We did the Grand Canyon for 3 days 2 years ago and it was 3 days of hell.

[hookedonears]

We rode the mules down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon 3 years ago during July and it was truly hell on earth. 5 hours down and only being let off for 20 minutes for lunch. A jolt went through your entire body with every step the mule took. I would equate it with jumping down a flight of stairs on one leg skipping 5 steps with each jump. When we got down to Phantom ranch, it was 112 degrees. Our cabin was air-conditioned by definition only. It had a little box in the window that rattled. It was over 100 in the cabin when we got there and it might have cooled down to 85 by mid-night. The trip back up took 4 1/2 hour and was just as painful. The glass walk talked about on the podcast is a major tourist trap on one of the local Indian reservations. It would have been a 2 hour drive out of the way and after seeing the North rim, South rim and the bottom, we passed.

 

[mainegal]

Now, don't be scaring Pete!
He is not going in July. No way he would be going anywhere near the mules, any way.
If Walter rides a mule, I am sure Pete will find a nice non-nature way to relax.

I do hope that Pete does find a moment to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the canyon.

 

[SamSam]

Just a differing opinion. We spent 5 days at the south entrance, yes it was 20 years ago but I dont't believe much has changed . We were there with our 13 year old daughter, and loved it. It was extremely hot, and because of our own stupidity, we went on a hike down the canyon with only 1 bottle of water each. We had planned on going to a certain lookout, but felt so good when we reached it that we went further.....trouble was walking back out! Yikes! Still, it was a wonderful experience and it was our own poor planning that caused a problem.

We also had bikes with us and biked each day to different lookout points. Very fun!

The cabins are very basic, but I knew that in advance so didn't have high expectations for the accomodations...sure did miss TV in the evenings though.

 

[Joshua_me]

5 hours down and only being let off for 20 minutes for lunch. A jolt went through your entire body with every step the mule took. I would equate it with jumping down a flight of stairs on one leg skipping 5 steps with each jump. When we got down to Phantom ranch, it was 112 degrees. Our cabin was air-conditioned by definition only. It had a little box in the window that rattled. It was over 100 in the cabin when we got there and it might have cooled down to 85 by mid-night.

^ Oh my sweet goodness... I would so NOT be a happy camper.

I'll be at the Hyatt Grand Canyon by the pool when you get back...

 

[grizbuzz]

We went to the North Rim and it was gorgeous. We camped and didn't do any major hikes, but just enjoyed the views. Just spectacular! Have a wonderful vacation Pete and Walter.