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 On foot, there are three ways to experience the Grand Canyon: walking part of the Rim Trail, which can be accessed at many locations; day hiking into the Grand Canyon (it takes twice as long to hike up as it does to hike down) and backpacking, which requires a permit. It is on foot that one is most likely to see the abundant animal life in the Canyon - 300 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and 25 species of amphibians. Eagles, falcons, and California condors circling overhead and big-horned sheep, elk, lizards, squirrels, snakes and mountain lions moving around the crevices and rocks are among the animals that call the canyon home. There are 15 trails and many more obscure routes into the Grand Canyon. The four main trails on the South Rim are Bright Angel, Hermit Trail, Grandview Trail and South Kaibab. The main trail on the North Rim is the North Kaibab. Most of these trails are steep, with no water along the path. Hiking requires physical stamina, planning and taking appropriate precautions. The National Park Service provides helpful written guides and there is information online at www.nps.gov/grca. One of the more romantic ways to experience the canyon is on the back of the trained mules that hike down canyon slopes to the bottom of the Canyon. Although the feeling is one of stepping back in time, it is not for the faint of heart, especially those with a fear of heights. Wrangler-guided trips take from several hours to two days, and the concessionaire requires that riders weigh less than 200 pounds, be taller than 4 feet 7 inches, not be pregnant and be fluent in English so they can understand instructions. The two-day mule rides include an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon. The same-day trip stops at Plateau Point on the Bright Angel Trail. Mule trips are often booked nearly two years in advance and they fill up early. (Call Xantera Parks & Resorts at 303-297-2757 or toll free at 888-297-2757.) 
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