Horseback Riding in Zion National Park: Slot Canyon Explorer

Ride into a slot canyon, then explore it on foot where the horses stop

A small-group horseback ride near Zion National Park that combines riding and slot canyon exploration, with a live English-speaking guide and all equipment included. The tour starts with a brief riding lesson at the stables for beginners, then heads toward a backcountry canyon mouth about 25 minutes away. Once the canyon narrows too much for horses, you dismount and continue on foot through the canyon's obstacles before returning to the stables on horseback. The whole experience runs about an hour.

The experience

Can you ride a horse if you've never done it before? Yes, the tour opens with a riding lesson at the stables for anyone new to it, and the guides reserve their best-trained horses for less experienced riders. You'll start in the saddle and get comfortable with the basics before heading out. The weight limit is 220 pounds, and you need to be in at least moderate physical condition. The ride itself is not strenuous, but the canyon hiking that follows involves stepping over small obstacles and uneven ground.

After about 25 minutes on horseback, you reach the mouth of a slot canyon in the backcountry: the same kind of formation Zion is famous for, but without the crowds. Here you dismount and continue on foot as the canyon narrows and the walls close in. The canyon has several small obstacles to navigate, and you move deeper into it before the group turns back. Then it's back to the stables on horseback to finish the day. The whole tour takes about an hour from start to finish.

Bring warm layers if you're going in fall or winter: hats, gloves and a coat make a real difference. The tour includes all riding equipment and the horse itself. You'll need to arrange your own food and water. A live guide leads the group in English throughout, and the meeting location is in the East Zion area (check the map in your confirmation email and use Google Maps to find it).

What’s included

• Horseback and all riding equipment.
• live English-speaking guide.
• riding lesson for beginners.
• access to the backcountry slot canyon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (8 to 90 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by East Zion Adventures

Is this one for you?Combine slot canyon hiking with horseback riding in a single tour: the only operator in Southern Utah pairing both activities, set in a quieter backcountry canyon outside the main park crowds.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between riding the whole time and getting off to hike the canyon?

The horseback section takes you to the canyon mouth in about 25 minutes, then you dismount and walk into the canyon on foot where it gets too narrow for the horses. This combination is what makes the tour unique. You get both the riding and the slot canyon experience in one outing.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse to book this?

No. The tour starts with a riding lesson at the stables for beginners, and the guides match less experienced riders with their best-trained horses. As long as you're under 220 pounds and in moderate physical condition, you can do this.

How long does the whole thing take?

The tour runs about an hour from the time you mount up at the stables until you return. That includes the riding lesson, the 25-minute ride to the canyon, the hike into the canyon itself, and the ride back.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear layers and bring a hat, gloves and a coat if you're riding in fall or winter. The temperature matters more out there than it does in town. The tour includes all riding equipment. Bring your own food and water. The operator does not provide them.

Is this tour inside Zion National Park or nearby?

The tour operates in the East Zion backcountry, which is outside the main park but offers the same slot canyon scenery without the crowds. You'll receive a map in your confirmation email showing the exact meeting location.