Spot the Mule Riders coming up the trail toward the hikers.
Below Cedar Ridge, a.k.a., The Kasbah
Mules… Riders… Hikers
Category: Mules
Teamsters
Mule Team snaking it’s way up the South Kaibab above The Plateau. The mules bring everything to Phantom Ranch and take everything away that makes it a going concern. “If aliens abduct the mules, everyone would head for the South Rim and it would be every biped for itself… people are not the most valuable animals at Phantom Ranch.”
Trailrunner Redux
One false step, and it’s a long roll to The Plateau. The Mules are the most sure-footed animal in Grand Canyon.
Scene from a Cowboy Movie
Just above The Plateau on the South Kaibab.
Ranchero
First view of Phantom Ranch… we thought. It’s the Mule operations. The Ranch quarters are over a mile away.
The Color of Morning
The Corral at Phantom Ranch
Noble
Phantom Ranch Mule. I look at these animals and see nobility. For them, trudging up and down The Kaibab may be an exalted feeling of liberation. We can only hope.
Riders in the Cold
Mule riders on the Tonto Trail which crosses the Bright Angel just below Indian Garden. The yellow towels indicate “riders,” so the Boss can easily spot them. And yes, they were freezing their asses off. Mid-afternoon, 01/29/14.
Cañon Del Grande 