Worth the Drive: Abyss Overlook Mule Ride

Worth the Drive is NBCLA's twice weekly look at nearby getaways

Your job: Decide to get out of town and fast. Our job: Help you find where you're headed. This week, NBCLA's Worth the Drive takes us to...

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon: Saddle up. You're going on the new Abyss Overlook Mule Ride. Xanterra Parks & Resorts just announced it in October.

Is this the famous mule ride to the bottom of the canyon? Nope. That's a whole other kit 'n kaboodle. That's where you go lights out, overnight, in the canyon. Which is also an exciting prospect.

The Abyss Overlook Mule Ride: This is a much shorter ride -- it's just three hours -- and it leads clip-cloppers through fragrant ponderosa and juniper-y groves to a very sheer vertical drop. You'll stop and take snapshots before clip-clopping back to the mules' HQ.

Why we're liking this one: We're especially sweet on this mule ride for Southern Californians because it is briefer than the lengthier, traditional overnight treks. You're visiting the famous national park, you want to the whole experience, but if you've driven to the canyon from LA you often don't have the time to spend that you wish you had. This could be the ride for you. Short and spectacular.

Info: There's one Abyss Overlook ride a day from November 1st to March 14th, and it leaves at 10AM. Xanterra Parks & Resorts has the information you'll need, and how reserve your spot.

Finally: Mules!

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