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Grand Canyon Mule Tours by Xanterra

Grand Canyon Mule Tours by Xanterra

Grand Canyon Mule Tours by Xanterra
4.5
About
Grand Canyon National Park, United States
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles447 reviews
Excellent
362
Very good
48
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
12

mimibobo23
alberta216 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
I'm a little nervous about horses and mules, and a lot nervous about heights, but as soon as I met Miss Mona (who is the hugest things I've ever seen), it was allll good. The guides were incredibly helpful and informative; they focus on safety first, but also want this to be a fun experience, which it most definitely is. I did the 3 hour South Rim ride, so we stayed along the top and stopped to look over and learn about the rich history of the people who discovered and explored this area. We also learned about the mules; where they come from, how they are trained, all the jobs they do at the canyon. This was an amazing experience and I 100% recommend it to everyone. We checked in at Bright Angel Ranch about an hour in advance, they require a hat and sell decent straw cowboy hats for $8.00. They send you down across the tracks to the stables where a shuttle van takes you out to the ranch. Be on time, because they are very prompt. Less than $150 and worth every penny. Next time, I want to do the overnight trip:-)
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laura
North Augusta, SC27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Couples
Five stars isn’t enough for this experience of a lifetime. As with our other dealings with Xanterra, the arrangements were easy to make and we were given all the information we needed - and there’s a lot to know. As we were already staying at the the Bright Angel Lodge on the south rim, our check in process and getting to the ride itself were easy and flawless. They are quite strict about adhering to the rules & regulations for this trip (for example the weight limit, my husband actually had to lose some weight to be able to go), which is good to see as it impacts the safety of everyone on the trip. I had also done some research on my own ahead of time so I knew a good bit about what to expect. And I admit, I was nervous! But I’m so glad I went on this trip, would never have forgiven myself if I had backed out! The wranglers are so knowledgeable and skilled, and the mules are as sure footed as they come. You can literally put your life in their hands! Anyone who listens to their wrangler and trusts their mule will be able to relax and have an extraordinary experience. I can’t say enough about our wranglers Simon and Katie! They seem to truly love giving people this experience and are a wealth of information about the Grand Canyon, it’s Indigenous Peoples’ history and the history of the mules in the Canyon. Everything was just fascinating. Simon offered a Navajo prayer as we began our descent on the Bright Angel Trail, and it was the perfect beginning for our trip. The accommodations at Phantom Ranch are rustic but perfectly fine and totally appropriate for that setting. It’s a beautiful area to explore, we walked down to Boat Beach and had the additional thrill of seeing a pack mule team wind its way down the trail and come across the black bridge suspended above the Colorado. The food at Phantom Ranch was great and they gave us a lot of it! We slept like babies and were refreshed (if a little sore) and ready for our return trip up the Bright Angel. I could go on and on about this experience. We’re in the area for 2 weeks traveling through Utah as well, but honestly I hated to leave Grand Canyon and could have happily spent the whole 2 weeks there. If you ever get the chance to do this trip - book it early (we reserved a year ahead) and GO!
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel R
West Wareham, MA225 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Husband and I were visiting the Grand Canyon and decided to try this experience because we knew we probably wouldn’t have the opportunity again. But we are so happy we did!

Checked in for the 2-hour ride and were given some souvenir water canteens, since we couldn’t carry water bottles or backpacks.

Took a 5 minute bus ride to the ranch where they keep the mules, which are actually bigger than you think. Slightly smaller than a horse. When we arrived, the guides went over all the safety procedures, how to use the reins to control your mule (to lead it in a certain direction or to stop) and how to use the whip if your mule was lagging behind.

We were split into two groups. The guides assigned each rider a mule depending on their riding experience (we didn’t have any) and helped each person get onto their mules. My mule was named Algrebra, weird name for a mule. She was sweet but kept leaning down to eat random tree bark and dead plants haha

The ride was amazing but bitterly cold because of the wind gusts. So glad I wore gloves and a knit headband to cover my ears. We stopped maybe every 20 minutes or so to take pictures and have some water so as not to get dehydrated.

My legs were hurting afterwards but I would highly recommend this ride for anyone who’s thinking about it. Definitely worth the price and tends to fill up quickly.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BoomerNC 1
Charlotte, NC127 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Buyer Beware with the 2 hour daytime Mule ride / tour. This is not something you will get many chances at great views for photos. You will be sadly disappointed for the high price. There is only 2 or 3 open viewing points that the tour stops and gives opportunity to snap a few photos. You cannot get off the mules and close to the rim. Yes, these stops have you about 8-10 steps away from the rim. Many of the spots along the rim are obstructed by shrubs and bushes. While riding along rim, snapping photos is highly discouraged by the tour guide so your photo opportunities are limited. I would recommend the Phantam Ranch mule tour since that is longer and will get the views you dream of, while going down and coming back up the Canyon, open views. Also, if you are 1 minute late to the ride, they turn you away. Many people get turned away for doing just that.

The great experience of this was riding a mule. The mule was so calm and professional, and even trotted along without much direction from me. All riders are trained to steer the mule and such, to get the mule going and to get it to stop. But my mule, was amazing, literally did not need my help. A couple other mules though did need help and guidance I noticed
Written 26 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelCatsNYC
New York4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
Let me start by saying that this was one of the most fabulous experiences during to our trip to AZ. The Canyon Rim mule ride was fantastic, we had ton of fun and we felt safe while on the mules. Our guide Abby was super friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. We are rating this excursion 4 stars for the following reason. The activity director at Bright Angel Lodge, Michael unfortunately marred our experience. We had limited time at the Grand Canyon and we had to schedule mule ride on the day of our arrival. Due to unavoidable road work there was over a 1 hr delay. Despite our best efforts we realized that we would be 30 min late to the 10:30 am activity check in for 12 pm mule ride. Michael called us on the phone and was immediately hostile and rude. We apologized and explained the situation. He also threatened us saying that he will sell our tickets to others if we don’t get to Angel Lodge within 5 min from his phone call. We are always punctual and get to places on time but due to traffic we were late, nevertheless this does not give Michael the right to verbally abuse customers. In the end we still made it to the mule ranch on time. Overall this is a must do activity and we hope that in the future Michael will show more empathy towards customers.
Written 13 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FabFamOfFour
62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Our family did the Canyon Rim Trail ride and loved it! Staff gave good instructions and helpful getting on and off our mules. Our teenage son was very nervous about the ride and the Mule Barn Head, Hoop, put him at ease and made sure to ensure his comfort and safety. (He even checked in on him during our ride via radio.) We rode: Lucy, Josie, Dingus and Dusty. Our guide/wrangler, Alicia was wonderful! She was very informative and made us all feel comfortable. It's obvious she loves the mules and her job. There were about 4 stops along the path to stop and ask questions, take pictures and grab a drink of water from our canteens. It was a great experience and memories made!
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly B
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Family
The team leading the mule ride, the mules, and the views were amazing and worth every penny. I several times caught myself just looking out amazed but my mule just kept steadily walking with his buddies. So sure footed and J got to see so much more than I would have with just me walking. We just did the rim as my husband is a tall guy and did not meet weight requirements for going into canyon.

We had a teenager with us so not a negative on teenagers but another group with us had a kid show up with no hat, coat or gloves when it was 24 degrees and wind blowing. He was totally obnoxious the whole time because he was freezing. He should have been left at the barn. The leader even had to stress to him his behavior could spook mule and send him over the edge. And then the mom tried to make excuses and blame check in staff. Such an enabler because the check in staff were very clear on proper gear if you paid attention. Again, some should just be told no and left.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

E L
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
We did the south rim mule ride and it was a great experience. Before leaving, we became familiar with our mules and learned how to maneuver them. It was a brief but informative session that was very useful during the 2+ hour ride. Our guide was Tiffany and she did a wonderful job of corralling us riders as well as the mules. She was very informative of the history of the canyon and explaining why mules are used. Would highly recommend for any future riders
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RogerMudd
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Friends
Flew to LA and met my friend in anticipation of a cage-diving trip that had been postponed due to Covid. The same night I arrived the trip was canceled because of a bomb cyclone in the Pacific. (Learn something new every day.) It was a gut punch but we decided to make the best of it and headed to the Grand Canyon. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons—nothing does it justice. Everyone should get to see it in person.

We luckily got in on the 2-hour South Rim Mule Tour (winged the whole trip) and it was fantastic. Hoop, one of the staff, was so cool and explained what to expect from the tour and the mules. He had a great sense of humor and put us at ease. He told us how to handle the mules while the ride leaders demonstrated. They asked about everyone’s riding experience and matched us with the mules they thought best for our skills (or lack thereof.) The staff were very attuned to the mules and seemed to know their personalities well.

Reese (hope I’m spelling it right) was our guide and he was amazing. Very experienced (cattle herder for years) and a lot of fun. He had us stop several times to talk about the Canyon and answer questions. He was very aware of what was happening in the mule line and we never felt unsafe. I am mildly afraid of heights but we never got too close to the edge—the mules want to survive too. The mules were old pros and knew exactly what they were doing. I had Maddie and she was so good—needed some prodding here and there but nothing an amateur couldn’t handle. Reese took pictures of us and with us at the end.

The scenery was obviously outstanding and it was very relaxing to be out there. Made me want to take horseback riding lessons. It was a beautiful experience. Highly recommend.
Written 6 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

motheroftwodivas
Lincroft, NJ42 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
After buying hats, planning a day around it, a bus ride …a second of the sound of thunder cancels the trip although everyone is already there. The clouds pass immediately,, the sun is out and it is a gorgeous day, but I am left with a disappointed birthday girl, a half day wasted waiting around for this. Don’t waste the time and disappoint your family. . I was told it happens fairly regularly. Shorten your trip and just hike, that doesn’t cancel.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

GRAND CANYON MULE TOURS BY XANTERRA (2024): All You MUST Know Before You Go

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