Grand Canyon Visitor:
My friend and I are driving across country in September, but I think it's too late for us to reserve a mule ride. It's something I've always wanted to do, but maybe I'll do it down the road.
Alley:
Grand Canyon mule rides are typically booked out over a 1 year in advance.
For your September trip though we do have other options for getting to the bottom of the Grand Canyon:
1 - Helicopter Tour with Landing: Helicopter tours from both Las Vegas and Grand Canyon West offer a landing inside the canyon. These tours give visitors a chance to see the canyon from above and experience it at the base without the physical exertion of hiking or riding a mule.
2- Hiking: One of the most common ways to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is by hiking. Trails like the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail take you from the rim down to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. These trails are challenging due to steep inclines and the need to carry enough food and water, but they are a rewarding way to experience the canyon up close.
3 - Driving to the Bottom: A well kept secret is that you can drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon via Diamond Creek Road on the Hualapai Nation. This road, located in the western part of the canyon near Peach Springs, Arizona, is the only road that takes you down to the Colorado River at the bottom. Motor Trend has a quick video on this too. Managed by the Hualapai Tribe, it's an adventurous route through Diamond Creek, offering scenic views and direct access to the river. You'll need a permit from the Hualapai Tribe to use this road.