jilkovina

Did somebody went down on mules to GC and did not speak english?They did not let me make reservation for my father who does not speak english.Me and my husband both speak english and would go down on mules with my father.Do you think they would make any exception if I would book a ride or they strongly reinforce not going for not speaking english??

NeoPatrick

If they specifically told you they couldn't take him since he doesn't speak English, I wouldn't go ahead and book anyway. Chances are that they will enforce the rules. What would he do if you got there and they wouldn't let him go?

TheWeasel

The English requirement is for safety reasons. If they didn't let you book the reservation, they're certainly not going to waive that rule if you just show up and hope for the best, just as they won't waive any of the other rules.

As far as I'm concerned, your father would be putting himself in a potentially dangerous situation if he relied on you to interpret. The English rule is in place to ensure quick communication in case of emergencies, and if you're interpreting for him, not only is the message delayed, but you're quite probably missing vital instructions as well. Sitting 4 feet off the ground on the edge of a steep drop-off is not the place for confusion.

jilkovina

Do they really check the language?How about if he would be deff?

starrsville

They are VERY serious about enforcing their safety rules.

TheWeasel

The rule is "Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English." Again, this is a safety issue. In an emergency where critical instructions are being shouted and must be followed immediately, you would be putting your father's safety at risk with a delay due to the time lag in interpreting. You'd also be putting your safety at risk, because while interpreting you wouldn't be focused on yourself, and wouldn't be able to listen to any further instructions from the guide.

If a person is deaf, they would not be able to go on the rides either.

Do they really check the language? Well, I met 4 different groups riding down last week, and there were only 5-6 riders in each group. Each guide gives instructions to their riders and talks to them before going down. I don't think it'd be very difficult for a guide to figure out that someone didn't understand English.

gcmaven

TheWeasel is exactly right. I'll go a little further and add that it isn't only your father's safety and yours. You'd be putting every other person on the trip in jeapordy. If your father doesn't know what to do immediately and walks his mule into another rider's mule...

But might I ask why you are so focused on him taking the mule trip? If it's because he isn't in good enough physical condition to hike in and out of the canyon, that means he is also not in good enough physical condition to do the mule trip. It isn't a leisurely ride in the park. There isn't a guide holding a rope attached to each mule and leading them on. This is an active ride. You will need to control your mule, guide your mule, keep your mule moving so that it doesn't fall behind. It's also many hours in the saddle. You don't get on and off at will. You have to stay on the mule until you reach each destination.

Also keep in mind - if you book it knowing that he isn't qualified for the ride, and just show up, you will not have cancelled at least 48 hours in advance = no trip, no refund. And if you had booked the trip to Phantom Ranch, you also won't have a place to stay if the park is sold out.

Listen to Mr Weasel. He's giving you excellent advice!

Carla

Don't even think about trying to fudge the rules on the mule ride. The mule wranglers know their business and would find out in a heartbeat. And, as others have said, the safety of the whole group is at risk. When my sister and I did the trip a big-horn sheep spooked the lead mule and the whole string did a complete turn in the middle of the trail. It was a scary moment and it took the guide a few minutes to give instructions and get us all back on track. Imagine trying to translate for your father through something like that.

Elainee

It's also a very long day and very hot in the canyon. We got back after dark and it was scary. Very important to speak English in case an emergency arises. Go for a nice hike instead.