Mule Trip to Phantom Ranch - 2018

Here's a 20 min. look at the trip down the Bright Angel Trail from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.Spend the night at Phantom Ranch. Temps, what to expect, what it looks like at every vista. Mules and you go back up a different way - the South Kaibab Trail.

[@benjeanettebooth1800]

There is nothing like riding on the back of a good mule. Sooo smooth!

[@jessicawarr922]

Did this 60 years ago in August 1960. My mules name was Pickles. A trip I’ll never forget. Go do it!

[@sstefany]

My first visit there was in 1965. You did the trip back in the Pioneer Days!

[@cathyhudkins9768]

My husband had been wanting to do this for years, he finally did it in 2016 he was 70. He absolutely loved it

[@sstefany]

Great. I figure age 77 and over might be the limit for me if I were going to do it again. I'm 66 now but I've done the trip several times so I'm not sure I'd do it again. It's a great trip - I did my first when I was 14 and then last year again and many Canyon visits in between. The roughest part is just riding the mule for that length of time. Your legs and butt get a little sore. Glad people enjoy this video. For some reason it's getting about 50 to 100 views a day just recently so I'm wondering if the link is posted somewhere that gets some traffic. I have a 5 min. version that isn't getting many hits.

[@NikhilShahi]

Great vide - concise and shows the entire journey nicely.

[@sstefany]

Thanks.

[@rogerstubbs8684]

Many thanks for the video Steve. I showed it to my wife who did the same trip in 1971. Despite 50 years passing the tour was identical except for one new bridge and a fresh set of mules. Even the Mule Skinner's Certificate was unchanged (Pam treasures hers). It brought happy tears to her now 78 year old eyes. Thank you.

[@sstefany]

Roger- Yes! I took the trip around 1966 also and my second certificate is identical to the first one like you said. Kinda neat that the name "Fred Harvey" is on both of them even though it's different management today. Glad she enjoyed it.

[@jeanbfiano]

I rode Beatrice to Phantom Ranch on April 28-29, 2012 (great time of year with very comfortable temperatures). I was 62 and it was definitely the ride of a lifetime! Your video is the best I've seen and really captures the beauty of the ride and the scenery. Thank you so much for sharing it!

[@jessihuey]

Best video ever…thank you💕

[@sstefany]

Thank you. I only wished I included more video/photos from Phantom Ranch. I have hiked/rode mules several times in my lifetime at the Grand Canyon. I also hiked some non maintained trails and rode the Colorado east to west thru the Canyon 3xs. I highly recommend a raft trip thru the Canyon. You ride the Colorado and its many rapids, hike around during a day stop, and then beach camp at night. 5 day trip from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek does it. There's also the Havasupai Indian Reservation that you can visit with its 5 major waterfalls. I think the Indians though have their costs too high these days. It's cheaper to raft thru the Canyon and you see much more.

[@ohwhataday7171]

Beautiful! My opinion, I love hearing the sounds of nature and the mule’s clanging their hoofs on the trail in the Grand Canyon. I backpacked to Phantom Ranch 3 times. Twice (Nov & April) on Bright Angel and once KaibabTrail (January). Can’t have enough of it.

[@sstefany]

Hats off to you! I walked up from the bottom twice in my life. After the second time, I decided I wasn't going to walk up again. So I will walk to the river...but ride a mule or chopper out (after river rafting a week). "Can't have enough of it" I too want more. It's funny because my family members treat it as an "OK, been there, seen and done that". Not sure when I will get back out there. I live on the East Coast but since my mom and dad first took me there in 1965, I've been back in the Canyon at least 8 or 10 times since then and every trip is great. Did Hermit Trail once. Havasupai's Supai several times. I got my son (now 21) to go on 3 of those trips. For now, he wants to go other places. So we went hiking in Washington State's Cascades last summer.

[@topchainring]

Hiked Rim to Rim about a month ago. Camped at Bright Angel campground and that stream was a welcome site after a long HOT hike.

[@garydepue6426]

Took this trip in November of 76. Much cooler that time of year.

[@steveelkington7967]

Was on a private raft trip with friends, put in at Lee's ferry got out midway at phantom ranch. Four of us put our personal stuff on a mule and hiked out on bright Angel trail, was grooling ten miles up mid summer.

[@edwesby5752]

I did this exact same trip in July 1978 and it remains the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life. I took just a few photos because at that time all I had was a 35 MM camera that used film. The photos came out OK but by today's standards not like digital photos of today's cameras. Although it was hot it did not get anywhere near the 115+ degrees you had. I also had a good cool off in that Bright anger creek.

[@USNAVDC]

Outstanding video! It was great to get information all along the trip. Thanks for posting!

[@sstefany]

Glad you enjoyed it. A river trip is another way to really see the canyon too. If I had my choice, I'd walk down and take the mules out. I've walked up from the bottom, I never want to do that again. Butt/legs get a little sore on the mules.

[@Japcollector]

Thanks for sharing this video! My son and I rode the mules to Phantom Ranch July 21, 2018, just a couple of weeks ago. The leaders of our group were Jason and Yvonne. We loved the ride, but the trip down was physically demanding. A thunderstorm was blowing in as we crossed the black bridge; we dismounted and made it to our cabin (#3) not long before the rain began. A cold beer was consumed in the dining hall after we were settled in, and post cards written and mailed after the steak dinner. The members of our group had the chance to visit with each other and reflect upon the day's adventures during and after dinner. The return trip the next morning up the S. Kaibab Trail was MUCH easier. This ride was a fantastic experience that both my son and I will both take again one day!

[@sstefany]

Thanks George for the response. This was my third mule trip. I'm 66 and my first was when I was 15. The certificates the leaders hand out are the same exact form as 1967's. Even "Fred Harvey"'s name makes it to today's certificates even though Xanterra has dibs on the South Rim now. The S. Kaibab is a more scenic trail I think once you get up from the river. If you want a memorable Canyon trip - take the 4 and a half day Phantom Ranch to Whitmore Wash rafting trip which I also have done 3 times....here's the link (I get no money). www.riveradventures.com/grand-canyon-rafting/lower-grand-canyon-rafting-trips There's something great about staying on the river for almost 5 days and sleeping under the stars. Suggestion- Do it in July or August. It will be hot (as you know) but you get hit with a lot of 60 degree water. You want the air to be 100 degrees! :) You walk down Bright Angel to the boat area by the Black Bridge (same as the mule trip down) and meet your boat. Then you travel over the next few days 100 miles west on the Colorado. You stop for side canyon hikes (or you can stay around the boat) and they basically do everything for you. Portable johns work, they cook, and you sleep under the stars in provided new bags and a raised cot for the sand beaches! Then they chopper you out at Whitmore Wash and fly you to your choice of Vegas or Grand Canyon Village.

[@Japcollector]

Steve, now that sounds like a GREAT trip, down the river in a raft. I always wanted to do that, but I'm not sure how I'd handle a hike down the Bright Angel all the way to the bridge. Do you hike the whole way down with those who will be in your rafting party? A raft party was on shore splashing around on the Phantom side of the Black Bridge upon our arrival to the area. They waved and shouted "hello" as we were crossing, but then scattered as the thunder storm neared. We've had similar experiences. I'm 58, and rode a mule to Plateau Point and back in 1976, but this was my first time going all the way down. I knew from the '76 ride what a fantastic experience it would likely be; I wanted my 18-year-old son to ride along, which he did. His mule was "Meg" and mine "Loggy." In '76 I rode "Captain." Yes, the certificates are indeed the same as they were years ago; I noticed that too. The only difference this time which you likely noticed is they no longer stop the mule train right before the first tunnel so a group photo could be taken from the rim (Kolb studio?) Thanks again for sharing your ride. It's nice to watch yours because our trips were taken so close to each other; the scenery had barely changed.

[@sstefany]

George- Regarding the walk down to the river- You all start out together but you don't end up together after about the first half hour....everyone goes at their own pace. There is one person from the raft company with you but since people separate because of pacing, I suspect that the raft person makes sure they are in back of the last or slowest person. I don't know cause I'm usually one of the first ones down...and I don't rush. As you know, it's all downhill and straight except for the one mile from the river to the bridges (slight uphill to meet the (silver) bridge level). You start the walk down around 6am from the patio of the Bright Angel. You stop at Indian Gardens but again you can be late or leave based on your pacing preference. I reached the boat beach around 11:30 or noon but last 2014 trip (I was 62) we had to wait till about 2:00 pm for a woman who had a leg (pain) issue. It's a 9.5 mile trip from the top to the river. 6am to noon is 6 hours. That's 1.6 mph and I was one of the first ones down. If you take till 2pm to get down, that's 8 hours for 9.5 miles or 1.2 miles per hour. By comparison, an easy walking pace is 2.5 to 3 mph. These numbers seem easy to manage and they are but you have to figure in some rest time too. Again, it's 90% downhill or straight which I find very easy to navigate. I will never walk up again though. Since you are 58 and under 200lbs, unless you have weak legs or knees, you should have no problem. The only prep I did 4 years ago was walk 1-2 miles every other day to get a little stamina. In August, it's cool till about 10:30 am. Not bad. Here's a 5min video including the walk down from the 2014 raft trip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqupqHlmoJuXec0 I too went on that trip they don't offer anymore - to Plateau Point. That was my first trip in 1967. Here's another option...You can start the same great raft trip at Lees Ferry by Page, Arizona, with the same company (and others). There's NO hiking down...you get on the boat right there. Of course, it's a little more $s because it's a week or 8,9 days. This longer trip was my first raft trip in '85.

[@Japcollector]

Thanks for the additional information, Steve. Maybe instead of a second mule ride I'll opt for a raft ride. We both know how hot the trip down into the canyon can be, so an early start is a must. I like camping and can see myself spending nights along the river! You supplied valuable and appreciated information. It's a shame the Plateau Point isn't offered; I've read it was eliminated to reduce wear on the Bright Angel. Thanks also for the video of your walk down in '14. I'll check it out now.

[@garymoore3446]

Beautiful been there three times...

[@deborahsidener8490]

Great video Steve! My husband and I have done the overnight trip to Phantom twice...our first trip ended the day before the tragedy of 9/11. Our second trip down and back was in 2004, both times in September. Prior to those trips I did a lone day ride down to Plateau Point when they still did those as my hubby and grown daughter hiked the Canyon. Having hiked it twice with our kids, I must say that the mule rides were the way to go! Besides giving birth to our 3 kids, those 2 trips down to Phantom and back out were the most AMAZING experiences of my life! Watching your video brought tears to my eyes and floods of great memories that made me smile! Unfortunately I have had major back surgery since our rides that now prevent me from the stress going down the trail would brings, so we continue to visit the Canyon from our home in Ohio about every 3 years and enjoy it in other ways. We have done a smooth water raft trip from the Glen Canyon Dam in Page, AZ to Lee's Ferry, we have gone down the only driveable road to the river on the Hualapai Indian reservation at Peach Springs, and we will be back there this coming August to take in not only the South Rim but for the first time we will visit the North Rim as well. Can't wait! Thanks for sharing your experience with the world!

[@sstefany]

Thanks Deborah for the interesting reply. I also did the Plateau Point trip...when I was 15. I also rafted the Colorado thru the Canyon. I try to visit it every few years or so. You mention you are from Ohio - I went to Marietta College. I've yet to visit the North Rim. Regardless of my age, I will never hike up the Canyon again. I did that about 3 times and each time I said, "Never again." Three times was the "charm?" I went down Hermit Trail and stayed 3 days by Hermit Creek years ago. This June, my son and I head to Colorado for a jeep trip in the mountains. I love the Southwest. Enjoy.

[@MCtravler]

Those poor mules! What a life!

[@constancemiller3753]

They seem well treated and rested. Sled dogs like the work they do. Maybe the miles do too.

[@thomaswayneward]

Gad, what a generation.

[@lewie7820]

This is on my bucket list....

[@sstefany]

FYI- Long range planning is usually needed for the Phantom Ranch trip. Not sure how they take reservations now but it maybe lottery and you give several dates. If you're flexible it shouldn't be any problem. If there's just two of you, ask for a king room bed otherwise you'll get a 4 bunk bed room.

[@arnoldbryan1060]

I am scheduled for May 31 2020 after watching your great video it has fueled my fire even more. The waiting is the hardest part.. once again great video.

[@sstefany]

Arnold- I am excited for you. So you are taking the mule trip down to Phantom Ranch in May 2020? If so, can I give some suggestions? (I've taken this several times). Stay at the Bright Angel Lodge if you can get reservations the night before. You start early and you'll be right there (within 500 feet). On the mule trip you can only take what you can stuff into a pouch the size of a 10 lb. bag of ice bag. Enough for change for clothes, toiletries, but not much else. They give you a water container and that is separate. You can't get to your pouch during the trip down or up. You can have a small camera, sunglasses on you but must be tied or looped to your body. No fanny packs or backpacks. I wore pants with cargo pockets and stuffed extra camera batteries there. And, I guess you know already you have to weigh 200 lbs. or less. They are strict on that. I had to lose some lbs. and my last weigh in was 195. They have a built in floor scale you step on. While you are at Phantom Ranch you can hike the mile back to the Colorado River and do a loop - walk across on the silver bridge, then come back via the black bridge. Nice views of the river. Another idea is to hike up Clear Creek Trail to a vantage point over Phantom Ranch. Steak dinner is great. Ride back up on the South Kaibab Trail is more remote and more beautiful I think. Your butt can get a little sore and your knees might ache a little after 3 hours of the 5 hour rides on the mule but not too bad. Let's just say you'll be glad to get off and walk around. Any questions, fire away. Email me instead [e-mail]

[@MoviesSam]

I just got extremely lucky and scored two spots from an ostensible cancellation. I go in October of this year. WOOOHOOOO !. I did it when I was 16, now 58.

[@ThinnkTwicce]

I hope you still get to go!!!

[@TexHoss1]

Great video. I envy you getting to do that ride.

[@kerrywilliams2490]

Great video. Thanks so much.

[@joemc111]

Your video was the most informative video I have watched of the south rim mule ride I have watched a bunch of them and yours was the first that mentions the weight of 200 pounds I guess I can’t go thanks

[@sstefany]

There are other ways to do the Canyon. You could hike the 10 miles down and then raft for 5 days and get taken out by chopper. If I had to choose between Phantom Ranch and rafting, I'd go with rafting - you see much more and you can side hike every day if you want. The other way is to chopper in and out at the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Indians have a hotel in their little village you can stay at and there are 5 major waterfalls nearby.

[@WinterBIitz]

I was supposed to do this back in March but there was a huge blizzard so they moved the date to the very beginning of November, I sure do hope it doesn’t snow then. So in about a week we are going down..

[@DigitalLazarus]

Awesome. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be making this journey sooner than later.

[@sstefany]

Glad you got something out of the video. They changed the way you make reservations for the trip a couple of years ago. It used to be first come first serve on the phone a year and a month out. I mean you had to be there dialing in exactly the sec they opened the lines to get the dates you wanted. If you did that, you were pretty much assured you get what you want. Now, they have a lottery system. If you don't get picked then they offer you what wasn't initially selected. I prefer the old way of picking because if you call in at the right time, you were pretty much assured of getting what you wanted. Another awesome (in some ways better) trip is to raft from Phantom Ranch 5 days to Diamond Creek. There, you get taken out by chopper. It's of course more money but you see more of the Canyon and can take daily side hikes at beautiful remote spots. I can give you more info if interested at my other email [e-mail].

[@DigitalLazarus]

​@@sstefany Thanks for your reply. It's actually the Mules that attract me to this excursion and not so much the Ranch. I want to witness the canyon in a way never before experienced. It will be one of my bucket listings. Your video is excellent though and thanks again for sharing.

[@davisdurand]

Fantastic video

[@Sirshackleton]

I guess none of those folks had any height issues.😬 Beautiful scenery!

[@michaelbryant2071]

Wanted to do it in mid 80's but at 225 lbs. over the weight limit at that time of 180.

[@besure1st]

I walked in and back out on the same day many years ago when I was a badass.

[@sstefany]

I too did that once when I was 18. I thought of never doing that again on the way back up and have kept that promise :)

[@gravitationalwaverider]

@@sstefany I was just 24 and fresh out of the army in '75. My legs were sore for a week. The girl who went with me became hysterical on the way out. It was all I could do to keep me and her going. Dumb move on my part. and yeah, after that trip she never came around again.

[@sstefany]

@@gravitationalwaverider I can imagine how bad that was. I was with a buddy who made it to the top an hour or so before me. The trip itinerary called for visiting the Havasupai Indians (about 35 miles by air west of the South Rim) the next day which called for another 10 mile trail to the village of Supai. My mom had scheduled mules for us down and back. The problem was there was no pack (luggage) mule ordered, just riding mules. So the Indian told us the luggage could go on our mules but we'd have to walk down. I was ready to walk the 10 miles down because it was DOWN but my friend said, "No, way." I went a few years later and got a pack and riding mule. Lots of other hiking stories on visits to the Canyon. I actually did walk down and back up again later but on the Hermit Trail. I camped the night on a slanted rock 1/2 way up on my way out. Thought I might roll off in my sleep. Thusly, I didn't sleep.

[@michaelmoney9445]

Wow...I wanna do this!!

[@lindalakota38]

Their is one bridge that was built by army core they hire 100 hopi Indian to carry the cable its gorgious down their

[@catman8670]

Not a chance

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Great share!!! Is there just one company that operates these mule trains? And how many people sleep in a cabin overnight? This all looks fantastic.

[@sstefany]

At the South Rim it is just one company. In a cabin you can sleep 4 people but the dorms offer more beds.

[@georgecataulin907]

Hi, this is by far the steadiest mule ride video I've seen so far. Mind me asking what type of stabilization setup you are using?

[@sstefany]

Thanks George for the comment on stabilization. I was using a Sony Action Cam X3000 mounted on a chest harness. This camera has built in OPTICAL (vs digital) stabilization. I debated whether to wear the cam up on my hat or on the chest and settled for the chest for easier access. It either case, the mule motion is horrific to deal with. So after I transferred the footage from the camera, I used ProDad's Mercalli V4 stabilizing trial software version (puts the orange Mercalli logo you see at the bottom right on the KZbin video). You can tweak this stabilizing software to no end to get what you want. It has software optics specifically for the X3000 (and many other cameras) which also takes into account CMOS issues. Just one of the things I liked about the Mercalli software is that it has dynamic stabilization - meaning if the frame is relatively stable, you'll get about 98% of the frame. It will crop in only when it gets too bumpy in order to keep the picture steady. You have to make sure it's not set too aggressively otherwise it will look like the camera is zooming in and out too much. So with the camera's stabilization and the Mercalli's post production stabilization you get a watchable mule ride. There was footage not usable because it was just too bumpy. I wanted to attach the camera to and wear a gyro stabilizer but thought the mule folks might outlaw that possibly. And it would look really weird.

[@sstefany]

George- I just bought the GoPro 7 Black (it's been out for awhile). The stabilization on it puts the Sony Action Cam X3000 to shame. But that's what years of progress brings you. Guess I'll have to take the trip again!

[@georgecataulin907]

@@sstefany Thanks for all the info! I'll look into the GoPro lineup and the new DJI action cam with built in stabilization. I'm taking a mule ride next year June 2020, that was the earliest I could get a reservation.

[@gabrielgonzalezaldaco2919]

Very cool video, especially on that hot days,.Congratulation Steve your video is entertaining. One question. How do You do to your camera doesn't bounce on the mule´s back?

[@sstefany]

Gabriel- In recent years, camera manufacturers have perfected stabilization. I believe I was using a Sony X3000 video camera on that trip. I preferred that camera's stabilization over any GoPro. However, starting with the GoPro 7, they (GoPro) have made major advances and I prefer using that camera (or later). The 360 GoPro Max opens up many more possibilities since 2018. I have a Colorado 2020 video that uses both cameras. The Canyon trip was great and I have visited the inside of the Canyon many times.

[@TexHoss1]

Damn what a hoot. Sure would like to know what this ride cost. Great adventure. Wonder if they got some big mules that can carry a big man? 116 degrees is hard on them ole mules & the riders.

[@sstefany]

Without checking, $550 comes to mind. That includes mule down and back, night's lodging at the bottom in a nice cabin, steak dinner, breakfast, water bottle, guides. They are pretty strict about the weight limit - 200 lbs. and under only.

[@TexHoss1]

@@sstefanyHell that leaves me out at 6'4' & 300 lbs. DAMN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@noreliagaeta8505]

@@sstefany Steve is that $550 for both you and Will or just one person?

[@sstefany]

@@noreliagaeta8505 Each. It is probably a little higher now. The way I structured it was a private cabin at the bottom for an evening and they include a steak dinner and a breakfast too. The cabin can have a queen in it or 4 double beds - 2 bunk beds stacked. Your choice. If you stay in the dorm room building, I assume it would be less. But the price is per person.

[@thomaswayneward]

@@sstefany That is dirt cheap.

[@blkluvla]

Who's the lead guy with the chaps? 😋

[@cindybrannen6597]

How long do the mules get to rest in between trips? Loved your video! I always wanted to do this but at 64 who knows now!

[@bskinner48]

You can do it. I hiked rim to rim at age 65. Worth it.

[@sstefany]

There was a lady 70 that did it. I turned 70 this month. I would do it again. It depends how you take care of your body.

[@ElaineGavin]

I have a trip coming up in a few months. You used a go pro but did you where it on your chest or hat? How did your battery last?

[@sstefany]

Look at the video at 15:39. You'll see what I used and how it was mounted (I could rotate the camera on an axis - it is pointed at my son in the frame). I used a Sony Action Cam X3000 and it was a chest mount. I didn't like GoPros till the GoPro 7 came out in Oct. '18. The GoPro 7 was the first GoPro where I thought they mastered stabilization better than Sony's Action Cams. Since I was going to be away from power for several hours, I bought extra batteries and changed them out. I think I got something like :45 mins. a battery. I had a wrist remote control for controlling the camera. I have a lot more footage than the 20 mins. edited above.

[@sstefany]

Responding below to Karen's comment that I got via email but wasn't posted here (yet?)..... Karen wrote---- "I am doing this ride September 30th and I have a GoPro 7. Steve do you recommend using a chest or head harness? I have both. I see you used a Chest harness and I love the footage!" I debated exactly that before the trip.....I was using a Sony X3000 which is more rectangular in size than a square shaped Go Pro. So, it sticks out like a sore thumb on the head. It just looks geeky. Will it be situated far enough out to clear the rim of the hat (which you will be wearing). I didn't want my face, head, or any part of the hat in the video. Another reason I had it on my chest was so I could access it easily while on the mule (change battery, readjust angle). I do think the Sony batteries last a little longer than the GoPro's. I did try before the trip with it on my head with the headband. I practiced taking it off to change the battery, etc. I found that I was not satisfied with putting my hat back on with the headband to my satisfaction. You can't see what you are doing. I needed both hands up on my head to do it. The mule leaders are not going to want to see the mule reins out of your hands. Plus, we have to turn it off/on/ and shoot. At that point it was an easy decision - use the chest harness. The advantage to having it on your head is you have a higher point of view. In the last 6 months, I have purchased a Go Pro 7 Black with Hyper Stabilization. You will have even better stabilization than me. Hyper Stabilization kills it. I like leaving the GoPro Color profile on but if it's a sunny day I take the exposure down "-1." I know everybody recommends shooting video in flat but GoPro Color does a decent job with the exposure taken down to -1. I shoot a ton of video and I don't want to color grade everything plus it's so subjective I'd be tweaking till I'm blue. If it's too color saturated I just knock that down a little. Back to the camera placement - With the shape of the GoPro and it's fairly small profile, it would be ok in looks on the head. But I'm afraid it might get a lot of hat rim. Plus, you move you head around- right, left, up, and down, whereas the chest is looking forward. I was able to easily turn the Sony right/left if needed. I probably would go with the chest hardness for the ease of access to it. Suggestion (do this all without a mirror) - Put a wide brim hat on. Then, put the GoPro headband on. Shoot a little video. Take the camera off you head (like you are going to change the battery) and put it back on. Shoot some more video. See what you think. You really need two hands to stretch the headband and slip it correctly over the hat. Remember, the mule leaders want the reins in hand all the time too. I'd go with the chest hardness. When you use two hands then, they are not up on your head at least. Please post me when you post your video - would love to see it. Thanks.

[@w.harrison7277]

What physical discomfort does this cause? Look like it would be very hard on the lower back.

[@sstefany]

It depends on the person. I've done this trip when I was 17 and also 65. Plus, when I was around 45, I rode a horse for 6 hours a day for 5 days in Colorado. I was fine both times. Having said that - your butt and legs do get a little sore and I would imagine it differs from person to person. The trip down the Canyon is around 6 hours, but you stop 1/2 down and up at Indian Gardens, so you get off the mule for at least 20 minutes. I'd do it again but family members say, "Been there, done that." The Grand Canyon is truly amazing and I never get tired of exploring it. I also visited the Havasupai area and their 5 waterfalls along Havasu Creek. You can chopper in/out of there if you want. But the best (did it 3 times - '85, '96, and '14) is the 5 day, 200 mile, river rafting thru the Canyon. During the day stops, you can hike if you want or just stay by the river boat. You can walk in to start but they chopper you out at the end.

[@robertkadow3367]

Poor animals

[@catherineripmaster2054]

I loved your video Steve! I was wondering if I could get permission to use part of this video in a physical therapy instructional video that I am making for children with disabilities. I am pretending to go on a mule trip to have my students work on their head and trunk control while "riding" the mule through the Grand Canyon. Please let me know how I can contact you.

[@sstefany]

Yes, Catherine, you have my permission to use it. Contact me at [e-mail] if you need anything more. Thanks Steve

[@amyturner4562]

Steve, what is the cost of this trail ride per person and where do you sign up to do this? Do you have a website reccomend?

[@sstefany]

www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/phantom-ranch/ about $700 pp for an overnite. About $1200 for two

[@derekvnguyen1368]

I was there last week inquiring about the mule hike and overnight stay. $1200 per person with about a year and half out reservation.

[@kimbrewis8111]

Yikes Beautiful But yikes

[@navajorezathlete1202]

I wonder if it helps to wear a kidney belt

[@lisaschuster686]

Warning - going down is very hard on your lady parts. There’s a big old bone that’s part of the pelvis.

[@susiek.johnson3923]

No need to smack the mule or make it trot to " catch up". The mules know the trail far better than you ever will. Should let them do their job or you could cause a disaster.

[@sstefany]

We were instructed to catch up. The wranglers gave us the little smack sticks to do just that if our mule was lagging behind. If we did lag behind too much, they would remind us to use it.

[@lilfot]

I'm not sure the mules like it I'm being facetious

[@lindalakota38]

How dose long pants and sleeves keep you cooler haha ive be shirtless worker my whole life kid wants to run ahead poor anamals let them walk at their own speed if any thing you should half to retreat at night time when its that hot making the anamals walk out is crule walking down hill is ok but up hills should only be in am or evenings. I wouldent want a fat torist riding me up grand canyon in mid day

[@sstefany]

Sunburn is the culprit and I didn't mind cotton long sleeves/pants - it breathes and the sun doesn't get your skin hot. The ride out starts early when it's not too hot. The mules get stops on the way up. And there are 2 longer stops on the way up also. There is a weight limit, 200 lbs. You get weighed before the trip. Nobody 201 or above gets on a mule.

[@Al-po2oh]

Sorry but the goofy music turned me off.

[@sstefany]

Yeah, I like the song but the arrangement was goofy.

[@raykarenmeuchel5086]

Why can't we just watch and listen to something with out all that noisy music? Obviously this was produced by a malinial, under 39.