Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article gave incorrect stay dates at Phantom Ranch for the lottery that opens on Feb. 1 and the lottery that opens on March 1. The rustic ...

U.S. News Insider Tip: The South Rim mule rides into the canyon are typically awarded by lottery. The North Rim mule trips go into the canyon, though they don't reach Phantom Ranch.

But adding this hike to your training regimen will allow you to enjoy the Grand Canyon ambiance instead of worrying whether you'll need a mule to drag you out.

“Thanks for weeding Grand Canyon,” he said ... We ran down through rapid after rapid, pausing at Phantom Ranch, where Amy and Melissa disembarked to hike out; they only had time to run the canyon’s ...