with a professional guide. To arrange a guided backpacking trip into the canyon, contact Discovery Treks (www.discoverytreks.com; Organized Tours & Excursions
Bus Tours
Rather leave the driving to someone else so you can enjoy the scenery? Opt for a bus or van tour of the Grand Canyon with Xanterra South Rim (www.grandcanyonlodges.com;
Excursions into the canyon’s depths on muleback are very popular—make reservations months in advance.
Trail Rides by Mule & Horse
Mule rides into the canyon have been popular since the beginning of the 20th century, when the Bright Angel Trail was a toll road. After looking at the steep drop-offs and narrow path of the Bright Angel Trail, you might decide this isn’t exactly the place to trust your life to a mule. Never fear: Wranglers will quickly reassure that you they haven’t lost a rider yet. Three-hour mule rides meander along the Rim through the forest to eventually arrive at the Abyss, a spectacular viewpoint along Hermit Road. Overnight mule trips go all the way down to the canyon floor at Phantom Ranch, where cabins and dormitories are available. From November to March, a 2-night Phantom Ranch trip is offered; other times of year, you’ll ride down one day and back up the next. Mule trips range from $143 for the 3-hour ride, to $600 for an overnight ride, to $863 for the 2-night ride. Couples get discounts on overnight rides. Riders must be at least 9 years old; weigh less than 200 pounds fully dressed; be at least 4 feet, 7 inches tall; and speak and understand English fluently. Pregnant women are not allowed. Especially in summer, these rides often book up 6 months or more in advance (you can make reservations up to 13 months ahead). For more information or to make a reservation, contact Xanterra Parks & Resorts (www.grandcanyonlodges.com;
For more casual horseback riding outside of the Canyon, head to Apache Stables (www.apachestables.com;
The Grand Canyon Railway
In the early 20th century, most visitors to the Grand Canyon arrived by train, and it’s still possible to travel to the canyon along the steel rails. The Grand Canyon Railway (www.thetrain.com;
There are four classes of service to choose from: coach, first class, observation dome (upstairs in the dome car), and luxury parlor class. Actors posing as cowboys provide entertainment aboard the train. It’s 8-hours round-trip, including a 3¼- to 3¾-hour layover at the canyon. Round-trip fares (not including tax or the national park entrance fee) range from $67 to $219 for adults, $25.50 to $120 for children 2 to 12.
Not only is this a fun, scenic trip, it also avoids the traffic congestion and parking problems in Grand Canyon Village. When booking your train trip, you can also book a bus tour in the park, which will help you make the most of your limited time on the Rim. Or, if you want, book a room/train package so you can stay overnight in the park.
Tip for families: In November, December, and January, the railway runs a Polar Express service to “the North Pole,” complete with a visit from Santa.
Interpretive Programs
Any number of interpretive programs are scheduled throughout the year at various South Rim locations. Ranger-led walks explore different aspects of the canyon, from nature hikes to fossil trips to guided tours of the Tusayan Ruin; rangers also give geology talks, lecture on the cultural and natural resources of the canyon, and hold stargazing gatherings. Many programs are held at Mather Point Amphitheater and the Shrine of the Ages. Consult your copy of The Guide for information on times and meeting points.
| A Bird’s-Eye View |
Despite controversies over noise and safety (there have been a few crashes over the years), airplane and helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon remain one of the most popular ways to see this natural wonder. If you want to join the crowds buzzing above the canyon, you’ll find several companies operating out of Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. Air tours last anywhere from 30 minutes to about 2 hours. Companies offering tours by small plane include Air Grand Canyon (www.airgrandcanyon.com;
