- Rides usually take place between April 1 and October 31
- Age requirements for organized rides is usually 7 years and up
- Rides cost around $75 for a half-day ride
- Riders generally must weigh under 220 lbs
Overview
Most Bryce Canyon trail rides take place in the summer in Southern Utah. Riders can follow some amazing trails through the state’s most incredible parks taking in forests, plateaus, canyons, rocky gorges and river beds. Depending on experience rides can last from an hour to a week and even children can participate. Wear sensible clothing and footwear – a helmet is usually provided by the stables or tour company.
Where to Go Horseback Riding
There are several outfitters advertised below which offer scenic Bryce Canyon horseback rides along the scenic rim trails.
Sunrise Point
Bryce Canyon horseback riding with guides are offered from Sunrise Point and last for two hours or half a day. Riders descend to the floor of the canyon and the longer ride follows the Peekaboo Loop Trail with excellent red rock sights.
90 minute ride
A 1½ hour ride for beginners and experienced riders follows a 4½ mile loop from Ruby’s Inn on Hwy 63 across Dixie National Forest land to the northern-most amphitheater of Bryce Canyon National Park. When the ride leaves the rim, it climbs Bristlecone Pine Ridge with views of Boat Mesa and the Sinking Ship from the ridge.
Half Day Ride
3 hour ride for beginners and experienced riders traverses Losee Canyon in Red Canyon 12 miles west of Bryce on Hwy 12. It follows the trail of Butch Cassidy and Wild West stories are told by wranglers as part of the trip.
Full Day Ride
This ride is for intermediate and experienced riders and lasts 5-6 hours. From Ruby’s Inn on Hwy 63 it explores Casto and Losee Canyons and hoodoos in the Little Desert area.
Thunder Mountain Ride
This 4 hour trip departs from Ruby’s Inn on Hwy 63 and follows Thunder Mountain Tail from the bottom of Red Canyon with switchbacks, narrow backbones and stunning views of hoodoos. Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.
Horseback Rides in Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument
Willis Creek – Sheep Creek
This 5-6 hour ride runs from Ruby’s Inn on Hwy 63 up Sheep Creek and Willis Creek to see petroglyphs and Averett’s Grave. For beginners upwards.
Rock Springs – Paria
From Ruby’s Inn this 6-8 hour ride traverses Rock Spring's Draw before following the Johnson Hole Trail, an old cattle and sheep to the Paria River. Stop at Crack Springs for a drink, then the ride continues up the Paria River to some Native American petroglyphs.
