Grand Canyon Mule Trips

Tips and Information

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Tips from Liz

Test Your Riding Legs. If you are not a horse-back rider, head to your local stables for a one or two hour trail ride to see how your body reacts to riding. Believe me, you use different muscles for riding than you do for hiking. If you can hardly walk after your trail ride, consider a few more rides or some lessons before you head out for your first Grand Canyon mule trip.

Gear Up. Have a look at the Mule trip website, read the pamphlet and make sure you have all the gear you need for your trip. Remember the altitude change and the concurrent temperature differences. While temperatures in summer may be balmy on the rim, you can end up in 100 degree plus heat at the canyon floor. The floppy wide brimmed hat the recommend is a necessity. So is drinking water to keep hydrated. And, don’t forget sunscreen. Layering is also a wise idea. Try your clothing on to judge comfort before you pack for your trip.

Memorialize Your Trip. The outfitters allow you to bring one camera or a small video camera or binoculars. Make sure the camera you bring is easy to use, is tried and true and has a strap so you can affix it to your body. In fact, everything that can fly off of you is required to be tied down… hats, glasses, etc. If you don’t have straps that work, they will embarrass you by giving you twine to tie stuff on with!

Souvenir Ideas

A video or DVD is sold at the gift shop that can help prepare you for your trip and serve as a great memory afterwards. They sell shirts that proclaim to all that you rode mules at the Grand Canyon. The baseball hats are nice, but don’t meet the requirements for a broad-brimmed hat on summer mule rides.

Next: How to Make Your Reservations

Historical Photo: Early Grand Canyon Mule Rides