Evening Ride At East Zion

Overview

This ride starts at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, just outside the east entrance of Zion National Park, and spends an hour and a half on horseback as the sun goes down. East Zion Adventures runs it, and the route follows trails across the Zion Ponderosa country toward views of the Checkerboard Mesa area, where the red rock picks up the warm colors of late day.

The pace suits beginners. One reviewer described the ride as slow, and a first-time rider reported having a great time because the guides kept checking that everyone felt comfortable on their horse. Guides lead the group the whole way, and reviewers repeatedly praised both the guides and the horses.

Riders must weigh under 220 pounds, wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and arrange their own transport, since no hotel pickup is offered. One reviewer suggested the tour for riders over fourteen because of the terrain.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the ranchArrive at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Orderville, where the guide and horses are waiting. There is no hotel pickup, so plan the drive yourself and allow extra time to find the entrance.
2. Mount upEach rider gets a horse for the guided ride. The listing asks for closed-toe shoes and long pants, and riders must weigh less than 220 pounds.
3. Ride the trailsThe guided ride covers winding trails through the Zion Ponderosa landscape toward the eastern part of Zion National Park, with guides checking on each rider along the way.
4. Watch the sunsetThe route is timed so the group is in position as the sun drops, lighting up the red rock formations and the Checkerboard Mesa views. Bring a camera if you want photos.
5. Return to the ranchThe ride finishes back at the resort after roughly 1.5 hours on the trail, in time to head onward to dinner or evening plans.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make this ride go smoothly, from what to wear to how the group moves.

• What to wear. The listing asks for closed-toe shoes and long pants, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
• Bring water. Water and sunscreen are both on the listing's what-to-bring list. The ride spends the whole time outdoors on the trail, so both are worth having.
• Beginner friendly. One first-time rider described well-trained horses and guides who checked on everyone throughout the ride. Other reviewers also praised the horses and the guides' attentiveness, which suits nervous or new riders.
• Finding the start. The meeting point is Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. One reviewer had trouble spotting the entrance even with GPS, so allow buffer time and look for signage.
• Timing can slip. The start depends on the whole group arriving. One reviewer reported a wait of about 30 minutes for latecomers, so keep evening plans flexible.
• Photos at sunset. The listing highlights bringing a camera, and reviewers describe the sunset and the views over Zion as the payoff of the ride. Hands-free moments will be limited, since riders are on horseback for the duration.

Common issues. The ride is weather dependent, so it can be affected by conditions on the day. No hotel pickup, national park admission, or gratuities are included, and riders must weigh under 220 pounds and understand English. One reviewer found the ranch entrance hard to locate, and another reported a delayed start while the guide waited for latecomers. The terrain leads at least one reviewer to recommend it for travelers over fourteen.

Questions About This Ride