Grand Canyon Mail by Mule

Have you heard about the only places in the USA that mail is still delivered by mule? Ironically they are both in the Grand Canyon. If you decide to hike, take the mule-ride to the bottom of the canyon or take a multiple-day white water rafting tour, chances are you will have the chance to send a postcard or two by mule mail from Phantom Ranch. But there is another location in the Grand Canyon, the small village of Supai near Havasupai Falls, that receives and sends mail by mule. In the August issue of Arizona Highways, there is an article that details how and when this all started as well as how it is still happening. It also mentions that the United States Postal Service (USPS) may cancel this as part of the cuts it is making. Visitors to these unique locales not only have the opportunity to experience the charm of mule mail but also to explore breathtaking natural wonders. The emerald mile grand canyon adventure awaits those who dare to explore the vibrant blue-green water of Havasu Creek, cascading through the red rock canyons. As you embark on your journey, you’ll discover that the rich history and stunning landscapes make mailing a postcard by mule an unforgettable part of your experience.

The full story is very much worth reading but here are some highlights:

  • Hank Delaney, the current postal service provider for Supai, has been taking the mules down and back since 1999
  • He drives a truck to Hualapai Hilltop filled with mail and then loads it on the mules there for the eight- mile trip to Supai Village.
  • The mail normally consists of more than letters and postcards. It also includes some supplies for the village of Supai, sometimes even including soda pop and ice cream.
  • Delaney is a private contractor but he has still  “taken the mail carrier’s creed to heart.”  He has only missed delivering mail twice.

Delaney knows that his job could easily be in jeopardy but he will continue to carry the mail (and other things) to Supai until the postal service tells him he has to quit.  Until then, be sure to get your postcard stamped with the “delivered by mule” logo when you visit Supai Village and the beautiful blue-green waters of Havasupai Falls.

Comments

12 responses to “Grand Canyon Mail by Mule”

  1. Wendell engelter Avatar
    Wendell engelter

    How many mules are the post office delivery stable

    1. Sandy Jones Avatar
      Sandy Jones

      There isn’t a separate post office delivery stable. The mules for the mail to and from the bottom of the Grand Canyon are the same mules that deliver supplies to Phantom Ranch. The mules that deliver the mail to and from Supai Village are also the pack mules that carry supplies.

  2. Jorie Avatar
    Jorie

    So, is there an address I can use to mail my friend on the river a letter?

    Thanks!
    ~Jorie

    1. Karlyn Bunting Avatar
      Karlyn Bunting

      Jorie,

      Unfortunately, No.

      The Post Office is up on the South Rim…a 7 mile hike up the South Kaibab Trail and a 9 mile hike up the Bright Angel Trail.

      Thank You,

      Karlyn

  3. Ruth Jones Avatar
    Ruth Jones

    How special to hear about the special people and mules (animal friends) that provide such a needed service. I’d love to see a documentary on this.

    1. Karlyn Bunting Avatar
      Karlyn Bunting

      Ruth,

      Here is a great little documentary you might like on Phantom Ranch including Mules, Hiking and more:

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

  4. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    What is cost of mailing a letter from Phantom Ranch?

    1. Karlyn Bunting Avatar
      Karlyn Bunting

      Carol,

      It’s the same U.S. Postage Stamp you use when you are “Top Side”…however, you get the added benefit of getting the “Mailed by Mule at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon – Phantom Ranch” stamped on it. They used to be $1 for the Postcard and whatever the current U.S. Postage Stamp for a Postcard costs…40 cents as I am answering this in December 2021. However, even though the Mules take them out the Next Day…for some reason, it took an extra two – three weeks to be delivered to my Home…and, I live 2 hours from the Grand Canyon. So don’t expect expeditious delivery…in this Fed-Ex/Amazon World we live in.

      Here’s a fun video I found of these Rafter’s sending their Postcard from the Phantom Ranch Canteen:

      It’s just SO FUN to actually be there.

      Enjoy,

      Karlyn

  5. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    Does this job still exist or did it end up being cut? Is there a way to apply?

    1. Karlyn Bunting Avatar
      Karlyn Bunting

      Jay,

      Grand Canyon by Mules is still very much alive!

      You can Apply here: https://www.xanterrajobs.com/main/grand-canyon/explore

      Good Luck!

      Karlyn

  6. Nicole fallin Avatar
    Nicole fallin

    I’d love to help out for a week or two. How can I volunteer.

    1. Karlyn Bunting Avatar
      Karlyn Bunting

      Nicole,

      The Mule Rides are what take the Mail back and forth that is operated by Xanterra:
      https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/mule-rides/

      You can contact them at:
      https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/who-we-are/contact-us/

      Thank you for your offer and enjoy,

      Karlyn

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