Mule Rides Grand Canyon

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Grand Canyon mule-riders will be able to take in the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon National Park while traveling along the rim of the canyon.  Beginning August 26, 2013, Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.* is offering a new four-mile, three-hour mule ride that departs five miles east of the Historic Grand Canyon Village in the park.  The interpretive "Canyon Vistas" Mule Ride will replace the Abyss Overlook Mule Ride that has been operated since October 2009. The mule ride will now travel along a new East Rim Trail built by the National Park Service. Wranglers will stop six times along the trail to provide interpretive information about the geologic formations, human history, fire ecology and more. From March 15 through Oct. 31 the Mule Ride departs at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and from Nov. 1 through March 14 the ride departs once each day at 10:00 a.m. The cost of the ride is $114 plus tax. Water and water bottles are included. Rain jackets are available on the ride as well. Riders must check in at the Bright Angel Lodge’s transportation desk the day before or at least two hours before departure time on the day of their ride and then be at the main livery barn in Grand Canyon Village 30 minutes before departure. An interpretive van ride to the Yaki Barn and back is included in the ride.