SK trailwork

[hikeaz]

A heavy lift helicopter will be flying in pallets of stone that will be used for general rehab work over the coming years.
As a safety precaution, periods of restricted travel to occur 12/7 through 12/11.
Expect delays of 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Rangers will be on site to assist hikers and to insure closure order is enforced during flight operations.
Location: South Kaibab Trail, approximately mile 3.5

[sam_hikes]

Any truth to the mules being going from SK? Wonder how long that will last?

Trail was in really good shape in mid-Oct with no mule sign.

[maxpower]

Any truth to the mules being going from SK? Wonder how long that will last?

Trail was in really good shape in mid-Oct with no mule sign.

I've been up or down the South Kaibab 8 times since April (according to my log) and yes, I believe they have stopped all mule traffic on the trail except for the mules that are carrying maintenance materials. I have seen no mule traffic below Cedar Ridge and no signs of them either. In fact, overall mule traffic in the canyon seems to be greatly reduced compared to previous years. I haven't seen more than one train per day on Bright Angel, and I can't recall seeing mules going out to Plateau Point at all.

[hikeaz]

Any truth to the mules being going from SK? Wonder how long that will last?
Trail was in really good shape in mid-Oct with no mule sign.

I believe that the resupplys of PR are still run up/down SK or will be when the construction is done.

Here is what is now available as far as mule rides go.... (note: no Plateau Point rides are offered YEAH! )

South Rim Mule trips may be booked 13 months in advance and fill up early. A waiting list is maintained for cancellations, but chances of obtaining reservations on the waiting list are slim. If you wish to make a trip into the canyon on a mule, plan ahead!

Three hour Abyss Overlook Mule Rides depart twice daily, through October, and once daily through mid March from the Historic Mule Barn just a short walk from the Bright Angel Lodge. You will pass through a Ponderosa Forest and a Piñon and Juniper woodland filled with abundant wildlife on your way to a magnificent cliff at the edge of the canyon. $117.40 including tax, per person. Includes a light snack, and water.

Overnight Rides stay the night at Phantom Ranch, a rustic oasis nestled deep in the Canyon near the Colorado River. This service must be reserved and purchased in advance. Overnight rides include accommodations and meals. Overnight ride prices start at $477.34/for the first person (holy CRAP!), or two people for $842.60 including taxes.

The (daily) numbers are:

• 10 rides on Bright Angel Trail from the rim down to the Canyon's bottom (as part of an overnight stay).

• No rides to Plateau Point.

• 10 rides (plus 12 supply mules) on South Kaibab (supply mules are R/T) to/from Phantom Ranch as part of an overnight stay.

• 40 rides along the rim.

Note: Income from mule rides to the park is $100,000. Trail maintenance and clearing mule poop is $3,000,000. The park makes $100,000 and Xanterra, the concessionaire takes in about $2.7 million, then the park pays all the maintenance. D'uh, hel-lo....are these feds sharp or what!?

[tibber]

South Rim Mule trips may be booked 13 months in advance and fill up early. A waiting list is maintained for cancellations, but chances of obtaining reservations on the waiting list are slim. If you wish to make a trip into the canyon on a mule, plan ahead!

Three hour Abyss Overlook Mule Rides depart twice daily, through October, and once daily through mid March from the Historic Mule Barn just a short walk from the Bright Angel Lodge. You will pass through a Ponderosa Forest and a Piñon and Juniper woodland filled with abundant wildlife on your way to a magnificent cliff at the edge of the canyon. $117.40 including tax, per person. Includes a light snack, and water.

Overnight Rides stay the night at Phantom Ranch, a rustic oasis nestled deep in the Canyon near the Colorado River. This service must be reserved and purchased in advance. Overnight rides include accommodations and meals. Overnight ride prices start at $477.34/for the first person (holy CRAP!), or two people for $842.60 including taxes.

The (daily) numbers are:

• 10 rides on Bright Angel Trail from the rim down to the Canyon's bottom (as part of an overnight stay).

• No rides to Plateau Point.

• 10 rides (plus 12 supply mules) on South Kaibab (supply mules are R/T) to/from Phantom Ranch as part of an overnight stay.

• 40 rides along the rim.

Note: Income from mule rides to the park is $100,000. Trail maintenance and clearing mule poop is $3,000,000. The park makes $100,000 and Xanterra, the concessionaire takes in about $2.7 million, then the park pays all the maintenance. D'uh, hel-lo....are these feds sharp or what!?

Very interesting. Thx for the info.

[Sredfield]

Note: Income from mule rides to the park is $100,000. Trail maintenance and clearing mule poop is $3,000,000. The park makes $100,000 and Xanterra, the concessionaire takes in about $2.7 million, then the park pays all the maintenance. D'uh, hel-lo....are these feds sharp or what!?

The consessionaire lobby makes the NRA look like a local bridge club.