Horseback Riding

Horses have long been used to explore the incredible landscapes of Zion National Park. Today, there are a couple ways to see the park on horseback:

1. A park concessioner offers guided trail rides along the Virgin River.
2. Personal stock use is also allowed. Stock animals that are allowed in Zion include horses, mules, and burros.

 

Guided trail rides follow the Sand Bench Trail along the Virgin River.

Courtesy of Robert Houston

Guided Trail Rides

If you want to see Zion Canyon from a different perspective, check it out from the back of a horse! Canyon Trail Rides, a park concessioner, offers 1-hour or 3-hour guided horse and mule rides along the Virgin River and Sand Bench Trail.

Guided trail rides typically begin mid-March and run through October 31st, depending on weather.

To schedule a guided ride or get more information, visit the Canyon Trail Rides website or give them a call:

• If you are booking within 7 days of your ride, call 435-772-3810.
• For general information, call 435-679-8665.

 

Horseback riding in Zion National Park can be a fantastic way to experience the southwest desert environment.

Courtesy of Robert Houston

Stock Use

Visitors can use personal stock animals within Zion National Park. Trails where stock use is permitted are listed further below. A number of regulations apply to stock use within Zion National Park. Be sure to read and understand all regulations before planning a trip to the park.

Day trips

Permits are not required for day trips. However, stock are prohibited during spring thaws, unusually wet periods, or times when their use would cause trail damage. Additional regulations can be found under our Stock Use regulations.

Overnight trips

The only overnight stock camp within the park is Hop Valley Site A, and your stay is limited to one night. A Wilderness permit is required to stay overnight in Hop Valley.

Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. To reduce the spread of noxious and exotic weeds, stock must be fed certified weed-free hay two days prior to the trip. Additional regulations can be found under our Stock Use regulations.

Stock trails

The Wilderness Map shows which trails are open to pack animal use.

The following trails are open to horse or pack animal use:

• La Verkin Creek Trail west of Beartrap Canyon
• Hop Valley Trail
• Connector Trail
• Northgate Peaks Trail
• Wildcat Canyon Trail
• West Rim Trail north of Cabin Spring
• Sawmill Spring Trail
• Telephone Canyon Trail
• East Mesa Trail east of the Observation Point Trail junction
• East Rim Trail south of Stave Spring
• Deer Trap Mountain Trail
• Cable Mountain Trail
• Chinle Trail
• Sandbench Trail (open to public use from November 1 to March 1 only)

Off-trail use of horses or pack animals is permitted only in the following locations:

• Lower Coalpits Wash from the trailhead to the junction with Scoggins Wash
• Scoggins Wash
• Huber Wash

 

Wilderness Trails & Campsites

Zion has many wilderness trails and campsites. Read brief descriptions to discover which route is best for your group.

Wilderness Regulations

Help keep Zion's backcountry beautiful. Follow the rules and regulations of wilderness areas.

Explore Zion Wilderness

Learn how to plan and obtain permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other Wilderness trips.