There are places that are beautiful and then there are places whose beauty eludes any photographic depiction. The Grand Canyon falls into the latter.

It is often described as the Earth’s greatest geological showcase covering over 277 river miles.  The oldest rocks at the bottom of the canyon date from 1,840 million years ago. The depth, width and length combined with colorful rock layers, canyons and impressive buttes pose a spectacular diorama.

It has always been our goal to get to the bottom of the canyon and we finally did it by mule in an overnight trip. It was 28 degrees, snowing on top and 11.5 miles down– a 5-hour  ride of a lifetime.  You make your descent through intense switchbacks appropriately named as Devil’s Corkscrew, Poison Point and Jesus Corner. During the ride, you love your mule, hate your mule and you are convinced your mule is trying to kill you but by the end of the day you bond with your mule.  It is your only shot at peace of mind.  Our mules and dear friends were Wyatt and Chilhula.

The heated cabin is a welcome site at Phantom Ranch–an oasis along the Colorado River.  All meals аrе served family style and announced bу a clanging bell. They have a limited and small kiosk at the ranch and thе mοѕt popular souvenir and item for sale, aside from Advil, аrе postcards stamped “mailed bу mule”.