grand canyon north rim mule rides - private tour

The half day trip down into the canyon on the North Rim is a great way to experience the a North Rim! The mules are well behaved. You always feel safe in spite of the height and edges you experience. Our guide was fantastic.....friendly, knowledgable, and interesting. Drink plenty of water at the turn around. Plan to carry cash to give as a tip at the end....well worth the trip to Supai Tunnel!

This is really worth doing. Even though I don't do well on a Ferris wheel or at the top of a tall extension ladder or on a roof, I psyched myself into being able to do this and am glad I did. There were about ten people in our group with a wrangler leading us. How sweet it was!

The 3.5 hour mule ride was a fabulous way to experience the North Rim. The mules are well behaved and, despite the heights and cliffs, I felt 100 percent safe. The guides are great, especially Miss Kitty who pointed out landmarks and other interesting sites. Make sure to drink plenty of water at the bottom; you dehydrate very quickly in that strong sun and high altitude. Wasn't aware beforehand of how much to bring for a tip and under-tipped as a result which I regret. Anyhow, well worth the money!

We had done a trail ride with the same company the day before at Bryce Canyon so we were well prepared for our ride to Supai Tunnel. We really enjoyed riding with this company a lot - our wrangler/guide, Marissa, was top notch - my 11 yr old son had a little trouble handling his mule initially but Marissa got off her mule, went right up to him and calmed him down while giving him the confidence he would do fine - and he never had another problem the rest of the trip. The trip itself takes you 2,400 ft down into the canyon to a man made tunnel which basically is the start of the next leg of the hike to Phantom Ranch. This ride poses a challenge for anyone, like myself, who has a fear of heights, but I found it easier than expected and mules, which are incredibly sure footed, did not let down (my mule, Slim, could not have been a better riding mate!) All that said, the amazing views and the chance to go well into the canyon were well worth it. This ride is shorter than the one we experienced at Bryce (about 4 - 5 miles total) but the steep elevation drop makes it a much slower ride both ways, especially going back up - the good news is the shorter distance and slower pace is much easier on the rider as I did not have any of the minor discomfort or saddlesore I had experienced at Bryce. While this trail is hikable (we passed numerous people on foot) I much preferred doing it from the comfort and safety of my mule. For $80 per person we found this to be a tremendous amout of fun, unbelievable views and a great chance to see a part of the canyon we otherwise would have missed. Well worth it!

About 20 years ago I did the North Rim mule ride where they take you half way down into the canyon and then turn around and come back up. It was unbelievable and I will never forget being inside the canyon. Now I wanted to take my kids to experience it, but my husband was not too keen on riding. Since we didn't want to leave him for a full day, and since one of my kids wasn't too sure she even was going to like it - we decided to just do a one hour tour. It turns out that about 5 years or so ago they did away with the tour I went on so long ago, and now the ride is only 3 hours (people keep calling it a half day tour, but I've been told it is not half day - I don't know what the truth is). Our one hour tour left the North Rim Lodge for a short ride in a van to the mules and start of the trail. The beginning of the trail is breathtaking with great views of the canyon. They have each individual stop for a photo and the second half of the trail is mostly wooded. Before we knew it, it was time to turn around and retrace our steps on the trail - so again being able to see the gorgeous view on the last half of the return trip. I was prepared for the mules to be walking near the edge, but for the most part on this trail they are not THAT close to the edge as they would be if you went in the canyon on the longer ride. There is one spot on the trail that I think might freak you out slightly if you are afraid of heights - you get the impression the mule might walk right off - but they are sure-footed and none have ever gone off the trail. Just use your own judgment whether the members in your party are going to be okay with it - it really is a short-lived sensation, most of the trail does not give you that impression. I have ridden horses years ago, but recalled how saddle sore I was from all those hours on the mules before. The good thing about the hour ride is that while your initial step down might look funny, you don't really got too saddle sore. When you return they will show you the pictures you took - I think they cost $8/picture so very reasonable and a great souvenir. They really stress how you are not allowed to bring anything with you, so I had actually forgotten to tuck money in my pocket, but they allow you to pay back at the Lodge if you don't have your money. I also felt bad because I didn't have money to tip the guides - but if you do the same thing remember that back at the Lodge they will have envelopes that you can use to leave a tip. Or better yet, just don't forget to tuck money in your pocket even though you can't bring a purse ! I am sure the 3 hour ride down below the rim is more spectacular than this, but this was really fun and my kids enjoyed it and it wasn't such a big production nor was it as hot as it would be below the rim. We had the 8:30am ride so met the van at 8:20 and were back to spend the rest of the day with my husband by 9:40am. Keep in mind you will get filthy and need to shower and change clothes after (and don't let your kids sit down on the beds ! Mine did and we had to find the maid to ask her to change our smelly sheets). Also, I had seen plenty of reviews and information that said you could just sign up when you get there. Do NOT rely on this if this is something you really want to do. A few weeks before I checked into it all again and grabbed the last remaining openings for the day we were there - so I doubt if you try to just walk up that you'll get on, unless they have cancellations. If this is something you really want then I suggest you book in advance. If you KNOW you want to do the below the rim ride, then by all means do that. But if you have any trepidations about that then truly consider this no muss, no fuss version.

We had spent the first 2 days driving around the north rim checking out all the spots. On the last morning we took a mule ride to Supai Tunnel. Wow what a trip. I had read previous post about the scary ledges or steep drop offs. It made me a little leary, but seriously THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT ON THIS RIDE. Our guide did a GREAT job of getting the hikers to move off the trail while we passed. I had a great time and would do it again when I come back.

This was a fun way to see the north rim of the grand canyon. We did the 1/2 day ride to the supai tunnel and the views were amazing. There is nothing to be afraid of, it's not like you're on the edge of the canyon, and the mules know where they are going. It does get dusty, buy a bandana at the gift shop if you don't have one and wear it over your nose and mouth. Also use a big a hat not just a baseball camp, make sure the hat has a strap to go under you chin to keep it on. There is water and bathroom facilities at the supai tunnel. After the ride you are even given a certificate as a honorable grand canyon master muleteers!

My wife and I did the 4 hr Supai Tunnel ride. All the adjectives in the world can't describe how gorgeous the sights, sounds, scents of the Canyon were. The ride was excellent: informative, exciting, fun.This was our first experience with mules and I must say we were both extremely impressed. They're far calmer than horses, incredibly sure-footed, responsive, comfortable to ride. I rode a big guy named Rooster. Though he insisted on setting his own pace, I never doubted my safety up on his back. Like a well trained athlete, he descended and ascended the narrow switchbacks and steep inclines without missing a step, and without getting winded. Truly impressive.The shuttle ride to and from North Rim Lodge was quick and efficient, and the wranglers and support staff were great to work with. Our wrangler, Audrey, was particularly outstanding.

We enjoyed a short morning ride on the north rim. The mules were surefooted and our guide was helpful and patient with the less experienced and timid riders. I'd recommend this shorted trip of you want to see the overlooks without the descent into the canyon.

As a family of 4 (kids 9 and 11) we wanted to go under the rim and experience the canyon, but the kids had been scared to death by a ranger talk.We were staying at Grand Canyon Lodge, and were picked up for the 5 minute drive to the corral at the head of the Kaibab Trail. We were quickly paired up with miles, and on our way. We were a group of 9, 10 including our wrangler Swanny (?).As we made our sedate way down the trail, there was more than one place on the narrow trail, particularly on turns, where it just doesn't pay to look down. There are a few precipitous drops, and the mules have a way of seeming to step into oblivion, before making the corner. You just have to assume that they don't want to die any more than you do, and so far as I know, none have pitched their riders off to their deaths!!!The views down and up are beautiful, and the mules are strong, fantastically trained and the trail smells are gorgeous. We did the 4 hour trip, which takes you to a spot with toilets and drinking water.The way up was marked with huge trumpeting of intestinal gas from the mules, particularly mine (Tucker) who delivered vast amounts of gas into the rider behind me. The exertions take their toll on the mules! This caused our kids endless laughs!Swanny was a great leader/ wrangler, and it has provided us great memories.Very well organised. Optional pictures from the ride at $8 each.It's not cheap though.

We had a fantastic morning with Suwanee as our wrangler on our mule ride through Grand Canyon Trail Rides on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Suwanee was reassuring and kept us safe and having fun and we rode down the canyon on the Kaibab Trail. He was entertaining, knowledgeable, funny and our family of four (including two teenagers) had a fantastic time. It’s a whole different view once you get down in the canyon—and it’s much better (and safer!) on a mule. It’s a very professional and well run organization. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip!435-679-8665 or 928-638-9875 after May 15http://www.canyonrides.com/grand_canyon_rides.html

We went with a group of ten family members. All of us had a great ride, however a few of us were really sore. The mules were very sure-footed and they walked in "pilot mode". Once you learn to trust your mule, it is not too scary. It was fun to stay at Phantom Ranch, but we did not have any running water. We had to use buckets of water to flush the toilets. We did have drinking water though. It was a neat experience, but it is definitely exhausting.

Our family (mom, dad and two teenaged children) loved our mule trip down the north rim of the Grand Canyon. We had already been to the south rim and were struck by the contrast between the two sides. The north rim was more lush with aspen and pine trees and at least 10 degrees cooler. The north rim also had a much more laid back vibe about it: less hectic; no bus tours. The mule trip we took was half a day. We traveled down to the Supai tunnel which was quite beautiful. Our guide, Kevin, was excellent.All of us were inexperienced riders and a little apprehensive but the tour assistants and our guide made us feel very comfortable. It was a highlight of our trip.

This is by far the very best way to see the canyon on the bright angel trail. It is a steep ride down and then back up. Many hikers were suffering on the way up. The mules are so friendly stable and a surprisingly comfortable ride! The staff is so knowledgeable and fun. I am terrified of horses after 2 disturbing experiences, and I had a moment of "What did I just get myself into" as we started the trail. Within 1 or 2 switchbacks I was all smiles and relaxed as could be. This made our trip to the grand canyon perfect!

We took the 1/2 day mule ride to Supan Tunnel. The narrow, switch-back trails with drop-offs in some spots are definitely a bit scary, until you learn to trust your mule. The downhill portion is much harder than the uphill because many of the mule's steps are quite jarring as they navigate the roots and rocks and steeper sections of the trails. I felt a little nervous that I could lose my balance and fall off, but with the horn to grab onto I figured I could manage. I was also worried beforehand that my back and butt would feel the results for several days afterwards (I'm a mid-60's female), but I felt no ill-effects at all afterwards. The scenery was, of course, spectacular, and the trip was well-worth it. I wanted to take some pictures along the way, but usually needed 2 hands to hang onto the horn so I didn't get very many.The guide was very helpful and accommodating and contributed to a great experience.