Take it sitting down. Saddle up and see the canyon on the back of a mule. For city slickers, the 3-hour Canyon Vista ride along the South Rim east of Yaki Point ($143/person) passes through pine-juniper forest on level ground. The ride, with 6 interpretive stops but no dismounting, replaces the discontinued Abyss ride. Almost the entire ride parallels the rim and offers stunning views across the canyon to the North Rim. Transportation by bus leaves the mule barn in the Village to the barn at Yaki Point where the tour starts.

From March 15–Nov. 30, tours depart at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.; Dec.1–March 14 at 9 a.m. only. Resister at Bright Angel Lodge: weight limit 225 lbs, height minimum 4 ft. 7 in. (1.38 meters), long-sleeved shirt, long pants, hat with strap required, one item around neck; no daypacks or fanny-packs allowed. A take-home canteen and string for hats and glasses are provided. Fluency in English required for all mule trips. The 4.2-mile roundtrip trail makes a great hike, also.