Southern Utah is good riding country: red-rock desert, forest and state park trails. Here are the main places to ride your own horse, and the local outfitters who will put you on one.
Places To Ride
Pine Valley Recreation Area
Dixie National Forest, at about 6,900 feet. An equestrian campground with corrals at each equestrian site and trails from 2 to 35 miles, including the Equestrian Trail and the Whipple Trail.
- Equestrian sites are held for campers with horses until 6 PM daily
- OHVs and ATVs are not allowed in the area
- Reservations through Recreation.gov
Snow Canyon State Park
More than 15 miles of equestrian trails through red and white sandstone. Riders and pets must stay on designated, mapped trails at all times.
- Open 6 AM to 10 PM daily
- Entrance fee applies, see the park fees page
- Park phone: 435-628-2255
Sand Hollow State Park
Equestrian use is listed as an activity at this reservoir park near Hurricane and St. George. Call the park for current trail and rule details.
- 1699 Sand Hollow Dr, Santa Clara
- Park phone: 435-680-0715
- Hours change with daylight saving time
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Equestrian use is listed as an activity at this dune park near Kanab. The park has a campground with RV sites, tent pads, showers and a dump station.
- Open daylight hours, seven days a week
- Reserve camping through Utah State Parks
- Park phone: 435-648-2800
Santa Clara River Reserve
BLM land along the Santa Clara River in St. George. Trails here are recommended for equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers, and the Tukupetsi Trailhead is the preferred entry for riders.
- Black Brush Trail: 3.4 miles, singletrack, moderate
- Rim Reaper Trail: connects to Rim Ramble and Rim Rock, moderate
- Upper Graveyard Trail: smooth dirt singletrack, easy
- Access from the Cove Wash and Tukupetsi trailheads
Dixie National Forest, Pine Valley Ranger District
The district lists 26 named horse trails, including Anderson Valley, Whipple, Equestrian, White Rocks, Highline and South Boundary. Horse camping is at the Pine Valley Recreation Area and Equestrian Campground.
- The recreation area is closed until further notice after flood damage
- Distances and trailheads are not published online; call the Pine Valley Visitor Center at 435-688-3200
- Hurricane Cliffs trails are non-motorized, and horses are allowed only on the Rim Trail between Chinatown Wash and the Virgin Dam Trailhead
Guided Rides
No horse of your own? These outfitters are listed by Greater Zion tourism. Call to confirm rides, ages and prices.
| Outfitter | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Sage Adventures | (435) 868-8105 | 740 Richard St |
| Canyon Trail Rides | (435) 679-8665 | 280 Bryce Way |
| Dixie Trail Rides | (435) 301-8405 | 1666 W 5745 N |
| Eagle Mountain Ranch | (208) 871-8338 | 150 W 1400 N |
| Greater Zion Horse Rides | (435) 773-7630 | |
| Schmidt Ranch | (844) 757-2624 | 3743 S Mulberry Dr |
| Snow Canyon Trail Rides | (435) 773-7630 | |
| Western Horseback Trail Rides | (435) 310-0636 | 297 W St George Blvd |
| Zion Canyon Trail Rides | (435) 525-3199 | 530 UT-9 |
Riding Tips
Stay On Marked Trails
State parks require riders to stay on designated, mapped trails. It protects the desert soil and keeps trails open.
Share The Trail
Hikers, bikers and OHV riders use many of the same trails. Utah asks OHV riders to share trails with equestrians, hikers and bikers.
Plan Around Heat
Summer desert temperatures are hard on horses and riders. Ride early and carry water for both of you.
More sources: Bureau of Land Management trail pages (Black Brush, Rim Reaper, Upper Graveyard) and Hurricane Cliffs brochure; US Forest Service Pine Valley Ranger District.