One day mule ride or spend the night at Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon?
Mar 3rd, 2004, 03:09 PM
#1
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One day mule ride or spend the night at Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon?
I made reservations for a day mule ride at the Grand Canyon. Now I'm thinking we should have done the tour where you stay at Phantom Ranch and go back up the next day. Can anyone compare and tell me which is the better experience? I appreciate your help! Many thanks!
Mar 3rd, 2004, 04:50 PM
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Hi. I haven't done both rides, but I have done the overnight at Phantom Ranch. It was a wonderful experience. At first, I was scared half to death - you're looking almost straight down and the mules walk on the edge of the trail. Toward the end of our trip, our leader told us that the mules are so trained that they were able to get everyone up safely after a Thanksgiving snow that left several feet of snow on the trail. I wish he would have told us this story in the beginning!
I think the mules are a great way to see the canyon - you really do not appreciate its scope and vastness until you get IN it. The views are amazing. The small cabins at Phantom were sparse but nice - they had everything you'd want after 6 hours on a mule - a bed and a toilet! (Showers are in a separate area). The nice thing about the overnight was that everyone eats community style in Phantom Ranch and it was fun talking with people from all over who always wanted to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
I consider myself in good shape, but that walk to the bottom and back would be extremely strenuous in the summer!
I think the mules are a great way to see the canyon - you really do not appreciate its scope and vastness until you get IN it. The views are amazing. The small cabins at Phantom were sparse but nice - they had everything you'd want after 6 hours on a mule - a bed and a toilet! (Showers are in a separate area). The nice thing about the overnight was that everyone eats community style in Phantom Ranch and it was fun talking with people from all over who always wanted to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
I consider myself in good shape, but that walk to the bottom and back would be extremely strenuous in the summer!
Mar 4th, 2004, 06:08 AM
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About 15 years ago my wife and I did the overnight at Phantom Ranch. I agree with Karen about the experience. When you get to the bottom, you can see the top, and that view is one which will last you forever. The ride down and up is exciting, tedious, and tough on your butt, but something you will be proud to have done. The day ride is also good, but if you can spare the time, go all the way. 
Mar 4th, 2004, 08:05 AM
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I agree with the above posts. If you have the time stay at Phantom Ranch. If you are not use to being in the saddle, a full day on a mule is painful. Phantom Ranch stop will give you time to soak in the canyon experience better. The mules are well trained and safe. But, I had to keep looking up the canyon and not where the mule was going. I swear the darn thing had one hoof over the trail.
Mar 4th, 2004, 08:25 AM
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I appreciate so much you answering my question. You don't know how much it has helped me in my decision. I think I will do the Phantom Ranch even though it is more expensive but, I think it may be a chance in a life time experience expecially since it fills up so quickly. Thanks again.
