Sure-footed mules have been carrying visitors around the canyon for more than a hundred years. You can take a 12-mile day trip or an overnight trip that goes all the way to Phantom Ranch. Riders must be in good health, speak fluent English, weigh less than 200 pounds (91 kg) and be over 4 feet 7 inches (138 cm) tall. These trips are very popular, and you should reserve 9 months to a year in advance. If you aren't planning that far ahead, register in person for the waiting list between 6:00 and 10:00 AM on the day before you want to go. If someone cancels or doesn't show up, you get in. Day trips cost a little over $100, and overnights are about $200.
From Tusayan, you can take a horse or mule ride through the Kaibab Forest or a back country jeep tour. Many companies offering flights over the Grand Canyon operate from the Tusayan Airport.
The Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams to the Grand Canyon through forests and ranch land, arriving across from the El Tovar Hotel near the canyon rim. It returns about three hours after it arrives, so plan on coming back or staying overnight to see everything.
There are many options for "running the river." You can make your voyage in small wooden boats called dories, small oar-powered rafts, big motorized rafts and even canoes. Trips can last from two days to two weeks and longer, and some outfitters will pick up or drop off passengers at Phantom Ranch. Trip costs vary by outfitter and type of trip, but expect to pay $175 to $200 per day or more. Rafting season runs from April through October (non-motorized craft can run through December). Do a lot of research and ask the rafting companies a lot of questions before you choose your trip.
