Horseback riding in Utah

Utah’s diverse landscapes, ranging from alpine forests to desert canyons, make it a perfect destination for horseback riding enthusiasts. Whether you prefer riding through lush meadows, exploring red rock formations, or taking in the sweeping views of mountain ranges, Utah has something for everyone. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon offers some of the most stunning horseback riding trails in Utah. Its trails take you through its famous red rock hoodoos. The park provides guided tours during the warmer months, allowing riders to explore remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

• Famous Trails: Peekaboo Loop, Rim Trail
• Terrain: Hoodoos, pine forests, high-elevation ridges
• Map & Guide: Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding Guide

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island is an oasis of wildlife and scenic views in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. Horseback riding here offers a unique opportunity to ride alongside free-ranging bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife.

• Famous Trails: Lakeside Loop, Frary Peak Trail, Buffalo Point Trail
• Terrain: Grasslands, rocky outcrops, lakeside vistas
• Map & Guide: Antelope Island Horseback Riding Guide

Moab

The red rock canyons and expansive desert terrain of Moab make it a premier destination for horseback riding in Utah. Whether you want to ride along the Colorado River or explore the arches and towers of this iconic region, Moab offers a wide range of trails for all skill levels.

• Famous Trails: Sylvester Trail, Onion Bench Creek, Uranium Arch Loop
• Terrain: Red rock canyons, mesas, desert expanses
• Map & Guide: Moab Horseback Riding Guide

Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers a unique perspective from horseback as you explore its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and stunning plateaus. Guided rides are available for both beginners and experienced riders.

• Famous Trails: Sandbench Trail, La Verkin Creek Trail, Wildcat Canyon
• Terrain: Slot canyons, high cliffs, rivers
• Map & Guide: Zion Horseback Riding Guide

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Near Heber Valley, Wasatch Mountain State Park offers beautiful horseback riding trails through aspen groves, meadows, and alpine terrain. It’s an excellent spot for riders who want to escape into nature while staying close to the Salt Lake City area.

• Famous Trails: Dutch Hollow, Heber Valley Overlook, Soho Ridge Loop
• Terrain: Aspen groves, open meadows, alpine ridges
• Map & Guide: Wasatch Mountain Horseback Riding Guide

Fishlake National Forest

Fishlake National Forest offers some of Utah’s most serene and picturesque horseback riding in Uttrails; here, it leads you through pine forests, across meadows, and along the shores of Fish Lake, one of Utah’s most significant natural lakes.

• Famous Trails: Fish Lake Hightop, Johnson Reservoir Loop, Bullion Falls
• Terrain: Pine forests, open meadows, lakeside trails
• Maps & guide: Fishlake Horseback Riding Guide

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park’s rugged terrain, desert landscapes, and deep canyons make it a thrilling destination for horseback riding. The park offers many opportunities to explore its colorful geology from the back of a horse.

• Famous Trails: Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, Rim Overlook
• Terrain: Rugged desert, colorful cliffs, winding canyons
• Map & Guide: Capitol Reef Horseback Riding Guide

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers some of the best horseback riding in northern Utah, with trails that wind through mountain valleys, alpine lakes, and dense forests.

• Famous Trails: Horsetail Falls, Tibble Fork Loop, Horse Flat Loop
• Terrain: Mountain valleys, alpine lakes, forests
• Map & Guide: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Horseback Riding Guide

Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest covers nearly two million acres and is one of Utah’s most versatile horseback riding destinations. With diverse landscapes ranging from high alpine forests to red rock plateaus, it’s a must-visit for equestrian enthusiasts.

• Famous Trails: Thunder Mountain, Hells Backbone, Crystal Springs
• Terrain: High alpine forests, red rock plateaus, rolling meadows
• Map & Guide: Dixie National Forest Horseback Riding Guide

Red Canyon Trail Rides (Bryce Canyon)

Near Bryce Canyon National Park, Red Canyon Trail Rides offers stunning horseback riding tours through the iconic red rock formations and hoodoos. Their guides are experienced cowboys who will take you through the beautiful landscapes of Bryce Canyon’s backcountry.

• Website: Red Canyon Trail Rides

Rockin’ R Ranch (Boulder, UT)

For an authentic cowboy experience, Rockin’ R Ranch offers guided horseback riding through Utah’s stunning wilderness. Set in the picturesque town of Boulder, Rockin’ R Ranch combines the thrill of horseback riding with the rich history of the Old West.

• Website: Rockin’ R Ranch

Sundance Stables (Sundance, UT)

Sundance Stables, nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains at the famous Sundance Resort, offers scenic horseback rides year-round. Their tours take you through pine forests and wildflower meadows and provide breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos.

• Website: Sundance Stables

Moab Adventure Center (Moab, UT)

Explore Moab’s dramatic desert landscapes on horseback with Moab Adventure Center. Located near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this outfitter offers unique tours that combine the rugged beauty of Southern Utah’s red rock formations with the peacefulness of horseback riding.

• Website: Moab Adventure Center

Ruby’s Horseback Adventures (Bryce Canyon)

Located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offers a range of guided horseback riding tours for all skill levels. With breathtaking views of Bryce’s unique hoodoos and desert terrain, their tours are a must for anyone visiting the area.

• Website: Ruby’s Horseback Adventures

Utah Trail Rides (Salt Lake City, UT)

Just a short drive from Park City, Utah Trail Rides offers guided tours through the beautiful mountain terrain of the Wasatch Back. This outfitter provides many trail options for riders of all experience levels.

• Website: Utah Trail Rides

Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab, UT)

For those staying in the Moab area, Red Cliffs Lodge offers guided horseback riding tours along the banks of the Colorado River. Their trails provide unique access to some of the most scenic areas near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

• Website: Red Cliffs Lodge

Windwalker Expeditions (Central Utah)

Windwalker Expeditions offers private, customizable horseback riding tours in Central Utah. Their tours range from short scenic rides to multi-day backcountry adventures, allowing you to tailor your ride to your experience level and interests.

• Website: Windwalker Expeditions

Boulder Mountain Ranch (Deer Valley, UT)

Near Deer Valley Resort, Boulder Mountain Ranch offers scenic horseback rides through the Wasatch Mountains. Known for its professional guides and beautiful trails, this outfitter is ideal for those looking to experience Utah’s alpine landscapes.

• Website: Boulder Mountain Ranch

Capitol Reef Resort

Explore the unique geology and stunning landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park on horseback. Several guiding services in the area offer customized tours that take you through the park’s narrow canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient petroglyphs.

• Website: Capitol Reef Resort