The National Park Service (NPS) approved a new use plan that allows commercial mule rides to continue at historically high levels in Grand Canyon National Park, but limits rides on some inner canyon trails. Some of the trails have been damaged by mule use, specifically Bright Angel, North Kaibab Trail, and South Kaibab trails.

"Mule rides have always been an important part of the visitor experience at Grand Canyon," said Palma Wilson, acting superintendent. "Our challenge with this plan was to balance that use with the protection of historic trails and to reduce the high cost of maintaining those trails. We believe this plan strikes such a balance."

The new rules follow the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) as part of an environmental assessment by the Grand Canyon National Park. The new rules may allow up to 10,000 commercial mule rides a year on the South Rim and 8,000 per year on the North Rim.

Some trails will be limited to 10 riders per day. Others will be eliminated. The National Park Service is also working to designate a new above-the-rim ride on the South Rim.

"For most Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, there is not enough to time for travelers to take mule rides unless they call to request a custom package or group tour," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "But offering such tours from future destination hubs has always been part of our plans."

TourGuy.com offers several dozen tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Most of the Grand Canyon tours visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is located on the Hualapai Reservation, which means "People of the Tall Pines." However, TourGuy.com does offer tours along all three rims of the Grand Canyon.

"The mule rides are an incredible addition to any Grand Canyon visit, especially for groups willing to include at least one night's stay in Arizona," said Hoke. 'With limited rides available on so many of the trails, we're happy to help travelers make plans well in advance."

Ground tours to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon typically depart at 6:30 a.m. and return by 8:30 p.m. Tours include stops along historic Route 66 and Hoover Dam. TourGuy.com typically offers the tour for a savings of $20.