The Grand Canyon tradition of mule tours began more than 100 years ago, when miners and prospectors began guiding tourists into the canyon’s depths on sturdy, dependable mules. Among the riders depicted in historic photos of the Bright Angel Trail are Teddy Roosevelt, William Jennings-Bryan, and Arizona’s indomitable Sharlot Hall.

Spending a day on the back of a mule isn’t for wimps. Riding requires good strength, especially in your back and abdominal muscles—and after several hours in the saddle, your bottom might not be the only part that’s sore. But it’s a great way to see a lot of the canyon in a short period.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers a couple of options for mule rides into the canyon: a day ride to Plateau Point and two- or three-day rides with a layover at Phantom Ranch. The Phantom Ranch trip (one night, $401; two nights, $566) begins in the morning at the corral near the Bright Angel Trail. After lunch at Indian Garden, riders continue to the bottom of the canyon and Phantom Ranch, a total of 10.5 miles (about 5.5 hours). The return trip, after breakfast on the second or third morning, is via the South Kaibab Trail, 7.3 miles (4.5 hours).

The cost includes meals and a stay at the Phantom Ranch cabins. Discounts are available for additional people in the same party. A duffle service is available for those who want to take more than the basic essentials. Those who make the wise choice to stay a second night can spend a day stretching sore muscles by hiking and exploring the inner canyon, or resting and enjoying the shady oasis of Phantom Ranch before saddling up for the return trip.

Day trips to Plateau Point ($148) also depart on Bright Angel Trail each morning, traveling 2.5 hours to Indian Garden, then across the Tonto Platform to Plateau Point for views of the Inner Gorge, 1,300 feet below. The return trip, another three hours, heads back up Bright Angel Trail, arriving in mid-afternoon. Lunch is included.

Though previous riding experience isn’t necessary, height and weight restrictions are observed. Riders must be at least 4 feet 7 inches tall and weigh 200 pounds or less in full gear. Riders must speak English, must be in good health, and cannot be pregnant. Children 15 and under have to be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations for overnight rides to Phantom Ranch can be made by calling Xanterra Parks & Resorts (888/297-2757 or 303/297-2757) up to 13 months in advance. The tours often fill up quickly. Last-minute cancellations are possible, however, and you can add your name to the waiting list at one of the transportation desks. The waiting list is shortest in winter, when cancellations are most likely.

Confirm your reservations two to four days prior to your ride (928/638-3283), not only to hold your place but also to learn about the latest weather and trail conditions. It’s preferable to check in at the Bright Angel Lodge transportation desk the day before your trip, so you can attend an orientation and weigh-in session. If you fail to check in by 6:15 a.m. on the day of your ride, you risk losing your reservation and deposit.

Xanterra sells DVDs and videotapes of mule trips (Mule Trip Videos, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, P.O. Box 97, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023) that are useful as keepsakes or as preparation for a trip.