Getting ready to visit the Grand Canyon? Every year nearly six million people choose to visit this 1 mile deep and 277 river miles long canyon. The Colorado River naturally carved the canyon into the fascinating geological formation that it is today, which is why it’s listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World,

Visiting the Grand Canyon

The high majority of visitors will choose to visit the South Rim of the canyon, which is open all year round. The rest will choose to visit the North Rim of the canyon, which is seasonal and thus only open six months of the year. The Inner Canyon is the part of the canyon that exists below the rims, and is mostly accessed by hikers, river runners and mule riders.

Visitors can:

• Attend free ranger programs to learn more about the history and culture of the canyon.
• Enjoy the variety of information centers and museums available, including watching a film on the wonders of the Grand Canyon.
• Sign up for a variety of trips that allow them to further explore the canyon and all it has to offer.

Seeing the Grand Canyon by Mule

There are many options available when it comes to choosing the best way to explore this natural wonder, with one of the more popular options being mule trips. Mule rides can be short, offering riders spectacular views of the canyon anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours. Mule rides can also be taken to the bottom of the canyon, where riders can stay the night in one of the lodging options available. Advanced planning is necessary for visitors wanting to book an overnight mule tour, which should be made at least 13 months in advance.

Mule Riding Restrictions

Visitors who choose to see the Grand Canyon by mule must closely follow the instructions provided by the trail guide, as they were put in place for safety reasons. While all skill levels of riders are welcome, mule riders must be at least 7, 9 or 10 years old (depending on which trip is selected), 57 inches in height, and accompanied by an adult. Riders must weigh less than 220 pounds when fully dressed, and understand English well as all instructions are relayed in English. It’s important for all riders to be in good physical condition, especially when choosing a mule trip that lasts more than a few hours.

Jody’s Travel Inc