Going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon must rate right up there with climbing Mt. Everest

Going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon must rate right up there with climbing Mt. Everest. There are few things that could possibly compare. We did this trip on muleback on one of the hottest days on record in the canyon. It nearly killed me, but perhaps that’s why the reward was so great. Staying at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon was like paradise. That is, if your idea of paradise is the rustic outdoor thing.

Our journey began in Las Vegas. We drove to the south rim via the Hoover Dam and stayed in Thunderbird Lodge at the top of the south rim. Let me warn everyone about the Lodges. Our room was broken into and all our electronics, camera, game boys, etc. were stolen. This really put a damper on the start of our journey. We awoke early the next morning to get our mules and head down the canyon. It is true that the mules walk close to the edge and one little mistake could send you tumbling to your death . However, they claim to have never had any fatalities. Our journey lasted 4 1/2 hours with 9 1/2 miles of trail on the way down. We stopped one time for lunch, for a mere 30 minutes. The ride out of the canyon also lasted 4 1/2 hours but the trail was only 7 1/2 miles and we stopped twice.
I don’t believe that anyone who doesn’t go into the canyon for an extended distance and period of time, can really say they have been to the Grand Canyon. It is impossible to get a real flavor for the massiveness, beauty and awesomeness of this magnificent wonder of the world. You should also realize that many, many people die every year hiking in the canyon. It is a serious undertaking and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I do not recommend going during the summer. We went in July because the kids were out of school and the trip was exceedingly more dangerous because of the heat. I, myself endured heat exhaustion and dehydration, despite the warnings to drink lots of water. I thought I was doing everything I was suppose to do, yet I still got sick. You have no idea how easily and suddenly this can happen to you. And when it does, you are completely helpless. Without the guide to take care of me, I could not have made it out of the canyon, alive.