Bryce Canyon National Park Private Horse Reservations
Horseback riding is a great way to slow down and experience Bryce Canyon National Park. People and horses explored Bryce Canyon National Park even before it was set aside for federal protection. To support this activity, the National Park Service completed 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of foot and horse trails in 1931 that are still in use today for both guided and private horserides from approximately May through October each year, weather-permitting.
To avoid conflict with other horse riders and for the safety of other visitors and stock, you must schedule all private horseback riding for a specific date and time prior to entering the park. You may enter the park with your stock no more than 30 minutes prior to your reservation time.
Private horse rides are available every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., from approximately May through October. Each time slot can accommodate a maximum of ten riders and their mounts (the ten riders may comprise multiple parties).
Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to ensure weed-free feed is used prior to riding in the park.
Note: this reservation is NOT for guided concessioner rides. This reservation is only for visitors who want to bring their own horse or mule to ride in Bryce Canyon. Canyon Trail Rides, the park's authorized concessioner, offers 2-hour and 3-hour guided horse and mule rides into the Bryce Amphitheater along a dedicated horse trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. Guided trail rides typically begin in April and run through October 31, depending on weather. Visit the Canyon Trail Rides website to book online or call 435-679-8665.
Horseback riding is a great way to slow down and experience Bryce Canyon National Park. People and horses explored Bryce Canyon National Park even before it was set aside for federal protection. To support this activity, the National Park Service completed 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of foot and horse trails in 1931 that are still in use today for both guided and private horserides from approximately May through October each year, weather-permitting.
To avoid conflict with other horse riders and for the safety of other visitors and stock, you must schedule all private horseback riding for a specific date and time prior to entering the park. You may enter the park with your stock no more than 30 minutes prior to your reservation time.
Private horse rides are available every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., from approximately May through October. Each time slot can accommodate a maximum of ten riders and their mounts (the ten riders may comprise multiple parties).
Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to ensure weed-free feed is used prior to riding in the park.
Note: this reservation is NOT for guided concessioner rides. This reservation is only for visitors who want to bring their own horse or mule to ride in Bryce Canyon. Canyon Trail Rides, the park's authorized concessioner, offers 2-hour and 3-hour guided horse and mule rides into the Bryce Amphitheater along a dedicated horse trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. Guided trail rides typically begin in April and run through October 31, depending on weather. Visit the Canyon Trail Rides website to book online or call 435-679-8665.
Notifications and Alerts
Reservations for Private Riders will remain open as weather conditions and snow levels permit during the month of November.
Need to Know
- Regulations
You are responsible for following the Horse Riding & Stock Use regulations in the park. Horses are only permitted on designated routes.
- Reservation Arrival Times
Reservation times indicate when you are permitted to begin your ride (view Designated Horse Trail Route (PDF) Map). You may enter the park with your stock no more than 30 minutes prior to your reservation time. You may not begin your ride before your scheduled reservation time. There is no limit on when you must be done.
- Certified Weed-Free Feed
Horses and mules shall be fed only certified weed-free feed for at least 48 hours prior to entering the park and at any time while in the park. Any feeding of stock in the park is to be done at the Mixing Circle trailer parking and loading area.
- Season
Private riders are permitted to ride May 1 through October 31, weather permitting.
- Daylight
Research sunset times before making your reservation. It takes most groups 2 ½ to 3 hours to ride the full route. In late summer, we recommend earlier reservation times to ensure you have time to complete your ride in daylight.
- Entrance Fee
Bryce Canyon charges an entrance fee separate from the reservation fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival at the entrance station or purchase in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
Booking Windows
All 2024 reservations will be available on April 1, 2024.
Changes and Cancellations
The $1.00 reservation fee for private horse reservations is non-refundable. There is no additional fee to ride your own horse at Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon charges an entrance fee separate from the reservation fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival at the entrance station or purchase in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
P.O. BOX 640201 BRYCE UT 84764
