About Grand Canyon Mule Trips

What to Expect on Your Mule Trip Adventure

Are you up for an adventure? If you have a sense of adventure, feel reasonably fit and want to see the Grand Canyon from the top down, in all angles of light, and experience the canyon’s geology, wildlife and beauty in a way few ever get to experience it, you may enjoy the trip.

What about riding ability? Riders of all abilities are welcome. The wranglers will tell you that if you are a regular rider, you will ache a lot less than the newbies, but after a 5 and a half hour ride to the canyon floor anyone will have a little trouble walking. Wranglers will brief you on how to rein your mule, how to pace the mule and how to avoid problems. They will watch over you all the way and are there to ensure your safety. But you will have to take their advice to heart and do your part for a successful trip.

What can I expect from the mules? The mules are selected for strength, endurance and sure-footedness. They are trained to handle the switchbacks and narrow trails. But, as the wranglers will tell you, they are still animals who may be stubborn at times and may be frightened by an unexpected mountain goat, falling rock or rude hiker on the trail. Oh yes, and did I tell you that the mules walk on the outside half of the trail? (remember, don’t take this trip if you are afraid of heights)

At the pre-ride briefing you will be told how important it is to keep together. Mules are herd animals. Riders are provided with crops, or short whips, and are told to use them to keep their mule at least two to five feet in back of the mule in front of them. The wranglers size up the riders and have smaller mules for children. As the travelers are lined up to head out, the riders are told that children go first, then women, and then the guys. And, they are told, “if you do well on the way down we may let you ride back with the people you came with.”

Next: What are the options?