Grand Canyon Mule Ride to Phantom Ranch with Mule Wrangler 'TEX!'
278,152
Published 2021-12-06
Before and after her 2021 Appalachian Trail thru hike, Tex's first love and employment is the Grand Canyon and its mules. Join her to experience a day in the life of a Grand Canyon Mule Wrangler.
This footage was shot in late October.
********
Disclaimer:
Please note that the ride to Phantom Ranch is a very strenuous and lengthy 5-6 hour ride. It is not the “easy way down” to the bottom of the canyon. The 10 mile ride progresses downhill one vertical mile (almost 5,000 feet) over tall steps down for the majority of the ride. This puts continual stress on the back, hips, knees, and ankles that compounds as the ride progresses. Riders need strong abdominal muscles required to lean back in the saddle for the majority of the 5 hour downhill ride. Summer temperatures of 90-120 degrees at the bottom of the canyon with extremely low humidity pose a risk of heat exhaustion.
If you’re in good physical health and condition, you’ll do fine, but your knees and seat will be sore.
This ride is not recommended for
those with pain in the back, hips, knees, ankles, or weak abdominal muscles;
those with poor flexibility or poor range of motion in the hips;
those not in good physical condition;
those with underlying health issues;
those who recently underwent surgery;
those with poor balance;
those prone to heat sickness; or
those with an extreme fear of heights.
Please be honest with yourself, the check-in staff, and the barn staff about your physical health and any health conditions or concerns. Failing to do so puts you at risk of pain and physical injury, as well as poses a risk to the rest of the group due to delay as your situation is being attended to.
All Comments (21)
-
My wife and I were fortunate to have had Tex as one of our wranglers on our two-day trip to Phantom Ranch. Tex is a very friendly and helpful guide. In this video you see how beautiful the inner canyon is, how nice the mules are and how helpful and accommodating the wranglers are. However it doesn't prepare you for the sheer terror you may feel riding high on your mule as you descend for the first time on the steep Bright Angel Trail. Even so you finally adjust and end up loving every minute. Thank you Tex and our trusty steeds Mayberry & CJ.
-
I asked for a trip to Phantom Ranch for my 12th birthday in 1977 and was very fortunate to go on the ride with my parents who are now both gone. Thanks for the video and the happy memories it brought.
-
Thank You. Been at the Canyon several times. No words can describe it. The US has so so many great places to see and ride in.
-
I'm fortunate enough to have "Muled The Canyon" twice, once in 94, and again in 98, with my wife and 2 sons who were just young boys at the time, and I was just about the age they are today, what wonderful memories. 💞
-
So good to see you again! You are right at home in that environment and you are a natural! As a bonus, we got to see you on the hiking trail again and we got to hear you sing! Thanks for posting this part of you life!
-
Thanks for your Video. Greetings from the Norhtcoast of Germany
-
Excellent! Loved the video! Have been down 3 times and hope to go again. Love it!! My grandfather, Ed Cummings, was a trail guide for 30 years in the early 1900s.
-
Tex we enjoyed our ride with you back in May with our friend Hermine (81 years young). She is so happy she did this trip that she tells everyone and has her certificate proudly displayed at her house. Hope you have a good year.
-
Thanks for taking us along, Tex. I’ve missed your videos! This one was another fantastic, professional-quality job—you surely have a talent for documenting your adventures. Keep up the good work and Happy Trails!
-
What an amazing place! You look so happy and I loved listening to the “clip- clop” sound of the mules on the bridge, seeing them bob for apples, and loved the classic country music! You have a special connection with the mules and they are blessed to have you there in the Grand Canyon! This is now on my bucket list!
-
Wow ,As surefooted as a mule takes on a new dimension when we see how composed these mules are high up on the mountain pass.Great credit to their trainers and handlers .That was a beautiful video of the Grand canyon and yes I've been there and it's breathtakingly beautiful.🇨🇮
-
Great seeing you again. Thank you for the thrill.That is definitely a want to do trip. Great seeing the mule are loved and taken care of. I am not that great at riding but I do know to trust the animal I am on more than my self. You soon become as one. Take care,be safe and have fun.🦋❤
-
Tex, We had the best time with you and Hunter as our guides. Its an experience we will never forget! We learned so much and had so much fun. Kevin and Marilyn from New Jersey.
-
So good to see you again Tex! Thank you for sharing your wonderful mule trip with us what a great job!
-
Lisa, I love this video. I know you talked about this ride in your AT hike videos and now we know what it's all about. Thank you so much for making this video. The scenery is beautiful and you make this ride look so fun ! I hope one day to do this trip. It's really nice to see you again and I hope you keep doing videos. You are the best !
-
Omg! I so love this ❣️ Thanks for sharing 👍❤️💕
-
Pretty cool. I love your personality. Keep the videos coming. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
-
Yes I do want to take that ride. What a cool job you have. Thanks for the tour
-
Thanks Lisa (Tex) , how wonderful to see you in your element.. we lived in Phoenix for many years a Loved the canyon. Thanks for taking us along..we missed you!!
-
Remarkable what you Mule Wrangler's do!! I've always wanted to see some of the back stage operation. Amazing! Thanks for being part of the great heritage of the Grand Canyon.
