Grand Canyon Mule Ride to Phantom Ranch with Mule Wrangler 'TEX!'

Experience a mule ride to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with Mule Wrangler and Grand Canyon National Park employee 'TEX’!
Before and after her 2021 Appalachian Trail thru hike, Tex's first love and employment is the Grand Canyon and its mules. Join her to experience a day in the life of a Grand Canyon Mule Wrangler.
This footage was shot in late October.
********
Disclaimer:
Please note that the ride to Phantom Ranch is a very strenuous and lengthy 5-6 hour ride. It is not the “easy way down” to the bottom of the canyon. The 10 mile ride progresses downhill one vertical mile (almost 5,000 feet) over tall steps down for the majority of the ride. This puts continual stress on the back, hips, knees, and ankles that compounds as the ride progresses. Riders need strong abdominal muscles required to lean back in the saddle for the majority of the 5 hour downhill ride. Summer temperatures of 90-120 degrees at the bottom of the canyon with extremely low humidity pose a risk of heat exhaustion.
If you’re in good physical health and condition, you’ll do fine, but your knees and seat will be sore.
This ride is not recommended for
those with pain in the back, hips, knees, ankles, or weak abdominal muscles;
those with poor flexibility or poor range of motion in the hips;
those not in good physical condition;
those with underlying health issues;
those who recently underwent surgery;
those with poor balance;
those prone to heat sickness; or
those with an extreme fear of heights.
Please be honest with yourself, the check-in staff, and the barn staff about your physical health and any health conditions or concerns. Failing to do so puts you at risk of pain and physical injury, as well as poses a risk to the rest of the group due to delay as your situation is being attended to.

[@ElGuajiro48]

My wife and I were fortunate to have had Tex as one of our wranglers on our two-day trip to Phantom Ranch. Tex is a very friendly and helpful guide. In this video you see how beautiful the inner canyon is, how nice the mules are and how helpful and accommodating the wranglers are. However it doesn't prepare you for the sheer terror you may feel riding high on your mule as you descend for the first time on the steep Bright Angel Trail. Even so you finally adjust and end up loving every minute. Thank you Tex and our trusty steeds Mayberry & CJ.

[@lisaphikes]

Hi Emilio! 👋 Hope you and Bobbie are doing well. CJ and Mayberry say they miss you and to visit again soon! 🐴❤️

[@ElGuajiro48]

@@lisaphikes You may not believe knowing how challenged I was going down, but shortly after we returned to the Rim I said to Bobbie "We should do it again!"

[@150F2011]

@@lisaphikes Is mid September a good month to do this trip

[@JoseRodriguez-nd2gt]

Te amo

[@TX_BADMAN]

My wife and i have made the ride as well. It was 25 years ago. Its time to go again before I get to old.

[@timlewis6660]

I asked for a trip to Phantom Ranch for my 12th birthday in 1977 and was very fortunate to go on the ride with my parents who are now both gone. Thanks for the video and the happy memories it brought.

[@RealJohnWayne]

I'm fortunate enough to have "Muled The Canyon" twice, once in 94, and again in 98, with my wife and 2 sons who were just young boys at the time, and I was just about the age they are today, what wonderful memories. 💞

[@davidkimmel4216]

Thank You. Been at the Canyon several times. No words can describe it. The US has so so many great places to see and ride in.

[@dustyjackson586]

Tex we enjoyed our ride with you back in May with our friend Hermine (81 years young). She is so happy she did this trip that she tells everyone and has her certificate proudly displayed at her house. Hope you have a good year.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

So good to see you again! You are right at home in that environment and you are a natural! As a bonus, we got to see you on the hiking trail again and we got to hear you sing! Thanks for posting this part of you life!

[@marilynlockwood2506]

Tex, We had the best time with you and Hunter as our guides. Its an experience we will never forget! We learned so much and had so much fun. Kevin and Marilyn from New Jersey.

[@lisaphikes]

My ‘New Joisey’ peeps! Thanks for commenting! It was certainly great to have y’all along. Hope all is well! Sansa and Cuco say hello! 🐴🐴👋👋

[@susanm7042]

Thanks for taking us along, Tex. I’ve missed your videos! This one was another fantastic, professional-quality job-you surely have a talent for documenting your adventures. Keep up the good work and Happy Trails!

[@lisaphikes]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kellysadventurouslife]

What an amazing place! You look so happy and I loved listening to the “clip- clop” sound of the mules on the bridge, seeing them bob for apples, and loved the classic country music! You have a special connection with the mules and they are blessed to have you there in the Grand Canyon! This is now on my bucket list!

[@williebourke9962]

Wow ,As surefooted as a mule takes on a new dimension when we see how composed these mules are high up on the mountain pass.Great credit to their trainers and handlers .That was a beautiful video of the Grand canyon and yes I've been there and it's breathtakingly beautiful.🇨🇮

[@ealafryafresena5422]

Thanks for your Video. Greetings from the Norhtcoast of Germany

[@barbcarver4852]

Excellent! Loved the video! Have been down 3 times and hope to go again. Love it!! My grandfather, Ed Cummings, was a trail guide for 30 years in the early 1900s.

[@suecox8355]

Great seeing you again. Thank you for the thrill.That is definitely a want to do trip. Great seeing the mule are loved and taken care of. I am not that great at riding but I do know to trust the animal I am on more than my self. You soon become as one. Take care,be safe and have fun.🦋❤

[@sandrabonagura809]

So good to see you again Tex! Thank you for sharing your wonderful mule trip with us what a great job!

[@funtimevideos2160]

Lisa, I love this video. I know you talked about this ride in your AT hike videos and now we know what it's all about. Thank you so much for making this video. The scenery is beautiful and you make this ride look so fun ! I hope one day to do this trip. It's really nice to see you again and I hope you keep doing videos. You are the best !

[@austinado16]

Remarkable what you Mule Wrangler's do!! I've always wanted to see some of the back stage operation. Amazing! Thanks for being part of the great heritage of the Grand Canyon.

[@lisaphikes]

🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@anitamckenzie4895]

Thanks Lisa (Tex) , how wonderful to see you in your element.. we lived in Phoenix for many years a Loved the canyon. Thanks for taking us along..we missed you!!

[@danishsailing4630]

I worked there for Ron Clayton back in 95 and 96. Ron was a good boss. I liked him a lot. Much respect. Jeff Smith

[@roygbiv5164]

"Metamorphic and igneous rock, oooh...ahhhh!" Love it! Thanks for the ride!

[@PedroNord]

You have a very natural talent as.a presenter and videographer. Thank you for taking us on this little adventure. If you’ve ever a mind to listen to a KZbin audiobook, I recommend you give “Six Years with the Texas Rangers, 1875 to 1881, by James Gillett” a try. You’ll be hooked in just a minute or two. And now I’m off to watch Charlie Brown Christmas for the first time this year. That and Christmas carols do much to melt my cynicism. Have a happy holiday. 🐴

[@gurleyexplores9392]

Great to see another one of your videos. You have an amazing job and your love for it shines through. Look forward to seeing more of your adventures.....Merry Christmas!

[@brucedillinger9448]

I did this excursion back in about 1992. Beyond memorable! Our wrangler was a feisty small woman who took no $h!t from anyone. Hah! Thanks for posting this. Brings back great memories!

[@jakereynolds5017]

Was your wrangler's name Mary Lois Brown by any chance? If you still have your Mule Skinner certificate her name should be on the bottom....

[@g8torfan462]

Loved every minute of this vlog. Thank you!

[@HikingWithWhiskers]

Wow! Absolutely one of the best videos I’ve ever watched! Tex, you are amazing! What a great job! 🥾🥾⛺️

[@vickifg13]

Thanks for sharing that looks like an awesome trip. You work wonderful with the donkeys. They looked very happy and the bobbing for apples was funny. Thank you so much for sharing.💖💖

[@marilynhoudek6043]

Thank you and Jesse so much for taking such good care of us and giving us a wonderful ride. I want to go again!

[@deborahs6978]

Wow! Thanks for the ride! Can’t get enough of your high spirited videos, or enough of MULES…love MULES…love HIKING…love the AT…love the CANYON,…okay, guess I will stop, but seriously…THANK YOU!!

[@hunterrex232]

Pretty cool. I love your personality. Keep the videos coming. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful trip with us. At the age of 12, I used to lead trail rides through the woods in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan by horseback. I envy your calm and joyful spirit on all those switch backs. You’re braver than I 😳

[@lisaphikes]

Wow! 12 years old! Must’ve been mature for your age!

[@bethfrank1981]

Omg! I so love this ❣️ Thanks for sharing 👍❤️💕

[@kathyesslinger5736]

Thank you for this happy video. Love those mules ! Love the GC !

[@axelreyes8182]

So glad you got some film posted ! You are so adventurous and portray so naturally what you do it is just fun to watch. Thanks for sharing, it made my day! "Sparks"

[@billybaroo5445]

WOW, not for the acrophobic! Spectacularly beautiful scenery. What a job to have... Good to see & hear you again.

[@forkintherode8236]

Yes I do want to take that ride. What a cool job you have. Thanks for the tour

[@krishanson1639]

Great video! I love a good mule and this looks like whole bunch of good mules. Please post more about their care. I really appreciate how you acknowledge them.

[@conniewolf7300]

When I lived in Williams in N AZ I was honored to meet and become friends with a retired mule skinner from the Canyon. His name was Marion Perkins. He's gone now. They retired him with his white mule, whose name I have forgotten. I took a mule rideo on the North Rim in the mid-80's....not nearly as long or scary as the one to Phantom Ranch. Mules are the best!!!

[@M0stlyStormie]

I did a mule ride at the north rim about 5 years ago. Thank you to the Mules and the wrangler. We were in a small group of 6. Fantastic mules and wonderful lady wrangler. Will return soon

[@jeanmckenzie3254]

Wonderful…missed your videos never seen the canyon like that. Thank you for sharing this!

[@tanjamorgan5498]

I have fond memories of our visit to Phantom Ranch. Enjoyed your video!

[@martinwelch5774]

Great way to spend your days. I shared my life with horses and penned cattle at a local livestock sale in my youth. Lots of good memories. Enjoy!

[@YellowRoseoftx]

Great to see you and loved the ride thanks so much! 😎 🤠🐴 loved the mules too! Be well👍🏻

[@marilynhoudek6043]

Thanks for posting this cuz then I could show all my friends what the ride was like! Loved Aspen's tongue.

[@dinahgilliam848]

What a great trip that would be! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheJhtlag]

Finally caught up, just finished the AT vlog a few days ago (!) so I can join the up-to-date crowd now. I've hiked maybe an hour out and back so thanks for the terrific take-me-along to the Phantom Ranch. You definitely look at home. Cheers.

[@zigzag4230]

Whoa, a dramatic turn of events. Tex tuning in from her alternate universe! 'Trust your mule'.

[@scothampton963]

That's awesome. Great memories of my wife and I doing that years ago.

[@jonrost5574]

We went to the grand canyon last March and it snowed like crazy! Fun to get a glimpse at your day job.

[@jackredding7891]

Lisa, what a cool video….my wife and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for giving us some great ideas of things to do as we get ready to retire next year 😊. We want to do some of the AT and your vids are a great resource for us!

[@cj9667]

What a job! Every day is different! Beautiful scenery, the mules appear to be very happy! AND you love them!

[@lisaphikes]

Best job in the world!

[@cj9667]

@@lisaphikes no doubt! 👍👍

[@misterb1496]

So cool, Tex! It may not be all glamour, but what a cool gig! The views and scenery are breathtaking. I really want to bring my daughters there, hopefully we'll get you as a guide. Please post more GC vids.

[@lynlandham3779]

Thank you! That was so much fun!

[@muleskinner4495]

Great video, I think I’ve just added something to my bucket list!! Thanks for sharing

[@danielandhisswiftiebuddyev1073]

Great video! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@helenleal7363]

Hi Lisa. I was so thrilled to see you post this film about the Grand Canyon you talked about it on your thru-hike I'm glad you showed it! My family and I took a trip to the Grand Canyon back in 1990 and it has always been on my bucket list since then to take the trail down on a mule. If I ever do and run into you I will have to get your autograph lol you go girl you are my hero you are great to watch on the Appalachian Trail and you're still a great person to watch!

[@lisaphikes]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KrisKazmierski]

Looks like you’re having a lot of fun making this video. A lot of us really enjoy watching them!

[@stevenvarner9806]

That was great Lisa. Thanks.

[@bigzoo55]

Great video! Looks like you really enjoy your job and you can’t beat the views of the canyon. I did that hike in one day - uphill was no joke!

[@ronmccarville256]

Thanks Lisa! That was an excellent video. Enjoyed seeing you in your professional world. Really appreciated coming along. Loved seeing the mules too. And the canyon/river combination never disappoints!! Feel free to take us along any time!!

[@bethvancleave7145]

Wow this video was really nice! Thank you for post!!!

[@markp0752]

That was terrific. I enjoyed the whole thing. You have a great job!

[@lisaphikes]

Best job in the world!

[@robertfrost5161]

Beautiful vidio. So enjoyed your AT videos. When younger I used to camp and ride horses at Grayson Highlands. I'm going to put the Grand canyon adventure on my bucket list right after hiking the AT. Thanks for sharing.

[@lisaphikes]

I loved Greyson Highlands! How cool.

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

Too cool, Tex❣️🥰 Loved seeing you in your other element, and the beauty you get to see each day❣️Wow it was amazing to see that condor too 👍😎 All your mules look like happy mules, well-behaved mules, and you are the queen of the canyon, my friend❣️Great video 🙂 God bless you, gal, Merry Christmas, and happy trails❣️🥰

[@lisaphikes]

Merry Christmas Marlene!!

[@MrTitanTopper]

Great seeing you on trail again! 😉

[@williamking2249]

Pretty amazing job you have, from backpack to saddlebags.Thank you for bringing us along. There is snow in the Whites, We're expecting a dusting overnight in the mid 30s here.🌲👍

[@lisaphikes]

Wow, bet that’s pretty. Enjoy! 🌲❄️

[@coldcreekian]

Great video, Tex!!

[@dauneelliott]

Tex, what a wonderful video. Now I sort of see why you were so comfortable on the AT. You did a great job videoing your occupation and it seems very much like you like it. It is so awesome to have a job that isn’t work.

[@lisaphikes]

Best job in the world!

[@rachealgetscreative]

Wow! This is amazing! Such good animals!!

[@toniflaughlin6718]

Excellent video!

[@donaldguertin3968]

WOW! What an amazing trip that must be for those who are not afraid of heights. I had no idea what the Grand Canyon really looks like with all those switch backs and the steepness. No wonder your videos made hiking the AT look like a walk in the park!! Thank you so much and Merry Christmas and holidays to you.

[@russlehman2070]

You really need to hike or ride into the Grand Canyon to fully appreciate the scale of it. Though it is spectacular from the rim viewpoints, much of it is so far away that your eyes don't really grasp the size of it. I've never taken the mule ride, but I have hiked the trails shown in this video, as well as a couple of backcountry trails on the north side.

[@nleophonte]

Beautiful! Thank you. Hope to make it there soon

[@TooTall_hikes]

That was a great video. And if I'm out west some day I may half to check yall out. I have been to the grand canyon but never seen it from that perspective. Epic views ❤

[@joybaker4559]

Love this beautiful Video

[@lindabriggs5118]

I've been to Phantom Ranch. It's awesome. But my bestie and I actually hiked the Rim to Rim, South Rim to North Rim. And we stayed and camped two nights at Phantom Ranch. Absolutely loved it! I tell everyone I meet to do a Rim to Rim or ride the trail to Phantom on the mules. It's an experience few people do.

[@stevecibolo7725]

Great Video! I have hiked across the Canyon a few times, but I do want to take the mules down one day.

[@jamesbonner5989]

Great video, thanks.

[@katereitzel]

The perfect adventure! 🤩🧡🐴🏜

[@yaniragarcia6634]

What a nice and interesting video you made..thank you..I want to see more of these videos..thank u ❤❤❤❤❤

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

I’m SO glad you are posting this kind of video!! Thank you!!! Ready to book my flights now!! Sign me up.

[@lisaphikes]

👏👏👏👏🐴🤠

[@izaiasquinto8198]

I live in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, but I really liked this video!

[@AnthonyM12345-z]

Wow! Such a cool job...and the views

[@snickerspayne4929]

I binged all of your vids. Please, please, please consider a PCT or CDT video journey. You are gifted at videography and your narration is incredible. Thank you, thank you for all of your work. You have blessed me.

[@MikeLoveBuns]

Peter, Many years ago my Uncle Ben & Ina rode mules down from top of canyon to bottom and stay over night . Next day rode mules back to top of canyon! 😀 Mike from Missouri

[@TheCmac316]

Thanks for the glimpse into your day! Awesome video and I can’t wait to be there soon! Goin to do Rim to Rim to Rim in April! Hopefully I’ll have a chance to say hi!

[@lisaphikes]

Awesome! April will be a nice month for a R3

[@TravelHungryForLife]

Awesome video share friends great channel release the mules 😍 See you again stay safe and healthy always CHEERS 👍👍

[@ezcamping8887]

Good to see you again

[@brianwilliams3146]

Awesome video!

[@trail70brent]

Love this video

[@gaywalker4387]

I’ve missed you! This was a delightful video! I’d love to join you one day!

[@skisacky]

Cool video! We visited that part of the Grand Canyon, but didn’t do the mule rides. The scenery is so beautiful down there but I’m not sure about riding a mule.

[@KayaRammstein]

this was a fun video :D Thank you!

[@butchbinion1560]

Very nice you are in your Element. ✌️👊

[@suzanholder2525]

Last pic of you ..beautiful!!! As are all of them..so miss your AT. .vlogs

[@yaniragarcia6634]

Amazing video..I liked it so much..I had to subscribe ❤❤

[@HeftyJ]

Nice to get a virtual tour on the mules. Was just recently at the GC. My Fiancé and I tried to book a trip to the ranch but it’s all booked, over a year in advance so we did the next best thing. We hiked all the way from the south rim to pipe creek beach and back, in a day hike. Not quite as fun. I believe we may have ran into your convoy along the way.

[@lisaphikes]

Wow, good job on that day hike! It’s no joke! Yeah, the mule trains are now taking the Bright Angel trail both down and up while the South Kaibab is getting some maintenance, so I’m sure you saw us!

[@blainethompson5245]

Took that ride back in the '70s on "Gambler". Lots of fun.

[@waltermaner5265]

Great to see you in your element, Tex. Bet there were times when you wished for a mule on the AT. That would be the ultimate slack pack

[@lisaphikes]

Absolutely! 😆😆

[@jimhenderson387]

You're back! Thanks for the ride, but don't think I could do that unless they install some guardrails on the trail. There's lots of seriously hairy drops on that trail. I guess miles don't realize that? Hope you have a great winter!

[@lisaphikes]

Mules have an exceptional sense of self preservation. You couldn’t get them to go off the edge if you tried. 🐴

[@lewie7820]

It's on my bucket list...

[@geraldolima7670]

Perfect Perfeito! Fortaleza-Ce Brazil

[@damianvaldez8437]

Beautiful places