Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding

Horseback riding vacations in southern Utah are exciting and invigorating. Visitors are not only treated to a day or more of extremely vigorous exercise, but the pleasing adventure associated with riding a horse through some of the state's most beautiful countryside. The best time of year to go is usually during the summer, but some daring folk still aim for wintertime rides.

In the summer, some tour companies take riders on amazing trails that go into the very of heart of the state's most incredible parks. Rides cover varied territory - plateaus, forests, canyons, rocky gorges and formations, and dry land reefs. Each ride is a reward in itself, vacations that can only be described as some of southern Utah's most loved activities.

Tours vary in length and difficulty. On full day rides, meals are included in the price, and if overnight rides to campgrounds and backcountry locations are on the cards then all equipment, meals and camping gear are thrown in too.

Riders learn about horse care, how to bond with their new companions, and safety procedures. In fact, in the name of safety, before any ride, everyone is vetted according to their experience, and if sufficiently competent at it, horses are given to them. However, the less experienced riders are given a few tips, maybe even being led by an experienced rider, and the trips are kept short, not just due to a visitor's lack of experience, but the incredible saddle soreness that they will endure in a short space of time.

Private horse rentals are generally allowed. Special trails are provided throughout parks and even on ranches, varying in length and duration. Even children are encouraged to give a ride a try, even if in circles on a lead rope, in a corral.

Most horse riding trips do not come cheap. Deposits are usually asked for, and safety helmets are given. However, riders are expected to wear proper clothing and footwear or they will not be allowed a ride at all.