Horseback Riding Capitol Reef National Park: 2-Hour Trail Ride

Two hours in the saddle through red rock washes and petrified forest

A 2-hour guided horseback ride in Capitol Reef National Park where you ride your own horse through the water pocket fold, past the Windgate Tunnel and Petrified Forest, with a local wrangler who knows the area's history and wildlife. Helmets and water are provided. Riders must be at least 8 years old, and each person rides their own horse.

The experience

You arrive at the corrals and the horses are already saddled. The wrangler fits you with a helmet, and you mount up for a loop trail that starts from the base and heads toward Red Bluff. The ride moves through washes and open country, passing the Windgate Tunnel and the Petrified Forest without doubling back. The loop means new views the whole way. Water and trail snacks come with you, and the wrangler is a local veteran who can name what you're riding through: the flora, the geology, the history of the place.

The trail stays inside the western water pocket fold of Capitol Reef National Park, the same red rock landscape that draws people to the park itself, but from the back of a horse instead of a car window. No experience is required: the wranglers work with riders of any skill level, and the pace is set by the group. Each person rides their own horse. The operation does not allow doubles.

What’s included

• Certified riding helmet.
• bottled water and trail snacks.
• local guide fluent in English.
• your own saddled horse for the full ride.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 15:00Last departure this season: 14 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wilderness Ridge Adventures

Is this one for you?The two-hour window fits a free afternoon or a half-day break from other plans in the park, leaving the rest of your day open for driving the scenic loop or exploring the visitor center. If you want a longer immersion or a full-day backcountry experience, ask about the 1-hour option or check whether the operator offers extended rides.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

Do I need to have ridden a horse before to do this?

No experience is necessary. The wranglers work with riders at all levels and adjust the pace to the group.

What exactly will I see on the trail?

The ride loops through the water pocket fold, passing the Windgate Tunnel and the Petrified Forest, with views of Red Bluff along the way. Because it's a loop, you see different scenery throughout rather than retracing the same ground.

What's included with the ride?

A certified riding helmet, bottled water, and trail snacks are provided. The wrangler is a local expert on the area's history, wildlife and plants.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride itself is two hours. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for the helmet fitting and mounting, so budget roughly two and a half hours total.

What's the minimum age to ride?

Riders must be at least 8 years old. Children and adults ride together on the same trails.