Phantom Ranch Mule Ride

[@mdsiamese2012]

I did this trip when I was 17, no preparation. I’m 65 now and want to go again. The video reminded me how sore I was on the way down. I remember that I gripped the saddle so hard never letting go that I had a pretty serious sunburn on my hand! I will prepare if I ever do it again.

[@CptJimEd]

Really appreciate the commentary regarding the difficulty of a 4 hour ride for many folks.

[@MetalTeamster]

I rode out from Phantom Ranch with my parents in November or Maybe December of 1972. I was 9 years old, we hiked down, camped near the ranch and heard reports of a blizzard on the south rim and surrounding areas. My parents made the decision to stay at Phantom Ranch overnight and get packed out by the mules the next day. I remember there was a lone woman in her late 50s who was rough and stumble who cooked and ran the place….I remember a mule skinner/ wrangler named Ed who was a excellent guide, he was probably mid 30s at that time. It was a fun ride out, there was 10-12 inches of snow at top as I recall. We stayed at the lodge which didn’t have many people. It was so different and rustic compared to today.

[@rondaanthony9158]

I made the ride to Phantom Ranch 04/20/21 with wranglers Reese and Zach. I had a great time, views that took my breath away and I will never forget. The wranglers were great, informative, polite and knowledgeable. The mule I rode was named Mayberry. Her gait was smooth and sure. She was reliable, dependable and did not need a lot of coaxing to keep up. I would love to go again!

[@arnoldbryan1060]

This is a fantastic short informational video. I will be doing this the end of may, I can’t wait. Another thing I would like to see is an informational video on what is the best way to dress for this. What type of clothing to help keep you thee coolest, etc...

[@MrHamzasidd88]

How did it go?

[@cacatr4495]

In answer to readers, dressing in layers is the way to go, and in 100% Cotton. As the heat increases, one can shed the outer layers, but an all-White long-sleeve cotton T-shirt will protect from sunburn, will provide a little insulation from the heat, and will reflect the heat away from the body. Long, loose-fitting white pants, also in cotton like white denim jeans, would be best, though blue denim jeans are common. The darker the color, the greater the heat absorption (not good, except in winter). A white cotton hat or straw hat is also important, one that shields the neck from the sun. Wearing a large diagonally-folded and rolled up white "neckerchief" is also important, dipped in water to protect and cool the neck. It functions as evaporative cooling for the whole body, and when able to stop to drench it again in more water, one can wipe down their face and neck, can wring it out over their hair (as wet hair is cooling), can drench it anew to wear again around the neck. A wet "neckerchief" like that can cool the body for the better part of an hour in hot temperatures. This word comes from a lifelong Tucsonan (southern Arizonan), one that has hiked the desert year round, that has also hiked the Grand Canyon. It is also important to note that getting out of the direct sun at midday is vitally important, and in the summer heat, that means 10 AM to 3PM. If one is minerally deficient and unwisely exposing themselves to high heat, a heat stroke can occur, and heat strokes can be fatal. Applying wisdom is crucial.

[@kareansheldon4271]

My husband and I took this trip!... It was terrifying and absolutely amazing!!!!!

[@kareansheldon4271]

I watch the videos many times and it still takes my breath away, and still can't believe I did it !!!

[@EricBurgeson]

Great video with John and Lisa explaining to the visitors EXACTLY what they are getting into, that way it is THEIR decision to go; if you ride on a consistent basis, you probably will not get saddle sore, BUT if you do not ride much, what they told you was true, you WILL be sore ! It is a fact!!; But the trip would be worth it, so BE PREPARED, and get into the gym for a year before you go, should do just fine, Eric Burgeson, Chandler, AZ

[@kitwillihnganz5972]

This video might as well be called "Fifteen Reasons Not to Ride a Mule in the Grand Canyon."

[@joycehennequin8469]

Good afternoon,l have been watching videos when people ride these beautiful Mules down the grand canyon,what l did notice was when they were riding up the canyon the Mulea never sweat....do Mules not sweat like horses.Thankyou and all the very best 🌱🌱🌱💕🇬🇧UK

[@michaeldorus2791]

I was definitely saddle sore at the end of the ride. " It ain't a pony ride at the county fair" That said my wife and I hope to win the lottery for a 2 night stay in early March. Our May trip it was 110 at the bottom.

[@ikoteras]

I LOVE her TEXAS buckle!!!!

[@dmill5986]

No thanks

[@LukeShort-q5t]

I WAS MULE GUIDE FOR RON CALTON