Zion Park & Southwest Utah Horse Pack Trips

Zion National Park is the perfect place to experience horse back riding at its best. Several companies provide rides into the canyon and the surrounding area. Rides do have restrictions and definite requirements. Most rides are one half day or day rides, but some overnight pack trips are available for the horse packing enthusiast.

Horse back riding in Zion National Park itself requires a permit for any trip lasting longer than one day; in addition, many restrictions must be observed. Some beautiful trails in and around Zion are Sand Bench, La Verkin Creek and West Rim. All offer spectacular views of the shear canyon walls, wildlife such as mule deer and vistas into the canyon below. Over night rides and other guided rides can be reserved with Canyon Trail Rides located at Zion Lodge. Canyon Trail Rides offer a seven day pack trip, but it covers the Bryce Canyon and Kanab area only.

Located on the Eastern edge of Zion Park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch offers an overnight tour which includes an ascent to Pine Knoll and a descent into a deep canyon before reaching the overnight, tent camp. Games and campfire songs fill the night. A genuine cowboy breakfast greets the campers in the crisp Zion morning. Zion Ponderosa Ranch is easily reached off Utah Highway 9 only a few miles from the east gate of the park entrance. This ride is offered only during the summer months, but will be a great vacation adventure at the Zion National Park area.