Grand Canyon National Park
Ride A Mule
Mule rides into the canyon have been popular since Bright Angel Trail opened in 1891. To take a mule trip, you must be in good shape, not visibly pregnant, above 4 feet 7 inches tall, weigh under 200 pounds, and speak and understand English. Ask for information on suggested attire. A water "bag" is provided at check-in. Reservations are essential as mule rides can be booked well in advance, but visitors may place their names on a daily waiting list for cancellations. For further information, check at Bright Angel transportation desk or call (888) 29-PARKS (297-2757). Note: To avoid cancellation, prepaid riders must check-in the day before, or before 7 a.m. (summer) and 8 a.m. (winter) on the day of the trip.
Overnight Mule Trips to Phantom Ranch: These memorable trips to one of the canyon's loveliest spots, Phantom Ranch on Bright Angel Creek, offer glorious canyon vistas. Overnight trips depart daily from the stone corral at the head of Bright Angel Trail. Riders spend the night in ranch cabins and awake to a home-cooked breakfast. Lunch and dinner are also provided. The first day's ride takes 5.5 hours; the second day's journey takes 4.5 hours.
One-Day Mule Trips: These popular one-day mule trips to Plateau Point depart daily year-round (8 a.m. summer, 9 a.m. winter) from the stone corral at the head of Bright Angel Trail. Descending about 3,200 feet to the Tonto Platform and Plateau Point, you can view the Colorado River 1,320 feet below. This trail takes approximately seven hours round-trip. Riders should check in the day before at the Bright Angel transportation desk.
Three-Day Mule Trips: From mid-November through mid-March, three-day/two-night mule trips to Phantom Ranch are offered. These allow you more time for relaxation during your stay at Phantom Ranch. All details as above.
Grand Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
