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GETTING AROUND WITHOUT A CAR Once you're at the Grand Canyon, you won't miss your car. It's easy to get around by mule, bus, bike or good old shank's mare. MULE RIDES Canyon Vistas Mule Ride is three-hour adventure takes in the views along the new East Rim Trail. It's a four-mile journey with just two hours in the saddle. ere's a one-hour orienta- tion with the mules before heading out, and another six stops along the way where wranglers enthrall guests with western tales and geological history. e views are expansive, colorful and scary as you snake safely along the rim. Overnight to Phantom Ranch A journey to the bottom of the canyon descends 10.5 miles along the Bright Angel Trail and takes 5.5 hours along one of the most scenic mule rides in the world. Guests stop frequently to rest, eat lunch and take in the views. One of the most thrilling aspects of the ride is crossing the Colorado River over a suspension bridge. Animal lovers can rest assured the animals are well cared for. Nora Berry, director of transportation, writes: "I consider our mules here as Xanterra employees; we treat them with great respect. ey are some of the fi nest athletes in the world. ey are seen by our vet twice a year for vaccinations and deworming. If a mule gets hurt, our vet will see them that same day. Each mule gets two to three days off between each Phantom ride. ey have plenty of shelter in clean corrals for shade and bad weather." BIKE THE RIM AND GREENWAY TRAIL Rent a bike or take a guided bike tour with Bright Angel Bicy- cles located at the South Rim Visitor's Center. ere are three recommended routes on paved roads and greenways that follow the rim. Most rides are rated easy for families, with one route designated for a longer, more strenuous excursion. ere are also three guided tours with interpretive talks. HIKING AND NATURE WALKS e Grand Canyon features 100+ miles of hiking trails, and there are guided nature walks/hikes and ranger-led walks and talks. FREE SHUTTLE BUS All buses throughout the park are powered by compressed natural gas. ECO-AWARE SOUVENIRS e gi shop at Maswik Lodge marks products with sustainability icons, so guests can clearly see the environmen- tal impact of their purchases. You can't buy a plastic water bottle here, but you can refi ll your own at hydration stations throughout the park. 2015 VEGGIE OIL TRAIN SCHEDULE • First Saturdays: April 4 | May 2 | June 6 | • August 1 | September 5 • Special Holidays: April 25, Earth Day | July 4, Independence Day | September 19, GCR's 114th anniversary While you're there Photos: Gigi Ragland april/may 2015 29