Read the Stories
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Best Dude Ranches in Utah
From the red rock of Moab to the mountains of Park City, Utah offers a handful of ranches that will bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl. So dust off your boots, pack your bags, and book a stay at one of these seven dude ranches.
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Best Guided Horseback Riding Experiences in Northern Utah
Take advantage of these four horseback riding experiences that give you an unforgettable way of seeing Utah at its finest.
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Best Trails for Horseback Riding Within an Hour of Salt Lake City
Here's a list of the best trails for horseback riding within an hour of Salt Lake City, Utah. Note, these five trails are for those with access to horses and trailers.
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Explore Antelope Island's Fielding Garr Ranch
Volunteers Beth and Dennis Simonsen show visitors around the historic Fielding Garr Ranch complex on Antelope Island State Park in Northern Utah.
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Tavaputs Ranch
For hearty and adventurous visitors with a few days, Tavaputs Ranch provides a rare glimpse into a historic western American lifestyle.
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The Undiscovered San Rafael Swell
Circle back to the San Rafael Swell, a gem of public lands in Central Utah you may have missed on your last visit through some of Southern Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael Swell is a stunning panorama from above, and an incredible adventure within.
"Horseback riding provides a unique vantage point and timeless way to explore some of the state’s best trails."
Moab
Antelope Island
Park City
Horseback Riding in Utah’s National Parks
Utah’s national parks feature some of the most scenic horseback riding around. Revel in the sights of the Mighty 5 while exploring on horseback. Additionally, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, national forests and many other public lands allow horseback riding. Be sure to check rules and regulations and inquire about permits ahead of time.
Bryce Canyon
Photo: Steve Greenwood
Arches
Arches allows day rides in a variety of areas but there are restrictions on their use and where they can go.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon offers a few options for horseback riding, including a horse trail and guided trail rides. Select a guided two-hour ride to the canyon floor (ages 7+) or a three-hour complete canyon tour (ages 10+). Examine rock formations and soak up stunning canyon views while making life-long memories.
Canyonlands
In Canyonlands, explore the backcountry roads or Horseshoe Canyon. Be sure to obtain a permit and follow all the regulations.
Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef offers up a number of horseback rides, including Halls Creek, South Desert and Miners Mountain. The park also offers backcountry camping options with horses (permits required, rules apply) and a special equestrian staging area.
Zion
Zion allows horses on a number of trails. Hop Valley Site A is an overnight stock camp in the park, though use is limited to one night. Please be sure to read all the rules and regulations while planning your trip.
Top Basecamp Destinations
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Cedar City
Cedar City offers dining, lodging and a great arts scene and is a perfect gateway to rides in the Dixie National Forest.
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Park City
Park City is packed with lodging and dining options, cultural and family activities, and an abundance of outdoor activities in addition to serving as a horseback riding basecamp.
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Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is less than an hour from incredible horseback riding and offers culture, nightlife and all the big-city amenities.
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St. George
St. George is red rock paradise, and a basecamp for exploring Snow Canyon State Park and other riding areas, as well as biking, hiking and more, with plenty of lodging and dining options.
Things To Know
Tread Lightly offers tips for responsible horseback riding, including:
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Stay on designated trails, roads and areas where horses are allowed; don’t cut switchbacks.
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Ride single file on a trail, but spread out in areas without trails where horses are allowed.
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Match your skill level to your horse.
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Be considerate of other trail users, and know people may be afraid of horses.
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Avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, cryptobiotic desert soil, lakeshores, meadows, streams, and nesting and breeding areas. Be sure to water horses on sturdy stream banks where they won’t cause damage.
