The Grand Canyon by Mule – Arizona, USA, is an experience you will remember forever. It is not a typical trip through the Grand Canyon, this time you will know this incredible place while one of these wonderful animals takes you along its edges. Do not expect a light ride, this is only for the bravest. There is no adventure more rewarding than knowing the Grand Canyon mounted on the traditional means of transport in the area, a mule.
Things to do
The mules
Combining the strength of a horse and the firmness of a donkey, mules have transported visitors to the Grand Canyon for decades. Touring this place and trying to get inside can be a very difficult trip, you realize it when you go to the mule pen and you hear an old man say: “If you have any heart problems. Go home if you have problems to breathe … go home! If you have any reason to doubt your ability to make this trip … go home! ” So, the mules make this journey a bit more bearable, because descending on foot is only for the most adventurous.
Indian Gardens and views
There are a variety of different tours that take you along this place. The tours have different duration times and paths, however, they all take you to incredible stops that will leave you breathless. One of these is Indian Gardens, a beautiful tree-lined oasis along the Bright Angel Trail. Near this same area, in Livery Barn you will have the opportunity to observe the elk and deer in a pine forest. At the end of the road, you will run into the viewpoint of the abyss, without a doubt, this place will leave you breathless. You will see imposing almost completely vertical cliffs up to 3 thousand feet high.
Phantom ranch
If you thought that strolling along the edge of the Grand Canyon was exciting, wait until you go inside. After a long journey, there is nothing better than getting to a place to rest, this is Phantom Ranch. It is historic and charming, although a bit rustic. It is the only lodging you will find at the bottom of the canyon and you can only get there on foot, on a raft or in this case, on a mule. Get ready to spend an unforgettable night under the stars and surrounded by this incredible natural monument.
Enjoy the cozy cabins and bedrooms, which are conditioned by the weather. On the other hand, enjoy a good meal, a very comfortable bed and the lush green silence of the canyon floor. Rest, sleep well and get ready to return the next day with your mule.
How to get there
The Grand Canyon is located in the Grand Canyon National Park, located southwest of the United States, in Arizona. The nearest airport is Grand Canyon Airport (GCN), which is only 15 minutes away.
When to go
March, April, and May are the most popular months, with comfortable temperatures and the greenest flora. September to November also offers comfortable temperatures, along with fall colors.
How long do I go for
Most night tours only offer one night at Phantom Ranch. However, if you wish to spend more than one night, you must pay additional. Three nights are allowed in the Grand Canyon. On the other hand, there are half-day tours and other short ones of 3-4 hours.
Opening and Closing Hours
The mules descend to the canyon very early the first day and return late the second day. Usually, short trips depart 2 to 3 times per day. The first one leaves around 7 am, so it is better to be in the place first thing.
Planning
Most important of all, you must book in advance and you can do so for up to 13 months in advance. Phantom Ranch must also be booked well in advance, due to high demand. Tour prices will vary depending on the path and duration. A short tour can cost around $ 40 per person, while those that include accommodation are around $ 500 or more. On the other hand, remember to pack long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a hat, closed shoes and so on.
Inside Information
Follow the warnings and instructions provided when you register and be sure to bring a camera that can be secured to your body when not in use, as you will often need both hands to ride a mule. In addition, it is important that you know that there are weight and height to get on the mules, it will depend on each tour and company. On the other hand, when you arrive at Phantom Ranch, you will be sore, so solve the problems with a short walk to the wild and picturesque Colorado River and observe the canyon walls a mile high.
History
In the 1880s, search engines use mules to search for fortunes in the area, however, with the arrival of tourists, 1887 offered this experience of the mule tour for the first time, under the hand of John Hance. On the other hand, these wonderful animals also helped the discovery of old Indian trails that they are still traveling in the Grand Canyon. Finally, despite the incredible progress the world has had in recent years, mule travel is still the favorite option and the best way to explore this wonderful place.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Hoover dam
On the Colorado River, just between the boundaries of Arizona and Nevada is the Hoover Dam, or as Boulder Dam was previously known. Its main function is to transform the water of Lake Mead into hydroelectric power for the consumption of Nevada, Arizona, and California. It is considered one of the most important engineering works of the twentieth century and the largest in the world. There are several tours to know the dam, however, one of them will take you to know it all inside. In addition, you can also enjoy the amazing viewpoints, which guarantee incredible views of the lake. Without a doubt, if you visit Arizona, this is a mandatory stop.
Phoenix Zoo
With more than 1400 species of animals and more than 4 kilometers of walking trails, this zoo is the perfect place to share a day with the family. There are different sections, including Africa, Arizona, tropics and areas for children. In addition, there is also a wide variety of plants and wildlife native to Arizona, such as lynx, coyotes and mountain lions. As for the plants, you can admire desert saguaros cacti. This wonderful place is a must, add it to your list of places to visit and enjoy a unique experience in Arizona.
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