Family Vacation Ideas- Mule Trip in Grand Canyon National Park

When you are searching for a fun and educational family vacation idea set your sights on a mule trip in Grand Canyon National Park.  The Grand Canyon vacation experience is made much more interesting and exciting when your family can take a mule trip from the South Rim of the Canyon all the way down to the Colorado River and back up. However you can fit in a mule trip without devoting that much time to the trek.

The South Rim mule trips offer two options:

Overnight: Riders travel to the Phantom Ranch, have dinner and stay the night, getting an early start the next morning to head back to the South Rim. Overnight trips are lots of fun for the family as you will get to see all the facets of the canyon up close.

Day Trip: From the South Rim you will travel part way down into the canyon stopping at Plateau Point on the Bright Angel Trail. This is an easy way to get in touch with the canyon without spending two days in the saddle.

The North Rim mule trips do not go to the river, but offer a few different options to allow your family to experience the mule trip in the Grand Canyon. Just think of the stories and photos these mule trips will provide your family.

One Hour: mule ride along the rim.

Half Day: mule ride along rim and inner canyon

Full Day: mule ride into the canyon including lunch.

Any of these options will help your family experience the Grand Canyon National Park in a unique way. You will see the beauty of the natural canyon, the wildlife and plant life that the canyon has to offer and spend quality time exploring with your family. The tour guides are very informed as to what to expect in terms of the wildlife you may encounter, the weather which tends to change rapidly, and the mules themselves which may take a bit of getting used to.

There are a few restrictions to keep in mind when planning your mule trip in Grand Canyon National Park. Riders cannot weigh more than 200 pounds and have to be at least 4 feet 7 inches to ride. All riders must speak and understand fluent English. Pregnant riders are not allowed. Riders should not be afraid of heights or large animals. While riding experience isn’t necessary it may come in handy to have a basic knowledge.  A sore backside or aching thighs are common after a mule ride and you may want to postpone any other strenuous activity, or plan your mule trip at the end of your vacation.

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