"Mail-by-mule" in the Grand Canyon: an interesting tourist route

Despite the rapid development of communication and transportation, there are still places in the world today where technology development has almost come to a standstill. And this applies even to the most developed countries.

For some residents of Northern Arizona, letters and packages are delivered by mules, as they have been for more than a century. The mail-by-mule programme is important to people who live and work in the Grand Canyon National Park's inner gorge, according to an article by AZCentral.

This is one of the few places in the United States where mules deliver mail. The story begins in the late 1800s when prospectors explored the Grand Canyon to start mining. However, it became clear that tourism was a more lucrative business.

This realization led to the establishment of Phantom Ranch in 1922 by the Santa Fe Railroad. The Phantom Ranch was established as a tourist destination and has served various purposes throughout its history, such as mining and hunting grounds.

Today, the Phantom Ranch is a historic lodge that can only be reached by hiking, muleback, or rafting down the Colorado River. Thus, the Grand Canyon's mail-by-mule programme operates in much the same way as it did in 1922.

Mail arrives at the main mule barn in Grand Canyon Village at the top of the South Rim. From there, mules loaded with bags follow the same route used 100 years ago to deliver mail to workers and residents of the inner canyon.

It is noted that the frequency of mail delivery depends on the amount of mail. A chain of 12 mules delivers mail three to seven times a week.

Mail is delivered by mules mainly to people who live in the Grand Canyon, particularly in the inner part of the canyon. In addition to Phantom Ranch, the USPS delivers mail by mule to several villages in the Havasupai National Park, where the world-famous waterfall of the same name is located.

It's important to note that mule mail delivery is available exclusively to employees and residents of the inner canyon. Therefore, tourists will not be able to use this exotic method of mail delivery.