Mules going down Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon

[azthundercloud]

just did the phanthom ranch. the hike down was a mother bear. we had an 80 year old hiking with us. inspiration is all i can say.

[LaurieBBB50]

that's a nice video. i shared it to my facebook group, i hope that's ok. join my group!

Grand Canyon Mule Ride Wrangler Appreciation

[3daywkend]

I hope those mules get a nice truck ride back up.

[Titan752]

One thing i will say about watching this video.......

"Hi there! Hi there! Hello there! How ya' doin'?" Ooppss! Sorry that was 4 things.....

[josebroo]

Did it yesturday in the snow...... not so fun when slick. Go down easy

[sk8rchick16]

I've been on that trail before. its sucks when you run down real fast, then try to go back up. you get soo tired!

[SoarinRockies]

I find myself going back to this simple video again and again. I love watching the mules walk past, studying the unique gait and rhythm of each one.  It's like you're right there on the trail.

[SouthTexasGal830]

I agree Soarin, I have it saved in my favorites. "I'm exhausted!" lol

[SoarinRockies]

The mules appear small in the video, but the ones used in the canyon are actually large mules, averaging 15-16 hands high (60-64" at the highest point of the shoulder). The weight limit for riders is 200#, and that limit is strictly enforced. Mules are strong animals, stronger than horses, so they handle this work pretty well. Two years ago I met up with former Trail Boss, Ron Clayton. It was nice to learn how well trained and how well cared for the Grand Canyon mules are.

[caponyrider]

poor dunkies... big people and tiny animals....

[ipeqi]

Native Americans used whose trails for thousands of years. Since the last century hikers and mules have increased. The Grand Canyons are probably one of the more frequent visited National Parks with a couple millions visitors from around the world. And still in a very GOOD shape (compared with Bryce Canyon).

[jlashure]

before break i added a video but when i looked on the groups site today i didnt see it there so here is another. This video shows how mules use the trails going down to the base of the grand canyon as well as humans. I just wonder if over use of trails in the grand canyon is a problem because of the steepness of the land that the trails are on. It seems like the trails would erode quicker because of the steepness making then dangerous to use.