This mountain ride in southern Utah allows you to see parts of the country around two national parks which few tourists ever visit. This tour includes long days in the saddle and is the northern counterpart to the Zion to Grand Canyon Rim ride.
The route starts with two days in the Paria River area in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument where you ride through cinematic landscapes of the Paria Box canyon and near the historic movie set. From there continue through a transition of red to white canyon walls, culminating in a ride through the narrow, sculpted walls of the Willis Creek Narrow and a ride to White Cliffs overlook. Move via the Grandview Trail, crossing Bull Valley Gorge and climbing through the forests to the high elevation Bryce Plateau. The final days are spent riding beneath the stunning Pink Cliffs and ascending to one of the highest points of the plateau for panoramic views before transferring back to St George on the last day.
Enjoy feeling secure in the saddle on these reliable surefooted horses which are used to the rugged terrain and form a strong bond with your mount before the trip is over. The air in this part of the world is crystal clear and the humidity is very low and sleep well at night and have a keen appetite after a day in the saddle to help you appreciate the wholesome camp food. Your experienced cowboy guides are thoroughly familiar with the features and history of the area. Your equine companions, the splendid, wild scenery and your rancher guides make this a superb adventure.
Take a look at other spectacular horseback riding vacations in Utah and Arizona.
Pickup in St George, Utah at 2:00pm and transfer to your initial camp, located in the dramatic Paria River Canyon area. Travel to the historic Old Paria Campsite within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Upon arrival, you’ll meet the horses and guides and settle in, setting up camp for the first two nights of the adventure.
Saddle up for a ride through cinematic history! Today you descend into the Paria River canyon, navigating the narrows of the Paria Box and visiting the historic Old Paria movie set. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the area’s adjoining canyons before heading back to your campsite to enjoy dinner under the stars.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll break camp and ride north through the Paria River drainage, following the gentle flow of the creek. As you reach Sheep Creek, you’ll witness a striking geological transition where the deep red canyon walls give way to towering white sandstone. The day’s highlight is a ride through the Willis Creek Narrows, a series of stunningly sculpted slot canyons where the passage becomes so narrow you can touch the curvaceous Navajo sandstone walls on either side. By late afternoon, set up camp at your new base at Willis Creek for a two-night stay.
After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy a relaxing change of pace. Those preferring a restful morning are welcome to stay in camp or take a short hike nearby. For those eager for more adventure, a dedicated ride will take you out from Willis Creek to a spectacular overlook atop the White Cliffs section of the Grand Staircase, returning to camp via a different route. Regroup in the evening for dinner and enjoy your second restful night at the Willis Creek campsite.
Start the morning by breaking camp and heading out along the dirt roads, crossing the rugged Bull Valley Gorge. As you climb toward a high-altitude vantage point, you’ll be treated to distant views of the expansive Aquarius Plateau. Following a midday break for lunch, connect with the Grandview Trail, traveling through the national forest until reaching the quiet meadows of Chicken Springs to set up camp for the night.
Today’s trail takes you high onto the Grandview Trail, offering a breathtaking ride beneath the stunning Pink Cliffs that form the edge of the Bryce Canyon Plateau. The trail winds through high-elevation forest and open vistas, providing unparalleled views of the vibrant, rosy-hued formations towering above.
On your final morning, break camp for the last time and begin to ascent through dense forest, gaining several hundred feet in elevation. The climb leads to a breathtaking overlook at the Pink Cliffs, one of the highest vantage points on the Bryce Plateau. From there, ride across expansive high-mountain meadows before rendezvousing with the support vehicles. Expect to arrive back in St. George by late afternoon.
This is itinerary is flexible and may be modified at the guide's discretion based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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I feel very fortunate and privileged to have shared this experience. The Navajo culture was fascinating and the history of the people both interesting and sad. I really felt I was in a different world in the Canyon de Chelly and the Canyon del Muerto.
Iris Kusneraitis
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