Few People Know That Mules Deliver Amazon Packages To The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 11, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
There are many modes of transportation to deliver packages these days — planes, trucks, cars, and, in some places around the world, drones. But have you ever heard of Amazon packages being delivered by mule? Sounds unreal, doesn’t it? Well, for those working and staying at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the only way to get packages delivered, including Amazon orders, is by mule.
For those of us living in Arizona, we are so incredibly lucky to have one of the seven natural wonders of the world right here in the state. The Grand Canyon is a natural, awe-inspiring marvel that's on nearly everyone's bucket list.
While most people view the canyon from the top, there's something to be said about taking the long trek down to the bottom. And those who do that usually book a stay at Phantom Ranch well ahead of time. Phantom Ranch is a lodge that's situated next to Bright Angel Creek.
Those who work at Phantom Ranch also live there for a time, and to get down there, they take mules. Food and supplies for employees and lodge guests are also delivered by mule.
Sometimes, the employees need to purchase something from an online retailer like Amazon which has partnered with Phantom Ranch to use mules. This is certainly one of the most unique delivery systems this retail giant uses.
The mules' journey starts at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Packages are sorted at a package facility then trucked to the barn where the mules stay when not working. They are then attached to saddlebags and the mules begin their decent down Bright Angel Trail.
The trail's terrain is rocky and treacherous in some places, yet these animals are able to carefully traverse through the canyon. Eventually they make it to Phantom Ranch where the packages are unloaded and they can rest for a while.
What goes down must eventually go back up. After making the long journey down to Phantom Ranch, the mules eventually make their way back to the top. These highly-capable animals are built for this sort of terrain and, yet, it's still amazing.
Did you know that mules deliver Amazon packages to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Tell us your thoughts about this remarkable mail and package delivery service in the comments!
If you have plans to hike the Grand Canyon, be sure to download the AllTrails+ app before you go!
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