Has anyone done the mule ride at Grand Canyon?

[peg2001]

Did you do the day trip of the 2-day overnight trip? I'd love to hear about it. The national park service website doesn't have much information.

My DDs were asking about it today as a possible vacation destination at some point. The restrictions for the mule rides states: mule riders must not weigh more than 200 lbs/91 kg fully dressed, must be at least 4 feet 7 inches/140 cm in height, must be able to speak and understand fluent English, must be in good physical condition, should not be afraid of heights or large animals, and cannot be pregnant.

Hmmm. . .We run on the short side in our family. I wonder at what age the girls will be 4ft 7in. LOL

Peggy

 

[edcrbnsoul]

I've made this hair raising trip from the North Rim of the canyon,if you have any fear of heights this would not be a trip for you, there was one corner the guides called the Oh S**T corner because when you take it that's what everyone says,the width of the mules is such that when you look at your foot to see trail all you see is straight down to the bottom. That being said if you have no such fear, the ride and the views are breathtaking, no picture or movie I have ever seen captures the beauty of this wonderful National Park.

 

[ScarlettO]

What I do know about it, it's very popular. You should make a ressie months in advance-just like WDW.

 

[SeaSpray]

As much as I would LOVE to experience this, my fear of OPEN heights would keep me from doing it. I don't mind the mule ride or a trail, but a trail that's along such a narrow ledge, forget it, you couldn't pay me enough. I wish they had a couple of different routes, one for the brave and one for the fear-of-heights-and-falling-to-your-death people. LOL

 

[peg2001]

Thanks for the replies so far! How many people do you reckon they "lose" each year?

Peggy

 

[missypie]

A while back they suspended the mule rides because of erosion. I don't think they've resumed them yet. (Check the GC web site.)

 

[maineiac]

I have never done this trip personally but my mom has. She LOVED it!!! She is 4'8" . She said she would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

According to the guides they have yet to lose anyone over the sides,"but if you happen to go over could you throw the saddle back up,we hate to lose a good saddle!"

 

[peg2001]

Originally posted by edcrbnsoul
According to the guides they have yet to lose anyone over the sides,"but if you happen to go over could you throw the saddle back up,we hate to lose a good saddle!"

That's good to know! Pretty funny about the saddle.

I've heard that the mules are actually raised right here in Tennessee.

Peggy

 

[Rajah]

I've also heard they've never lost anyone on the rides.

But I'll not go on it -- too nervous of the heights. I don't feel like I'm in enough control on horse/muleback so I doubt I'll do that ride.

But I *really* want to get back to the Grand Canyon again just to see the rim.

 

[Micca]

That's great if y'all enjoy it. I prefer some dental work, or perhaps a sore throat.

 

[gshoemate]

Nope but did take a helicopter over the Grand Canyon....it was a beautiful site! And a little safer for me

 

[Kallison]

No way would I do it or let my kids do it. The mule will stop on the trail and reach way over to eat while you are hanging over his neck! Too risky for me. I saw people taking idiotic chances when we were at the Canyon, little kids out on the edges, past the safety fences to get good pictures. They did lose a group of German tourists while we were there, not on the mules though.