1-Hour Ride To A Slot Canyon

Overview

This one-hour ride from East Zion Adventures starts at the stables close to the park's east entrance, and pairs two things Southern Utah is known for: horses and slot canyons. After a short lesson in the saddle for anyone new to riding, the group follows a guide along a scenic trail through quiet backcountry, with commentary on the area's cowboy history along the way. The destination is the mouth of a secluded slot canyon, where riders dismount and walk a short distance inside.

The canyon walls rise several hundred feet on either side, and there is time to take in the red rock formations and snap photos before getting back in the saddle for the return ride. The horses are well trained and the format is built around first-timers, so no riding experience is needed. Riders must be at least 8 years old, weigh under 220lbs, and be able to understand English. Guides, horses, and equipment are all part of the package.

The tour is open to beginners, and the short format keeps it manageable for riders who want a brief outing rather than a long day in the saddle. Many travelers describe it as relaxed and beginner friendly.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the corralsArrive 10 minutes early and park at the lot by the pickleball courts, where the horse corrals are visible across the street. Check your confirmation email for the exact meeting location.
2. Saddle up and brief lessonClimb into the saddle, and beginners get a short lesson on the basics of riding and steering before setting out.
3. Trail ride through East ZionFollow the guide along a scenic trail into the quiet backcountry of East Zion, taking in the red rock landscape.
4. Slot canyon stopDismount at the mouth of a slot canyon and walk a short distance inside to see the sandstone walls, which rise several hundred feet on either side. Photo stops are possible here.
5. Ride back to the stablesRemount and ride the return trail to the starting point, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, from the practical requirements to what the ride actually feels like.

• Age and weight limits. Riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh less than 220lbs (100kg). Everyone on the ride needs to understand English, since instructions are given verbally on the trail.
• What to wear. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required. The listing also suggests warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and a jacket, and stresses bringing warm winter clothes during the fall and winter months.
• Bring your own water. Water is not included, and food, drinks, and gratuities are all extras. Pack snacks and a water bottle, especially in warm weather.
• Beginner friendly pace. The tour is designed for first-timers, with well-trained horses and a short pre-ride lesson. Several reviewers describe the horses as calm and well trained, and the ride as relaxed.
• Photo opportunities. Multiple travelers said they were able to stop for photographs of the canyon scenery, so bring a camera along. Note that pets and alcohol are not allowed.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup.

Common issues. The ride does not run in bad weather, so stormy days can mean cancellation. Some travelers feel the ride and the canyon stop are on the short side and would welcome more time out of the saddle, which is worth knowing going in given the one-hour format. No pickup, food, drinks, or gratuities are included, and riders over the weight limit or under 8 cannot join. One reviewer with limited English found the guide's fast American accent hard to follow, though they still enjoyed and recommended the tour.

Questions About This Ride