Horseback Riding

Many of the park's hiking trails were first formed beneath the hooves of cattle wranglers. Today, hikers and riders share the trails. A number of outfitters can set you up with a gentle mount and lead you to the park's best sights. Not only can you cover more ground than you would walking, but equine traffic has the right-of-way at all times. Call ahead to the stables for reservations to find a trip that's right for you, from 90 minutes to all day. The biggest outfitters have more than 100 horses and mules to choose from. People under the age of seven or who weigh more than 220 pounds are prohibited from riding.

Tours and Outfitters

Canyon Trail Rides. Descend to the floor of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater via horse or mule—most visitors have no riding experience, so don't hesitate to join in. A two-hour ride (children as young as 7 can participate) ambles along the amphitheater floor through the Queen's Garden before returning to Sunrise Point. The three-hour expedition (children must be at least 10 years old) follows Peekaboo Loop Trail, winds past the Fairy Castle, and passes the Wall of Windows before returning to Sunrise Point. For either ride, the weight limit is 220 pounds. Two rides a day of each type leave in the morning and early afternoon. There are no rides from November through March. Bryce Canyon Lodge, Off Hwy. 63, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, 84764. 435/679–8665; 435/834–5500; www.canyonrides.com. From $65.

Ruby's Horseback Adventures. Ride to the rim of Bryce Canyon, venture through narrow slot canyons in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, or even retrace the trails taken by outlaw Butch Cassidy more than a century ago. Rides last from 90 minutes to all day. Kids must be 7 or older to ride, in some cases 10. Wagon rides to the rim of Bryce Canyon are available for all ages, as are sleigh rides in winter. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. 866/782–0002; www.horserides.net. From $68.