Mule Ride Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a great place to take a vacation, whether you've lived in Arizona your whole life or are just visiting. Although it's joked about as simply a big whole in the ground, there are a myriad of opportunities for activity, including Grand Canyon river rafting and the Grand Canyon bus tour.

One of the most popular adventures at the Grand Canyon is hiking to the bottom. While this can be a great experience, it is a test of physical limits. Signs at the top and along the trail warn hikers not to attempt a trip to the river and back in one day, although this can be accomplished by people in excellent physical condition. However, even for someone in great shape, a hike to the bottom and back can be exhausting for several reasons. Unlike any mountain hike, the Grand Canyon hike is hardest at the end because you're going uphill on the steepest part of the trail and you're already tired from hiking all day. The Grand Canyon is big, obviously. Round trip from the south rim to the river involves nearly 20 miles of trail, and nearly a mile of elevation gain. The top of the canyon is at about 7000 feet, which means thinner air and more difficult breathing for people from low altitudes (like Phoenix).

So, what if you really want to experience the beauty of the canyon, but also want to live to tell about it? Why not ride a mule? These hardy animals will carry you safely to the bottom and back, so you can enjoy the trip and not concern yourself with blisters or other nuisances.

Mule riding the Grand Canyon does require some minimum physical parameters. While riding is certainly easier that hiking, you will likely be sore afterward if you do not ride regularly. Most Grand Canyon mule companies limit rider weight to 200 lbs, although a few allow up to 220. Generally, the minimum height is four feet seven inches. These requirements are for the safety of the riders.

Depending on which trails are taken and the duration of the trip, costs can vary from $40 per person to over $200. Getting a spot on a trip requires placing a reservation about eight months in advance, so plan accordingly.