FAQ

Grand Canyon / Canyon de Chelly 2010


Of course everyone is open to travel as best suits his or her situation. Options are as follows. Folks coming from the East and Northeast can be at our barn at 6:30 AM or before departing with us at 7:00 AM April 30, 2010. Anyone coming from the South East can hook up with us in Oklahoma City at 11:30 am on April 30, 2010. Or meet us later that day at the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, Texas for dinner and overnight stay on April 30, 2010. Anyone coming from out West can meet us at Canyon de Chelly May 2, 2010 at 8:00 AM or the Grand Canyon Village by 12:00 pm May 4, 2010 but not prior to that time. If you are flying commercial to meet up with the group the best option would be to fly to Amarillo Airport facility, then make your way to the Big Texan and meet us there. We may have some extra seats in some of the rigs or you can rent a car. The other possibility would be fly to Flagstaff, Arizona and meet us at the Grand Canyon Village on May 3, 2010. If you need other arrangements please contact Bob at 417-766-5150.
Details on preparing your stock for the trip - appropriate tack - and other mule related matters will be added to the bottom of this page in the near future.
FAQ's Departure,travel options, and guided tour through Southwest Canyons May 2010
What is the date and destination that my guided tour with Missouri Mule Company begins?	Saturday May 1, 2010 we arrive for a 2-night stay at Canyon de Chelly. We have hired a Navajo Indian guide to navigate us to points of interest within the canyon and explore ancient indian ruins! A great jump-start for our trip!
Have arrangements been made to care for my mule at the various stopping points?	You may opt into one of the individual outside runs at Big Texan. Secure and very nice. $17.00 per night. They allow a 2 hour free run if you eat in the restaurant and want to load your stock back into your trailer for the night. Tying out to trailer at Big Texan is not allowed.
Where will we stay at the Big Texan?	We purposely chose locations that are animal friendly and allow humans. You can call Big Texan at 800-657-7177 (Local Number 806-372-5000). Tell them you are with the Bingham group and want to reserve one of the rooms they are holding for our arrival. No confirmation number required. Please let me know if you take a room so I can keep track. $60.00 for a floor level room with 2 queen beds.
Can I sleep in my trailers living quarters at the Big Texan	Yes you can. Generators are OK. No hook ups available. Just a parking area not a campsite.
FAQ's Your Trip Begins at Canyon de Chelly (May 1, 2010) and ends at the Grand Canyon (May 7, 2010)
What arrangement for the mules at Canyon De Chelly	We have arrangements for some Runs - Picket Lines - Water for animals - weed free hay.
What are the overnight camping arrangements at de Chelly?	We will be spending two nights at the Navajo Indian Guides camping area on the reservation. It is the ideal Southwest setting and primitive by nature. It is located under a stand of very old Cottonwood trees. There is a Southwest Lodge if you would prefer to stay in it. You can call Thunderbird Lodge at 800-679-2473 (local number is 928-674-5841). Tell them you are with the Bingham group and want to reserve one of the rooms they are holding for our arrival. The reservation number is A122245 and the rooms will cast you $120.00 per night for 2 queen beds.
Can we purchase local artisans souvenir items?	I have arranged for local Navajo Indians to bring some of their jewelry and crafts to our camp and display it for us. The items will be less expensive than buying out of the tourist shops and should be an interesting opportunity to mingle with the locals. There may be small roadside stands set up depending on when we arrive.
Is there fuel available on the reservation?	Fuel is available in the Chile, AZ area . It will be necessary for you to fuel your rigs prior to departure May 4th through the reservation. There are no fueling stations on the scenic highway through the reservation.
FAQ concerning Grand Canyon Village rim.
What arrangements for my mule have been made at Grand Canyon Rim?	While at the rim, mules will be stalled in simple outdoor corral atmosphere. Water and weed free hay will be provided. Bring your grain with you.
What are camping arrangements?	Camping is arranged for live in trailers at the Mule Camp. We have tent camping available for those that do not have live in trailers.
What shower facilities are available?	At the tent camping area there are very nice showers. Also a large laundromat.
Can I get a room in the Grand Canyon Village?	Yes, but they need to be booked well in advance. All rooms in the Village and outside the gate are from $180.00 to $450.00 per night. Contact us early if you are in need of a room. The Best Western phone number just outside the main entrance of Grand Canyon Park is (928) 638-2681 for reservations. Cost around $200 per night.
How do I get a ride from Mule Camp to other areas around GC Village?	Traffic and parking can at times be a problem at the Village. Usually leaving your vehicle parked and catching a cab or shuttle is the smart thing to do. Taxies from mule camp are available for six to ten dollars. Free shuttle stops are conveniently located all around the Village.
Is there cell phone reception?	Hopefully not! Normal reception on the rim, no reception inter-canyon.
What is the average temperature and weather conditions?	May 1st avg temps: On the rim 68/40 Inter-canyon 90/60 It hardly ever rains at the bottom of the Canyon. Most of the canyon is a high desert atmosphere. It will be windy at times.
FAQ Inter Canyon portion of trip
If I need to be contacted incase of an emergencies at home what is the process	There is a call out only pay phone that accepts Credit Cards as well as Calling Cards at Phantom Ranch Cantina. Checking in on your schedule is the best choice. Your families can call you at National Parks Serves phone 928-638-7805. They will contact the Rangers at the bottom and the Rangers will attempt to catch up with you at the bottom. Please leave a copy of our Itinerary with your family.
How long is the ride to the bottom?	Six hours, but we will not be in any rush, we'll enjoy the vistas, have lunch, make bathroom stops and rest stops if needed.
What inter-canyon clothing should I plan for?	It is going to warm up about an hour down in the canyon. At the same time,wind blows more than you might expect. At times, its nice to slip into a slicker and the evening at the bottom is one of them. We will check the weather the day before the ride but it is unlikely we will be dealing with major rain issues inter-canyon. Footwear as in normal trail riding conditions unless you want the challenge of walking out ha!ha! If that is the case bring good hiking shoes and we will see you back at the top.
What special provisions will I need during the inter-canyon ride?	Nerve pills, medicated powder and butt salve:) Seriously. You may want a small medicine kit with aspirin and other items of that sort. Keep your backpack light though.
What about toilet facilities?	There are convenient modern restroom stops along the trails and at camp.
Can I buy food at the bottom?	No. Meals are booked out sometimes as much as a year out. Fortunately, you will not need to purchase food. All those details for you. You will be dining at the world famous Phantom Ranch "Cantina". If you have a favorite snack you can't live without for a few days, bring it along, otherwise we will provide nutritional snacks that help with energy and stamina. Potable water is available along the trail and at camp. You will need to take a vessel for the water.
Will the accommodations at the bottom of the canyon include Queen Size Beds?	Yea, sure:) if you can get your mule to drag it! Let's face it........ We are virtually overweight, out of shape back packers on the hoof. Review some of the photos of the previous Canyon ride. You will see what room on your mule will be available to you for supplies. Back packer tent, light weight sleeping bag and pad, flashlight. Short list eh! Roughing it is part of the "canyon" experience!
What if I want to grain my mule?	You can easily add some high protein grain to your saddle bags. Prepare each ration in individual baggies prior to leaving your home. We will provide weed free hay.
How long is the ride out?	Believe me, not long enough! Around six and a half thrilling hours. We'll take a different trail out and I guarantee you will enjoy every minute. You will talk about this ride for many years to come.
If I need to be contacted incase of an emergencies at home what is the process	There is a call out only pay phone that accepts Credit Cards as well as Calling Cards at Phantom Ranch Cantina. Checking in on your schedule is the best choice. Your families can call you at National Parks Services phone 928-638-7805. They will contact the Rangers at the bottom and the Rangers will attempt to catch up with you at the bottom. Please leave a copy of our Itinerary with your family.