3-Hour Horseback, Red Canyon

Ride Red Canyon on horseback for 3 hours with a local guide.

Overview

This ride spends three hours on horseback in Red Canyon and Losee Canyon, following the Losee Canyon trail through Dixie National Forest. An experienced guide leads the string of riders, pointing out the red cliffs, hoodoo formations and Ponderosa pines along the way, and passing an old outlaw hideout with stories of the country Butch Cassidy rode as a young man. The route covers roughly 6 miles, or 9.7 kilometers.

The tour is run by Rubys Inn Adventures and suits all skill levels, from people who have never sat on a horse to experienced riders. Before setting out, riders get a trail horse with saddle, saddlebags for small personal items, and basic instruction on how to maneuver the animal. No hotel pickup is provided; everyone meets at the adventure desk in the inn lobby at 26 S Main St, Bryce, and should arrive 15 minutes early.

Reviewers describe well trained, sure footed horses that mostly know the path themselves, plus guides who share history and safety briefings. Several mention small groups and quiet trails away from the crowds, though one holiday weekend departure ran with 12 riders and 2 guides. Riders bring their own water, wear long pants and closed toe shoes, and one reviewer found the 8:30 a.m. start worth getting up for.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the innArrive at the adventure desk in the lobby at 26 S Main St, Bryce, 15 minutes before the ride starts.
2. Transfer to the trailheadRiders head to the riding area; one reviewer described a van ride of about 20 minutes to Red Canyon Ranch.
3. Mount up and instructionEach rider gets a trail horse with saddle and a short briefing on basic horse maneuvering and safety.
4. Ride Red CanyonThe guide leads the roughly 6 mile route through Dixie National Forest, past red cliffs, hoodoos and Ponderosa pines.
5. Follow Losee Canyon trailThe winding trail drops into Losee Canyon for close views of its colored rock formations, passing an old outlaw hideout tied to Butch Cassidy stories.
6. Return and dismountThe ride ends back at the starting point, with one reviewer describing drop-off around noon after a morning departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this ride goes, from what to wear to how the group is organized.

• What to wear. Long pants and closed toe shoes are required. The listing also advises packing warm layers such as jackets, ponchos, hats and scarves, and one reviewer learned the hard way that a jacket able to handle light rain is a smart choice even when no rain is forecast.
• Bring water. Water bottles are not included, so riders carry their own. Saddlebags are provided for small personal items, which is where most people stash a bottle for a three hour ride.
• Skill and pace. All experience levels are welcome, from first timers to experts, and the listing gives basic maneuvering instruction before setting out. Several reviewers said the horses are well trained and know the route, with one calling it a straightforward ride.
• Group size. Group size varies by departure. One reviewer rode with 12 people and 2 guides on a holiday weekend, while others had a near private outing, so treat group size as luck of the draw.
• Cameras. Small cameras are allowed, but large or professional camera equipment is not permitted on the ride. Oversize luggage is also not allowed, so plan to travel light.
• Timing. Morning departures run, and one reviewer found the 8:30 a.m. start worth the early alarm for emptier trails. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the listed start.

Common issues. There is a weight limit of 99.7 kilograms, or 220 pounds, per guest, and anyone over it cannot ride. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, and gratuities are not covered. Water is not provided. Group size can swing from nearly private to a dozen riders depending on demand and the day. Professional cameras and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Tour Questions, Answered