Travel
for providing the most reliable
transport on the trails. They are
three times as strong as a horse and
more sure-footed. Their eyes are also
located on the outside of their heads,
a characteristic that allows them to
see all four of their feet, something
that comes in handy on narrow trails
with little margin for error.
Odds of nabbing a reservation for
the famous mule ride down and back
with an overnight stay at Phantom
Lodge are slim. Make those plans
about a year in advance. But, never
fear, Xanterra offers a new, shorter
and less difficult tour that leaves
twice daily: Vista Rim Ride.
Riders start at the historic main
barn in Grand Canyon Village and
are driven via tour bus to Yaki Barn.
Here they saddle up for a four-mile
ride that meanders along the
spectacularly scenic East Rim Trail.
I had the opportunity to join this
memorable escapade and highly
recommend it. Let me assure you
that I am not an experienced
horseback rider, honestly a total
amateur. The mules, however, are
real pros. They have been very well
trained and will follow the mostly
flat trail with certainty. The only
requirements are that riders weigh
less than 225 pounds, cannot be
pregnant, stand at least 4 feet,
7 inches tall, speak and understand
fluent English, and not be afraid
of heights or large animals.
An experienced wrangler or guide
leads the tour and stops the group
several times to provide interpretive
information about geologic
formations, human history, fire
ecology, the Colorado River, the
area’s native peoples, and the
surrounding forest. During these
stops, you can take out your camera
and shoot some keepsake photos.
The mule tour covers trails within
the Canyon that lie off the wellbeaten main path. It seemed like my
group of ten riders had the place to
ourselves, a rare treat. I have to say
this ride was a true highlight of my
stay in the Canyon.
Helicopter and Air Tours
Aerial tours of the Grand Canyon
by small plane or helicopter are
offered daily by air tour companies
out of the Grand Canyon Airport
in Tusayan. See The Guide, the
newspaper of Grand Canyon National
Park, for more information.
River Rafting
Nothing beats a float down the
Colorado River but whitewater trips
through the Canyon start from Lees
Ferry and involve 3-18 days and
plenty of advance preparation.
ALL PHOTOS: DEBI LANDER
Mules ready for a ride
39
Train Robbery on
the Return Trip
Those who left their car in Williams
and rode the Grand Canyon Railroad
will be delighted with their
return trip. They will be served a
complimentary glass of champagne
before an infamous band on
horseback temporarily hold up
the train. The robbery is all in
good fun and the kids love it.
Finish your trip with a second night
at the Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel
or head on with majestic memories
of a truly grand visit.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Tom
Mesereau of Mesereau Public
Relations and Bruce Brossman from
Xanterra Parks & Resorts for hosting
me during a press trip.Thanks also to
all the wonderful Rangers and folks
who live and work at the Canyon.