Horseback Riding Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours with Rubys Inn Horseback Adventures

There’s something magical about seeing Bryce Canyon on horseback. Maybe it’s the steady rhythm of hoofbeats echoing through the canyons, or the way the sunlight filters through the hoodoos as you ride beneath them. Either way, exploring southern Utah’s iconic landscapes from the back of a horse is the kind of experience that sticks with you long after the dust settles. Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who has never been near a saddle before, horseback riding in Bryce Canyon offers a completely different way to connect with the terrain, the history, and the sheer beauty of this one-of-a-kind place.

Why Horseback Riding Works So Well Here

Bryce Canyon’s rugged topography, narrow trails, and dramatic elevation changes are made for slow travel, and horses happen to be the perfect companion for the journey. These trails weren’t designed to be rushed, and truthfully, they shouldn’t be. When you’re on horseback, you get to take your time, soak it all in, and experience the area the way early explorers and Native peoples once did. The views from the trails are unforgettable, but so is the feeling of moving with the land rather than just across it.

Most rides offered in the area are guided, and that’s a good thing. Your wranglers know the terrain inside and out, and they know how to match riders with horses that fit their skill level. If the thought of getting on a horse sounds intimidating, don’t worry. These are calm, trail-tested horses, and the guides are there to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and actually having fun.

The Trails That Steal the Show

The most popular horseback riding routes in Bryce Canyon include the Peekaboo Loop and the Queens Garden Trail, both of which offer unforgettable views. These trails take you right through the heart of Bryce’s amphitheaters, weaving through the spires, fins, and narrow corridors that make the park famous. Riding these routes by foot is already impressive, but getting to do it on horseback adds another level of awe to the whole thing. You feel smaller in the best possible way, like a humble traveler in a cathedral carved by nature.

If you’re looking to ride outside the main amphitheater, there are plenty of trails along the rim and in the surrounding Dixie National Forest that offer their own version of drama. These rides tend to be a little quieter and more remote, but no less beautiful. You’ll find yourself moving through pine forests, across high desert plateaus, and along ridgelines that give you sweeping views of southern Utah’s layered landscapes. The Grand Staircase-Escalante region is especially popular for backcountry rides, and it’s easy to see why. There’s an incredible variety of scenery packed into this region, and much of it is only accessible by foot or hoof.

Best Times of Year to Ride

Timing makes a difference when it comes to horseback riding in Bryce Canyon. The most popular months for riding are late spring through early fall, roughly May through October. This is when the trails are clear of snow, and the temperatures are most comfortable. Summer afternoons can get hot, but morning rides offer cooler weather and softer light, which happens to be great for photography. Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and golden foliage in the surrounding forests, making it one of the most underrated seasons for horseback riding in the area.

If you’re planning a ride in the summer, consider booking an early morning slot. Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also get to enjoy the trails before they fill up. In spring and fall, the weather can be more unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and check the forecast before you saddle up. Winter rides are rare but not unheard of in nearby lower-elevation areas. Snow can make most Bryce Canyon trails inaccessible to horses, but surrounding areas like Red Canyon may offer short rides depending on conditions.

What to Expect from a Guided Ride

Most guided horseback rides near Bryce Canyon are between one and three hours long, though longer backcountry rides and full-day excursions are also available for those looking to go deeper into the wild. Riders are usually given a short orientation before the tour begins, and the guides will help you get comfortable with your horse and basic riding techniques. If you’ve never ridden before, don’t worry. These tours are designed with beginners in mind. The horses are steady, and the pace is relaxed. You won’t be galloping into the sunset, but you will get an up-close view of the terrain that hikers simply don’t get to experience the same way.

Along the way, your guide will point out geological features, share stories about the area, and give you a deeper appreciation for the land. It’s an experience that combines history, geology, and a whole lot of natural beauty into one unforgettable outing. And let’s be honest, there’s something undeniably cool about seeing the hoodoos from horseback. It feels like stepping into an old western film, only better, because this time you’re the one holding the reins.

Tips for First-Time Riders

If you’re new to horseback riding, a few simple tips can go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable. First, wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. You’ll be much more comfortable in the saddle, and you’ll avoid any unexpected contact with stirrups or brush. Second, don’t forget sun protection. Even on cooler days, the high-elevation sun can be intense, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket or windbreaker is a good idea too, especially for morning rides.

It’s also a good idea to leave bulky backpacks and loose items behind, as they can shift during the ride or make mounting and dismounting more awkward. Most tour companies have saddle bags or storage options if you need to bring essentials along, like a water bottle or your phone for pictures. And finally, trust your horse. These animals know the trail better than most of us do, and they’re used to carrying guests of all skill levels. Relax, breathe, and enjoy the ride.

Why It’s Worth Making Time for This Adventure

With so many things to do in Bryce Canyon, it’s easy to stick to the more familiar activities like hiking and scenic driving. But horseback riding offers something you just can’t get from a trailhead or a viewpoint. It’s immersive. It’s timeless. And honestly, it’s just plain fun. You’ll come away with a better sense of the land, a few sore muscles in the best possible way, and probably a camera roll full of unforgettable views.

For many travelers, this ends up being the highlight of their Bryce Canyon vacation. It brings a sense of connection not only to the landscape but also to the slower, simpler pace of the past. And while Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos may draw the crowds, there’s something incredibly rewarding about leaving those crowds behind, even for just an hour or two, and following the quiet rhythm of the trail.

Make the Most of Your Visit

If you’re planning your trip and looking for more southern Utah adventures, horseback riding pairs perfectly with other outdoor experiences in the area. You might start the day with a ride through the canyon and finish with a scenic drive through Red Canyon or a sunset view from Rainbow Point. Or better yet, cap it off with a helicopter tour to see the same land you just rode through from a whole new perspective.

Bryce Canyon Helicopters offers aerial tours that let you take in the region’s stunning terrain from above, giving you a different angle on the places you’ve just explored on horseback. There’s something incredibly full-circle about riding through a canyon in the morning and flying over it that afternoon. It’s the ultimate combination of old-school adventure and modern-day thrill.

So if you’re looking to step out of your car, off the pavement, and into a more authentic experience of Bryce Canyon, saddle up. The trails are calling, and the horses are ready. All that’s missing is you.

Created On 26 May 2025