Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Mule Ride FAQs with Mule Wrangler "TEX!"

Frequently asked questions about the Grand Canyon two-day mule ride down to Phantom Ranch, hosted by Grand Canyon mule wrangler ‘TEX’.
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Mule ride shirts are available for purchase on Etsy:
www.grandcanyon...
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Grand Canyon Mule Ride KZbin video:
• Grand Canyon Mule Ride...
Rider qualifications, information, and booking- Xanterra's website:
www.grandcanyo...
Lottery for the mule ride (15 months in advance):
www.grandcanyo...
Click on "Enter the Phantom Ranch Lottery"
General availability calendar for the mule ride (13 months in advance):
www.grandcanyo...
Click on "Search Current Phantom Ranch Availability"
Day-before cancellation waitlist- Bright Angel Transportation Desk:
[phone]
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Amazon shopping list:
Crew length socks: amzn.to/3LQSWUn
Cell phone lanyard: amzn.to/3PvyBF8
Sunglasses lanyard: amzn.to/48jFMsi
Wide brim hat: amzn.to/3sWBUgW
Rain jacket- Men: amzn.to/3RrddDx
Rain jacket- Women: amzn.to/451Bcfs
Bandana: amzn.to/3ZpcEMm
Sun gloves: amzn.to/45X9Ect
Padded bike shorts- Women: amzn.to/3sWuzOi
Padded bike shorts- Men: amzn.to/48i7RAm
Fishing-style vest with pockets: amzn.to/3Zk3yk1
Wicking base layer top- Men: amzn.to/3EJfuSP
Wicking base layer top- Women: amzn.to/3Ro35ev
Warm hat: amzn.to/3Ru955w
Warm socks: amzn.to/46ix1gi
Warm gloves: amzn.to/3PJmAgn
Lip balm with SPF: amzn.to/48wj5Bw
Travel size sunscreen: amzn.to/44U1BMd
Hand warmer packets: amzn.to/3Pqr5Lq
Headlamp with red lamp option: amzn.to/46gERah
Mini blacklight flashlight: amzn.to/44REv92
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@miscbs]

Timely info there for us - the wife is riding down this weekend and I am hiking. Thanks for the video! This will be very useful.

[@daretodream...898]

Great video. Would love to hear more about the 2 hour ride on level ground. I might be able to handle that one!

[@ryanparkeratx]

Would love to do this trip with you, someday!

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋🏻

[@shirasenderling4272]

❗ Promo-SM

[@lylelay]

I rode down (and up) in February of 22 and I'd hiked the canyon half a dozen times previously and I could not agree more let the mules are not the easy way down. If I was to rate them I would say 50/50. Riding and hiking are both strenuous, you just have different aches and pains at the end of the day. The only hints that I had not received prior to going were the possibility of "runners bladder". Not a serious condition, but definitely startling. Luckily for me it didn't occur until the end of the ride when I was able to look up the issue immediately.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

You go girl! I’m from the south and am in the sun every day. So why would I need a long sleeve shirt and pants I’m dark all year long. No back packs! I’ve been on the AT and PCT through the snow passes wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirts.

[@wjrandonx]

I how the sun is affecting the background as the video progresses.

[@roam4fun853]

Great tutorial/explanation! Thanks

[@LilyMackey]

Thank you for this video! Is April considered warmer or cooler for clothing

[@lisaphikes]

Really depends on what the weather is doing that year. Check the forecast, and remember it is about 15 degrees warmer at the bottom.

[@DaveHoffmancowboyhiker]

Will you be guiding on thanksgiving? My son and I have a permit to camp at bright angel campground thanksgiving day

[@lisaphikes]

I usually stay up top for Thanksgiving day, but we may pass each other on the trail before or after!

[@DaveHoffmancowboyhiker]

Would be kool to get a pic! I can make you a neat hoofpick if your around. I'll try and post a video of how to build one. Thanks for the videos!

[@sammic6880]

You referenced several times that this wasn't the easiest way to visit Phantom Ranch. What is the easiest way?

[@lisaphikes]

Boat trip down the river! But you have to like rapids.

[@David-cr7qr]

Great video! Clean and concise explanation based on years of experience!

[@jakeva9802]

I ran into you while doing the Arizona trail. You were guiding a group up and it looked fun as hell.

[@lisaphikes]

I’ll be doing the AZT in spring!

[@jakeva9802]

@@lisaphikes nice! Will you vlog it?

[@markwatson3135]

Another great video Tex! A suggestion if I may, perhaps a video from the saddle giving basics of how to control a mule and the reason and purpose of, in the words of Mr, Clayton, “A good, tight, compact group”🙂 (on flat ground of course! Those who ride understand the reason, the first time rider may not. Long ears rock!!

[@dezerthiker]

Great video! Thank you for this! We took our first ride last December and these were a lot of the questions we had. We're looking forward to doing it again this November. Trip of a lifetime ❤️

[@nccowgirl12]

how cold was it when you went? we are going the first of November. How many layers did you wear?

[@dezerthiker]

@nccowgirl12 we went December first last year. No snow on the ground but the morning meeting and ride its pretty cold. We wore snow pants with a bottom and top base layer and insulated Columbia jackets that have a zip off inner layer. It's all about the layers. My husband shed his jacket at Havasupai Gardens. Phantom Ranch was perfect for us. I hiked in leggings, base layer, and rain shell. And don't forget good gloves and a warm hat. I used an insulated beanie. If you get any kind of wind it will be extra cold. Beginning of November should be beautiful...maybe even a little warm on the bottom. Enjoy!! You are gonna be blown away by the views and the experience ❤️

[@nccowgirl12]

Thank you for the info. Was hoping to pack light, but looks like I will have to take extra clothes so I can be prepared for colder temps too. I am an avid rider, but not use to weather out west. Was thinking of leggings under jeans or if raining, insulated riding pants. So do you need a brim hat for winter? or just something warm? did you take tennis shoes for hiking at bottom? @@dezerthiker

[@jeffs6229]

Awesome video Tex! Thank you!!