Bryce Canyon on Horseback: A Classic Utah Adventure
Imagine riding through forests and along the rim of one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes—Bryce Canyon. For $90 per person, you can saddle up for approximately 1.5 hours of guided horseback riding, with options available from morning to late afternoon. This experience is hosted by Ruby’s Inn Adventures and offers a chance to see spectacular vistas and learn about the area’s history and legends.
What we love about this ride is how accessible it is—all skill levels are welcome, making it perfect for families or travelers who want a relaxed outdoor adventure. The friendly guides often share stories of wild west outlaws and Native American tribes, adding a layer of storytelling to the natural beauty. The ride is walk-only, avoiding the more vigorous trot or canter, which helps keep it comfortable for beginners and those with moderate fitness.
A notable consideration is that some reviews mention limited commentary from guides, focusing more on the scenery than the history, which might matter if you’re hoping for a deep cultural dive. Also, due to some past safety concerns, it’s wise to be comfortable riding horses with a maximum weight limit of 220 lbs.
This tour is ideal for families, first-time riders, or anyone looking for a scenic and relaxed horseback experience that captures the essence of Bryce Canyon without the intensity of a more vigorous ride.
Key Points
- Accessible for all skill levels with a walk-only ride suitable for beginners and families.
- Beautiful views of Bryce Canyon and surrounding forests, with guides sharing local stories.
- Flexible scheduling options from morning to late afternoon.
- Limited stops along the route, primarily a scenic ride with minimal photo breaks.
- Safety considerations include a weight limit of 220 lbs and moderate physical activity.
- Mixed reviews highlight friendly guides and stunning scenery but also some concerns about guide interaction and safety preparedness.
An In-Depth Look at Ruby’s Horseback Adventures Utah
When visiting Bryce Canyon, many travelers aim to combine the breathtaking scenery with engaging outdoor activities. This horseback ride offers a gentle, scenic, and family-friendly way to experience the park. Let’s walk through what this tour entails and what you can expect at each step.
Planning more time in Bryce Canyon National Park? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Location and Meeting Point
The tour begins at 26 UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, conveniently close to the park’s main attractions. The meeting point is straightforward, and transportation isn’t specified beyond your own arrangement, but its proximity to Bryce Canyon makes it easy to include in your day’s plans.
Duration and Schedule Flexibility
At 1 hour 30 minutes, this ride strikes a good balance—long enough to feel immersed in the landscape but not so lengthy as to be tiring. Booking options span from morning to late afternoon, allowing you to pick a time that best fits your itinerary and energy levels.
What the Tour Includes
You’ll be riding guided through areas that include forests, the canyon rim, and possibly Red Canyon, which holds its own wild west allure with ties to Butch Cassidy. The guides are described in reviews as informative and friendly, often sharing stories about the local history, Native American tribes, and cowboy lore.
The Ride Itself: What to Expect
The actual ride is a walking trail, with no trotting or cantering. This makes it particularly suitable for those new to riding or travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace. Based on reviews, the scenery varies from forested stretches to views near the canyon edge, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Some reviews, like Caitlin’s, mention that the trip feels very welcoming and the horses are calm, adding to the overall sense of safety and comfort. Many reviewers also appreciated the informative guides and how they enhanced the experience with stories and historical tidbits.
The Scenic Highlights
Most riders will find the views of Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos especially striking. While the ride doesn’t include lengthy stops, there are moments when you ride along the rim, giving you a chance to glimpse the amphitheater’s stunning array of spire-shaped formations.
Richard states, “Beautiful scenery, helpful and friendly staff, the horses were easy to ride. Highly recommend this for family fun!” Others echo this sentiment, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere and the impressive vistas.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
What travelers love:
- Knowledgeable guides who share stories about the area.
- Stunning views that make for memorable photos.
- Well-behaved horses that are suitable even for beginners.
- Family-friendly environment with a slow, relaxed pace.
What some found lacking:
- Limited guide commentary—some mention the guides don’t say much about the land or history.
- The ride is quite basic, with no stops along the trail for photos or sightseeing.
- A few reviews note safety concerns—particularly one where a horse fell, and the response of the staff was less than ideal, requiring an ambulance ride for a rider’s knee injury.
Considering Safety and Comfort
While for most, the ride is smooth and enjoyable, it’s important to be comfortable riding horses and to adhere to the 220 lbs weight limit. The horses are described as calm and steady, but riders should be aware that the horses walk at a leisurely pace. It’s a walking-only tour, so expect minimal jolts or thrills, but also limited opportunities for quick photo stops unless prompted by the guide.
Price and Value
At $90 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering the personalized guidance, the scenery, and the ease of participation. For travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic horseback outing without the stress of advanced riding, it’s a worthwhile expense. It’s particularly attractive for families or those looking to add a bit of Western flavor to their Bryce Canyon adventure.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour suits families with children over seven, beginners, or travelers who want a gentle ride that emphasizes scenery over adrenaline. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about local stories but don’t want the intensity of a more vigorous ride. Those seeking deep historical insights or longer trail rides might find it a bit limited but can appreciate the ease and beauty of the experience.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
In our view, Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offers a solid, enjoyable way to experience Bryce Canyon’s beauty from a different perspective. You get to relax on horseback, take in spectacular views, and listen to stories that bring the landscape to life. While some reviews mention that the guides don’t go into deep detail or that the ride can feel somewhat rushed, these are minor compared to the overall charm.
If you’re a family or someone eager for a laid-back outdoor adventure with great photo ops, this ride is hard to beat. Its moderate price point, combined with friendly guides and calm horses, makes it a good value for the experience offered.
Bear in mind, if you’re after more in-depth historical commentary or a longer, more varied trail, you might want to explore other options. But for a relaxing, scenic, and family-friendly horseback ride, this tour hits the mark.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, since the ride is walk-only and guides are experienced, it is perfect for beginners and those with moderate physical fitness.
What is the weight limit for riders?
The maximum weight is 220 lbs (100 kg), so travelers should be comfortable within this limit.
Can children participate?
Yes, but riders must be at least 7 years old. The ride is suitable for children and families looking for a gentle adventure.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for riding. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Are there opportunities for photos?
While the ride itself offers few stops, you’ll have chances to take photos when riding along the rim, especially if you ask your guide.
What if the weather is bad?
This experience has a full refund policy if canceled due to poor weather. Check the forecast and dress accordingly for sun or possible rain.
To sum it up, Ruby’s Horseback Adventures at Bryce Canyon provides a relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly way to experience this stunning national park. With knowledgeable guides, calm horses, and views that make every rider say “Wow,” it’s a straightforward way to add some cowboy spirit to your Utah trip. Just be prepared for a slow-paced ride and limited commentary, and you’ll have a memorable day in the saddle.