable adventure , with an overnight stay at the rustic Phantom Ranch , which, for those who don’t know, is the only option found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

After checking in (remember, at least 90 minutes in advance, preferably the day before!), you will go to the meeting point at Bright Angel Lodge. After a brief training conducted by your guide, you will set off on an approximately 5.30-hour descent (with breaks and a picnic lunch) down the Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch, where you can rest, go for a swim in the river and have a delicious steak dinner. After an overnight stay and breakfast, the next day you will return to Grand Canyon Village by hiking up the trail in just under 6 hours.

The tour costs $1,231 per person , but discounts are available for additional participants: 2 people pay $2,233.76, and from the third participant onwards, the discount is greater. Rate includes:

• lodging at Phantom Ranch
• Packed lunch, ranch steak dinner and breakfast
• guided hike

As I have already mentioned, it is not possible to bring a backpack. However, you can pack a bag with spare clothing, a swimsuit for swimming in the river and essentials for an overnight stay. A duffel bag can be provided upon request and at extra charge.

More information can be found here, but a video can help you get a feel for the experience:

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Bernardo Pacini

I am an enthusiastic traveler. I have also published some poetry. Besides traveling, my interests include literature, prog music and good food,.

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Bucket Tripper

Adventure is my State of Mind

Mule-back Riding Along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim

I didn’t expect to like the mule. I’m something of an equestrian — some years more than others, but enough to be quite sure of my preference for the noble horse. And if, like me, you had never ridden a mule before, you might have a few stereotypes in mind: Something about stubbornness, and unresponsiveness, and a few other choice descriptions. No one ever says “fleet as a mule” or “friendly as a mule.”

The truth of the matter is, for trail riding on difficult mountain terrain, there may be no more trusty steed than the humble mule. My mount for a morning ride along the Overlook Trail of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a chestnut named Tank, a hefty fellow who stands quietly as I mount, and stays put as the others in our group are helped aboard. There’s none of that “Help! How do you stop this thing?” that you so often see at the beginning of horseback trail rides; none of the mules are testing their riders by wandering around and pulling on the reins.

In Your Bucket Because… Two hours, just you and your mule and your fellow riders — and views of forever. The mules are well-trained with a perfect safety record. Good for: Families, photo buffs, adventurer travelers.

Compared to a mule, a horse is as stable as junkie off his meds. For a horse, every little distraction on a trail ride is something worthy of a hissy fit. A flower blowing in the breeze: “EEK! It’s a monster!” A bunny crossing the trail: “EEK! Another monster!” A piece of litter: “EEK!” — Well, you get the point by now. And a horse’s “EEK It’s a monster!” can take the form of snorting, rearing, shying away, or running, depending on who the rider is. Horses also have this uncanny ability — sort of like middle-schoolers with a substitute teacher — to pretty quickly figure out who is in charge. Power — and horses — abhor a vacuum. It is not the animal you want under you on the edge of a canyon that plummets 5,000 feet into the guts of the earth.

By contrast, Grand Canyon mules are babysitters. Before being assigned to tourists, each goes through a careful vetting process. By the time they are mounted by visitors whose previous riding experience consisted of a carousel at the Jersey Shore, nothing ruffles them. They plod along, ears forward, never pulling or startling. “Ho, hum, another rustling flower” the mule might think, if he bothers to notice it at all (although he might remember his horse lineage for just long enough to see if the rider will let it bend down to taste that flower.)

As far as behavior is concerned, most of our mules followed in an orderly procession, although once in a while our neat line got a little scraggly. As far as sure-footedness is concerned, mules are to horses what mountain goats are to elephants. In any event, Tank is not going to fall of the edge of the Grand Canyon — even if I tell him to. Mules are just not suicidal.

The Canyon Vistas Ride

The Mule Ride Operation at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers daily rides. On the classic overnight, riders go all the way down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom, and the next day ride back up. For many years, the day rides went about an hour down into the Canyon, then back up. A few years ago, the in-the-canyon day rides were swapped for a forested ride near the rim. Visitors complained of lack of views. Today, there’s a new riding trail right along the rim. And before you think that not going into the canyon might be a disappointing turn of events, consider the advantages:

• Riding downhill for an hour at a time is not all that comfortable. A mule’s normal gait is like a rocking chair. A downhill gait lumbers from side to side, like one of those Magic Fingers beds that has broken parts and faulty wiring.
• Beginning riders on the downhill ride often spent most of their time clinging in terror to the saddle horn as they watched the horse come within inches of the edge of the trail. Yes, on the rim trail ride, you go right up to the edge, but you’re on a comfy, wide plateau. It’s the difference between walking across the Hudson River on the George Washington Bridge — or on a tightrope.
• As its name promises, the Vista Ride gives you views, views, and more views. Yes, there were plenty of great views on the old in-the-canyon ride, but for a two-hour introduction to the Canyon, the views from the top are unparalleled.

Guests are transported from the main barn to Yaki Barn near the South Kaibab trail in a park bus, with a guide who offers some historical notes peppered with jokes about mules. At the barn, riders get a safety briefing along with basic instructions — “Stop,” “Go,” “Turn,” and how to use the euphemistically-called “motivator” (a leather crop). Then, it’s time to mount up and head along a wooded trail toward the rim. During the ride, there are a few breaks for natural history and geology lessons from the wranglers, along with photo ops.

In my imagination, this first part of the ride is very much like the experience I picture the first explorers to have had. The plateau on the south side of the canyon is flat, covered with Ponderosa pines. As you ride through the scraggly dryland forest, there is absolutely no warning, not even a tiny inkling, of what lies ahead. And then you arrive at the Rim and find the earth cut open before you.

Those early explorer would have arrived on horseback, so as Tank carries me through the forest, I try and put myself in the mind of someone who has never seen the Canyon before until they reach the very edge — as we do only a few minutes later. Even if you’ve spent considerable time in the Canyon before, you can’t help but be awed by the spectacle that spreads out as far as you can see. You will have this spectacle to ponder for the entire rest of the ride.

Practicalities

• Book in advance, especially during vacation periods, and for Phantom Ranch overnight rides..
• The ride is a three hour time commitment: an hour to get on and off the mules and learn a bit about them, and two solid hours of riding. Day-rides go out twice a day during the high seasons, and once a day from mid-October to mid-March
• You’ve got to weigh less than 225 pounds fully clothed, and yes, they weigh you when you sign up to be sure. (Riders going into the Canyon for an overnight have to weigh less than 200 pounds, fully clothed). Riders must be at least 4 feet 7 inches. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• Closed-toe shoes that fully cover your feet are required. Wear a hat for sun protection (with a string to keep it from blowing away), and long pants and long sleeved shirts.
• Give the terrain, it’s no surprise that these rides are run with a tight rein — ie, by the book. Don’t expect a flexible “anything goes” type of experience (even if you’re an experienced rider) — everyone rides by the book. It’s for everyone’s safety.
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Mule & Horseback Tours

Grand Canyon Apache Stables

Horseback Trail Rides & Memories A horseback riding through the beautiful Kaibab National Forests makes for a memorable addition to your Grand Canyon experience. We have several guided rides available. Apache Stables is located north of Tusayan, right outside the Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Apache Stables Read More »

Grand Canyon Mule Trips & Rides, Mules

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Grand Canyon mules are sure-footed animals that will take you along the rim or down into the canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime mule trip adventure at Grand Canyon National Park.

Providers these companies can get you there, canyon trail rides.

• Claim Your Business

Mule Rides on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. 1 hour or 1/2 day rides. Ages 7 and up.

Where can I go on Mule Trips?

• Abyss Overlook Mule Ride Of all Grand Canyon mule trips, this is likely the most popular one, beginning in Grand Canyon Village and taking you all the way to Abyss Overlook. You’ll ride through lovely pine forest settings, enjoy the wildlife, and get water and snacks included.
• Overnight Rides to Phantom Ranch If anyone has overnight Grand Canyon mule rides on their “to-do-this-lifetime” list, an overnight mule ride to Phantom Ranch will be just the ticket. Staying at the rustic Phantom Ranch is an experience in itself, and you’ll ride across the Colorado River and see the colorful cliffs of the Inner Gorge for a priceless adventure at the bottom of Grand Canyon.

The North Rim mule rides leave from the North Kaibab Trailhead and are only available from mid-May to mid-October.

• Mule Ride on the rim of Grand Canyon A Grand Canyon mule ride along the North Rim on Uncle Jim Trail provides some wonderful views into the canyon. A one-hour trip may be just the thing for families or if you want to get the feel of a mule ride before embarking on a longer adventure.
• Mule Ride to Uncle Jim’s Point Ride to Uncle Jim’s Point on this half-day mule trip, following the Ken Patrick Trail to Uncle Jim’s Trail. You won’t enter the Grand Canyon but you’ll find the views of Bright Angel Canyon and Roaring Springs Canyon breathtaking.
• Mule Trip to Supai Tunnel Another half-day mule ride, the trip to Supai Tunnel takes you 2,300 feet down the North Kaibab Trail and into Grand Canyon. The mules do all the work, while you enjoy the sights of this marvelous national park.

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You should always be prepared for your trip to Grand Canyon. Browse the listings on this page to find any outfitters, guides or supplies you may need to make your adventure in Grand Canyon convenient and safe.

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Mule rides in grand canyon national park.

Mule rides, long a way to see the Grand Canyon up close, are still available in the park, but not as plentiful below the rim as they once were.

Under a stock use plan adopted in January 2011 , only 10 visitors a day will be allowed to ride below the South Rim. Under the plan, mule use will continue at "historically high levels," although the number going down into the Inner Gorge from the South Rim was cut in half and will be solely for guests staying overnight at Phantom Ranch. No Inner Gorge day rides will be offered.

South Rim Mule Rides

Concessionaire Xantera offers two South Rim mule trips year-round. They often fill up early. A waiting list is only maintained for day-before cancellations, so chances of obtaining reservations on the waiting list are slim. If you wish to make a trip into the canyon on a mule, plan ahead!

2-Hour Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

Grand Canyon mule riders are able to take in the breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park while traveling along the rim of the canyon. Grand Canyon National Park Lodges offer a four-mile, three-hour mule activity (two-hours in the saddle) that departs five miles east of the Historic Grand Canyon Village at the Yaki Barn. Bus transportation is included to and from Yaki Barn. The mule ride travels along the East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service. Wranglers will stop at least six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, human history, fire ecology, and more. There are up to 20 riders per departure.

March 1 - October 31, rides depart twice a day. December 1 - February 28/29, rides depart once a day. 2024 rides cost $177.72 including tax, per person, and includes a souvenir water bottle. Reservations may be made online or call (303) 297-2757 or toll free (888) 297-2757.

Overnight Rides

Stay one or two nights at Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Canyon near the Colorado River. This service must be reserved and purchased in advance. One-night rides are available year-round and include accommodations and meals. For 2024, one-night rides cost $1,231.00 for the first person or 2 people for $2,233.76, including taxes. Each additional person is $1,025.75.

Two-night rides are available November - March only at a cost of $1,630.47 for the first person or 2 people for $2,804.46, including taxes. Each additional person is $1,219.98.

Click  this link  for more particulars, including rider qualifications, things to know, and what to bring and wear.

Traveler's Note: Due to trail conditions, Phantom Ranch mule rides are cancelled through September 30, 2024.  The National Park Service also continues to move forward with major infrastructure rehabilitation projects, and these projects may impact some of our concessions operations. As a result, lottery entries / bookings for Phantom Ranch overnight mule rides have been paused between December 2, 2024 and March 14, 2025.

North Rim Mule Rides

These rides are offered from mid-May to mid-October.

North Rim mule trips do not go to the river.

One-hour rides along the rim and half-day rim or inner canyon trips are usually available on a daily basis.

1 Hour Trip - Grand Canyon Rim 7 year age limit - 220 lb. weight limit 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. $60.00/person, including taxes.

3 Hour Rim Ride To Uncle Jim's Point 10 year age limit - 220 lb. limit 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. $120.00/person, including taxes.

3 Hour Ride To Supai Tunnel - Descends Into The Grand Canyon

10 year age limit - 200 lb. weight limit 7:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. $120.00/person, including taxes.

Register in the lobby of the Grand Canyon Lodge at the Grand Canyon Trail Rides desk; open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

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Hit the Trail

Pioneering the Best Trails in the Southwest

Phantom Ranch Mule Rides

Denise Traver

Denise worked for years as Grand Canyon National Park backcountry ranger and then as a field instructor for the Grand Canyon Field Institute. She shares what she learned working with the public and during her own backpacking experiences.

For a fun way to learn about other’s Grand Canyon mule rides or to share your experience, visit this Grand Canyon Mule Riders and Wrangler Appreciation Facebook page .

Follow along with Bryan and Kelli Millican as they share a slideshow of their mule ride to Phantom Ranch and back .

(The information below was taken directly from the Grand Canyon National Park Lodge’s Mule Rides page . It is provided here for information only. You need to contact them directly for current information and to make reservations.)

2-Hour Canyon Vistas Mule Ride

Grand Canyon mule riders are able to take in the breathtaking vistas of Grand Canyon National Park while traveling along the rim of the canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges offer a four-mile, three-hour mule activity (two-hours in the saddle) that departs five miles east of the Historic Grand Canyon Village at the Yaki Barn.

Bus transportation is included to and from Yaki Barn and the Historic Village Livery Barn. The mule ride travels along the East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service.

Wranglers will stop at least six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, human history, fire ecology, and more. There are up to 20 riders per departure.

• March 1st through October 31st: The Mule Ride departs at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
• November 1st through February 28/29th : The Mule Ride departs at 9:00 a.m.
• Reservations : Visit Grand Canyon National Park Lodge’s Mule Rides page for pricing and to book reservations.

All riders must be present to check-in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk preferably the day before the ride or at least one and a half hours before departure time.

All riders must be at the Historic Village Livery Barn 15 minutes prior to scheduled 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 rest stops along the way. You will enjoy a box 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.

On the evening you arrive you will enjoy a hearty meal served family-style in the Phantom Ranch Canteen.

After breakfast the morning of your departure, you return via the South Kaibab Trail.

The ride back up is about 7.8 miles (5.5 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.

If you have special dietary needs, such as glucose intolerance or food allergies, please advise the reservation agent at the time of booking. Phantom Ranch will do their best to accommodate all special requests.

One-night ride (available year-round)

• Phantom Ranch accommodations.
• Sack lunch, steak dinner, and breakfast.
• Rates are subject to change without notice.

Two-night ride (available November to March only)

• Breakfast and sack lunch for both days.
• Steak dinner on the first night and stew dinner on the second night.

We provide a small plastic bag (approximately the size of a 10-pound bag of ice) 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 . In order to avoid late fees or charges for extra duffels, duffels must be dropped off on time and must meet weight and dimension requirements.

Guest is responsible for providing their own duffel. C-pap machines may be carried in by duffel service, or in the mule saddlebag, depending on the size. Please advise the booking agent if you will have a C-pap machine.

All riders must be present to check-in 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 stone corral, across from the Bright Angel Trail Head, in Grand Canyon Village 15 minutes before the designated time given at check-in.

Phantom Ranch Mule Ride Photos

Follow along with Bryan and Kelli Millican as they share a slideshow of their mule ride to Phantom Ranch and back out by clicking on the thumbnails below.

Photo credit: Grand Canyon mules by Kelli Millican

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