I will be spending one day/one night at Bryce (staying at Bryce View Lodge, near Ruby's) and one day/one night at Zion (staying at Best Western Zion Park Inn). I really want to do a half-day trail ride on one of these days, but probably won't have time to go riding at both places. If I have to choose one place for riding, which would you recommend & why? Suggestions on particular outfitters to go with would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

Consider the half day mule ride into Bryce Canyon. The outfitter operates inside the park. It has been a few years but I have a phone number for reservations that might still be good - (435) 679-8665.

I visited both parks last month but I did not do trail rides. But from what I saw I vote for Bryce. Bryce is at a higher elevation and getting down in and back up from the hoodoos would be eaiser on a horse.

We did both, and Bryce is memorable. I believe that there is only one provider.

I've done the half day trip twice at Bryce. It is exceptional. You'll feel like you are in a Western movie, coming around the hoodoos or riding down into the canyons. The mules love walking right on the edge though, so it is not for the squeamish. If this is a problem for you, tell them when they assign the mules or horses (there were some of each on our ride), and they will give you one which is less prone to walk on the edge.
I haven't done a ride at Zion, because it just didn't seem like it would be as "special".

Are you talking about Canyon Trail rides that leave from the Bryce Lodge. I have signed up for a 1/2 trip in August. Will it be really really hot?

Thanks everybody -- sounds like a half-day ride at Bryce it is! One more question -- do I need to reserve in advance or can I wait until I'm there and just call a day beforehand?
Patrick -- I did the mule ride in the Grand Canyon and loved it -- talk about teetering on the edge!

The telephone number posted in my other reply can be called to make reservations for the Bryce Canyon trail ride. Reservations are highly recommended. The 2 hour ride is $30; the 3 1/2 hour ride is $45.

Hi Riders!

Ellen, Bryce in Aug is still not that hot. It's at 8,000 ft. Probably be in the low 80's. Still, it's nice to wear a wide brim hat. You can really burn at that altitude.

Lisa, during peak tourist season, I would call 2 or 3 days ahead for riding reservations - just to be safe. Definitely more scenic riding at Bryce.

Have fun!

Has anyone done the 2 hour horseback ride to Red Canyon from Ruby's?
Ruby's offers a decent deal on their horseback ride & hotel room combination.
It was explained to me that you take a bus ride to where they house the horses and ride into Red Canyon from there.

Having never been in the area, I wondered how Red Canyon would compare to Bryce. We will, of course, hike into Bryce on our own.
If anyone has done the Red Canyon horseback ride, I would love to hear about it! Thanks.

hi again Ellen,

I've taken that ride & it was nice. Good ride for not too experienced riders. Very scenic. the Red Canyon area is a little ways outside of the park itself and you will probably drive through it on your way. Of course, you don't ride along the highway.

Similar rock formations, just on a smaller scale. Much smaller canyon. I think you would like it.