There is only one place in the United States where mail is still delivered by mule, and there really isn’t a better way to do it.
The village of Supai is part of the Havasupai Nation reservation. It sits at the base of Havasu Canyon in the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The Indian village is only accessible by helicopter, hike, or by mule. Since it sits eight miles from the nearest road, the village receives its mail and supplies by the only way possible — mule train.
FedEx and UPS don’t even deliver directly to this site, relying instead on the mule train. The three-hour, one-way trip takes place every day. It’s not only mail that gets delivered but also much-needed supplies for the village to operate. A team of about 50 mules and horses make the tough trip down the 3,000-foot descent into the canyon.
Only 208 people live in Supai Village as of the last census, and the land was restored to the Havasupai in 1975. Day hikes aren’t permitted, but hikers are permitted if they camp overnight or stay in the village lodge. You can even get your mail stamped with “Delivered by mule” if you visit and send something out by mail.
Sources: Daily Mail, CBS News, Grand Canyon.com
