We want to take the family riding on our vacation, the end of June. We prefer to ride within the parks. Any preferences for a half day trip?

I personally haven't done any but wanted to warn you that if you want to ride in BRYCE you need to make reservations with the National Park service. If you book outside the park, you ride outside the park. Also there is a weight limit of 220 pounds for riding in Bryce.

Utahtea

At the last minute, we rode with Ruby's cute cowboy crew but as utahtea said, we only made it up TO the canyon. While it was still scenic and beautiful, i'd prefer riding in the park.
Not familiar with the zion trails, but it'll depend on which park you prefer - or do both! Its a great way to explore ANY park!

We did the Bryce ride with our teens and it was the highlight of our trip. You have to book it through Canyon Trail Rides, and pay cash (mail a check) in advance to reserve a spot. We rode into the canyon with a hilarious guide, and mules and horses with personality. Bryce is a magical place. DON'T book through Ruby's, they do not go into the canyon.

I have done horseback riding in both, and would recommend Bryce over Zion. The horse trails in Zion aren't in the most scenic parts of the park, while Bryce's are.

Thanks for the responses! I think I'll book the ride in Bryce tomorrow.

Definitely Bryce!! We've done it twice. Just be sure to book with the park so it is in the canyon itself. You will feel like you're riding in a western movie set. But be prepared (mostly they use mules, not horses, and they love to walk along the edge of the drop offs).

Another vote for Bryce, but for a different reason; Bryce will be a lot cooler and more comfortable in June, if you're looking at a half day ride. I took the 3.5 hour morning ride last June and really enjoyed it. This was through the park. I hadn't thought ahead, so I just reserved it the night before. You're right in booking ahead. You might want to strengthen your leg muscles, either by some parctice rides or workouts, so you can walk the next day. And don't forget your jeans, like I did!

This may be moot by now....

I also vote for Bryce. The same group operates the IN Zion ride as well. They do post a weight limit as Utahtea mentioned however I do not think it is closely monitored.

I am a male 6'2 and 230 or so. Nobody questioned me or asked me to step on a scale. I do not appear to be overweight. I did see people with our group that could not possibly have been 220 or less. They were loaded onto their steeds the same as the rest. I expect is somebody is VERY overweight there may be a question but I would not worry about it if you are even marginally close to the limits.

placeu2,

We were in Bryce last summer and they asked my BIL before he booked his weight. BIL was over so we didn't book because they told us they WOULD weight and they had a scale there!

Utahtea

Not to worry, my husband is on a diet and doing well. What inspiration to lose weight! Now he is waiting for me to follow suit. ha ha.