This is for the mule ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and overnight stay at Phantom Ranch…read morethen the ride back out the next morning.
I had THE BEST TIME this past Friday/Saturday with Maggie and Zack as our wranglers. I have never ridden a horse before let alone had any experience with a mule and these 2 were the kindest and most patient, personable and professional people ever! They both were a wealth of knowledge and truly cared about these mules and loved their jobs. My mule was Sahara and he was such a good boy. At no point was I ever afraid during the ride up or down the Canyon. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this mule ride but I 100% would do it again.
Must wear long pants, long sleeve shirt and a wide brimmed hat with a string on it (if no string, they will give you one) If you wear sunglasses or regular glasses, make sure there is a string on them to hang on your neck or they will provide you with one. You can carry 1 item (cell phone or gopro) on your neck on a lanyard. If you need chapstick or snacks, you can bring them in your pocket. No backpack, camelback or fanny packs allowed on your person. They provide you with a bag (like a nike shoe bag size) to put your belongings in for the night. You are also given a bota water bag.
Lunch stop at Indian Gardens was a box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips, snack mix, apple, drink, some other snack items I dont remember exactly but it was a lot of food I didn't finish. You were able to bring whatever you didn't finish with you to Phantom Ranch.
Down in the Canyon it is 20 degrees hotter than at the top. The Colorado River is cold so I did not need a bathing suit, I got in with just my Nike biker shorts and sports bra I wore under my clothes (the water was 47 degrees). I wore my same pants out, I brought a long sleeve shirt to wear out, sleeping clothes, extra pair of socks, hair brush, shorts and tank to wear after shower, sunblock, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash. Bring a wash cloth if you are a person who needs one. I used my sock because I needed a scrub and didn't even think about bringing one. At Phantom Ranch they provide a towel, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. So anything else you need that will fit in the bag, you can bring.
Once at the bottom you can hike around, explore, hangout at the cabin, hangout on the beach on the Colorado River...Steak Dinner was at 5pm, vegetarian stew was at 6:30pm
Dinner was steak, baked potato, carrots, salad, cornbread and a brownie dessert. (PLENTY of food). Choice of Tea or Soda and there was Beer, Wine and White Claw for purchase.
Breakfast was 3 pancakes, 2 sausages, scrambled eggs and OJ. Coffee and Hot tea were also available.
Thank you Maggie and Zack for an amazing first time experience I truly appreciate it. And of course Sahara for getting me down and up the Canyon safely and being such a sweet, well behaved mule.
P.S. There is no cell service on the entire ride/bottom of the canyon, so take this time to unplug from social media and relax, take in the beautiful canyon and unwind, destress and listen to nature.