The Mules

Equus asinus × Equus caballus

"The mule always appears to me a most surprising animal. That a hybrid should possess more reason, memory, obstinacy, social affection, powers of muscular endurance, and length of life, than either of its parents, seems to indicate that art has here outdone nature." - Charles Darwin

A mule is the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse. They are known for their strength and endurance, sure-footedness, and intelligence. They’re also known for their humor, stubbornness, and charisma. Mules are incredibly skilled at traversing the wilderness, and the basis of our pack trips is joy and appreciation for mules and our relationships with them.

Thousands of miles of trail in our Parks and Forests are built and maintained on the backs of mules.

When our mules aren’t escorting guests on pack trips, they’re delivering food and tools to trail crews, scientific equipment for biologists, and providing support for projects in land conservation and habitat restoration.
The Wilderness Act forbids the use of motorized equipment in designated Wilderness Areas, and so work in those areas is dependent on the support of mules and mule packers.
Humans and mules have been working together for 5,000 years, in cultures all across the globe. While many people still live with cats or dogs, the horses, burros, mules, camels, llamas, goats, and many other animals that humans have lived alongside for thousands of years are disappearing from our lives.
Folks talk about packing as a dying art, but new generations of mule packers are keeping alive the skills, knowledge, and traditions of packing.
The future of packing and of mules depends on the public’s willingness to support the mules and humans working in the wilderness.