Explore the rugged terrain and red rock country of Southern Utah on a guided horseback ride through East Zion. These tours range from one to two hours and include all necessary animals and equipment for a safe, scenic trail ride.
Free Cancellation Explore hidden Southern Utah slot canyons on horseback, bypassing the Zion crowds for a quiet backcountry experience.
Free Cancellation Watch the sun set over the Zion Cliffs during a guided horseback ride through the desert landscape.
Free Cancellation Explore Zion's backcountry on a guided two-hour horseback ride up Pine Knoll for panoramic views of Southern Utah.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Saddle up for an unforgettable journey through Southern Utah's iconic red rock country. These guided horseback tours take you beyond the crowded main trails of Zion National Park to explore rugged backcountry, remote slot canyons, and high desert forests.
Ride through the breathtaking sandstone landscapes bordering Zion National Park, enjoying incredible views without the heavy foot traffic.
Experience the thrill of exploring narrow sandstone formations on horseback, similar to Zion's famous canyons but hidden in the backcountry.
Catch the shifting evening light across the massive cliffs on specialized sunset rides designed to showcase the desert's changing colors.
Climb through desert forests up the side of Pine Knoll, gaining elevation for sweeping vantage points of the rugged surrounding terrain.
Learn the ropes with a comprehensive safety briefing and basic horse handling instructions from certified guides before hitting the trail.
Planning a horseback adventure near Zion requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot in the saddle.
You can choose from guided group rides ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Options include exploring East Zion's backcountry slot canyons, climbing forested trails, or taking specialized evening rides to watch the sunset.
Riders must have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate. These tours are strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers, or anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
For the safety and health of the horses, all riders must weigh under 220 lbs. This is strictly enforced by the tour operators.
Your booking covers the animals, saddles, reins, and a certified guide to lead the way. Snacks and gratuities for your guide are generally not included.
These specific horseback tours operate in the East Zion backcountry bordering the national park. Because they do not pass through the main gates, you do not need to pay the $35 Zion National Park vehicle entrance fee just for the ride.
Most operators offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can usually receive a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Book well in advance if you are visiting during the peak shoulder seasons of spring and fall (especially October and November). The evening shadow rides are particularly popular and sell out quickly.
| White Mountain Slot Canyon Ride | Checkerboard Evening Shadow Ride | Pine Knoll Trail Ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour | 1.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Best for | Exploring remote sandstone formations without crowds | Catching sunset light across rugged red rock cliffs | Longer rides climbing through desert forests |
| Includes | Animals and equipment | Certified guide, horses, tack | Animals, equipment, safety briefing |
| Price from | $70.32 | $105.09 | $116.91 |
Zion National Park: The park itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, facility hours vary by season.
Horseback Tours: Tour departure times vary by operator and season. Daytime rides like the Pine Knoll tour run throughout the morning and afternoon, while the Checkerboard Evening Shadow ride departs specifically in the late afternoon to catch the shifting evening light.
Driving to Zion:
Public Transit: The SunTran Zion Route connects St. George to Springdale for just $5 each way. It runs Monday through Saturday from 5:40 am to 10:30 pm.
Tour Meeting Points: The horseback tours operate in the East Zion area. You will typically present your voucher at the local recreation desk near the east entrance of the park. Check your specific booking for the exact GPS coordinates.
Top Seasons: The absolute best months to visit Zion and ride horses are during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. October and November are fantastic because the autumn colors peak and the massive crowds thin out.
Weather Considerations: Summer (July to September) can be brutal, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and sudden monsoon thunderstorms causing flash floods. If you ride in summer, book early morning or evening tours to avoid peak heat.
Winter Riding: Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, making trails slippery and less enjoyable for riding.
Horseback Tour Requirements: Due to the rugged nature of the backcountry trails, horseback tours are not wheelchair accessible. Riders must have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. For safety reasons, pregnant travelers and individuals with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health should not participate.
Park Accessibility: Within Zion National Park itself, facilities are highly accessible. The Zion Canyon Shuttle is equipped with wheelchair lifts, and the park offers paved trails like the Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles) and Riverside Walk (2.2 miles).
Weight Limits: All horseback riders must weigh under 220 lbs. This is a strict safety policy for the health of the animals.
Parking: The Zion Canyon Visitor Center has over 350 parking spaces, but they usually fill up by 8:00 am or 9:00 am during peak season. If full, you will need to pay $15 to $25 for parking in Springdale and take the free town shuttle.
Inside the Park: You will find water refill stations, restrooms, the Zion Lodge, and the Zion Forever Park Store (open 8 am to 8 pm).
Tour Facilities: Horseback tours meet at designated recreation desks in East Zion. Facilities here are more limited than the main visitor center, so use the restroom and fill your water bottles before arriving for your safety briefing.
Park Fees and Permits: Entering Zion National Park costs $35.00 per private vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $20.00 per pedestrian. Permits are required for hiking Angels Landing, canyoneering, and wilderness camping.
Tour Rules: For the horseback rides, you must follow the guide's instructions at all times. You must weigh under 220 lbs and be physically fit enough to ride.
General Park Restrictions:
No previous experience is necessary. All tours begin with a comprehensive safety briefing where certified guides will teach you the basics of handling your horse and understanding their temperament.
Yes, there is a strict weight limit. All riders must weigh under 220 lbs to participate, ensuring the safety and health of the horses on the rugged trails.
No. Tour operators strictly advise against participation for pregnant travelers, as well as anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, due to the physical demands of the trail.
These specific tours explore the East Zion backcountry and rugged terrain bordering the park. This allows you to experience the same stunning red rock landscapes and slot canyons without dealing with the massive crowds on the main park trails.
Because these tours operate in the East Zion backcountry outside the main park gates, you do not need to pay the $35 vehicle entrance fee just to take the ride.
Tour lengths vary based on the route. You can book a quick 1-hour ride through the White Mountain slot canyon, a 1.5-hour evening shadow ride, or a 2-hour trek up Pine Knoll.
Most tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can generally receive a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Yes, if you book the Small-Group East Zion White Mountain ride. This specific 1-hour route takes you directly to a remote slot canyon, offering a similar experience to the park's famous narrows but on horseback.
Yes, the East Zion Checkerboard Evening Shadow ride is specifically timed to catch the late afternoon light. It takes you to a vantage point where you can watch the shadows shift across the red rock cliffs.
You should dress in layers, as desert temperatures can drop rapidly, especially on evening rides. Wear long pants to protect your legs from the saddle and brush, along with sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
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This tour combines a horseback ride through Southern Utah’s red rock country with a visit to a remote slot canyon. While Zion National Park is known for these narrow sandstone formations, this backcountry route offers a similar landscape without the crowds found on the park's main trails. The experience allows you to navigate the rugged terrain on horseback before reaching a secluded canyon. You will have the opportunity to see the towering walls and unique geological features up close, providing a quiet setting for photography and exploration away from the busy tourist hubs.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided tour takes you through the rugged terrain bordering Zion National Park on horseback. You will follow a trail that leads to a vantage point overlooking the cliffs, timed specifically to catch the evening light as it shifts across the rock faces. Because temperatures in the high desert drop quickly once the sun goes down, we recommend bringing extra layers. Even in the warmer months, the ride back can get chilly, so a jacket or heavy sweater is essential for staying comfortable.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This two-hour guided ride begins with a safety briefing and an introduction to the horses. You will learn the basics of handling your horse and get a feel for their temperament before heading out onto the trail. The route follows a path up the side of Pine Knoll, climbing through desert forest as you gain significant elevation. As the trees thin out, the trail opens up to wide views of the Zion National Park landscape and the surrounding Southern Utah wilderness. After stopping at the summit for photos, the group heads back down the mountain. Along the way, your guide provides information about the local wildlife and shares stories about the history of the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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