Megan reports back on a new route from an experienced partner

The rugged wilderness of the American southwest is a stunning backdrop for the Zion to Grand Canyon Rim ride. The sand dune and slickrock crossings, vistas over canyons and ponderosa forest, and climbs through  the yucca and prickly pear of the desert provide a thorough immersion in the variety of the region. The consistent heart of the experience, however, is the horses and guides.  All incredibly hard working, both equine and human demonstrate their ability at every turn. The family business is shared by generations whose passion is the ranching lifestyle and whose lives are centered in the equine sports and businesses of rodeo, training and trail. It was a treat to be hosted by cook and grandfather, Mel Heaton, organizer and father Justin, and guide Lexie.

Multitasking guiding our group through the wilderness while training her young mare, Lexie led with an unassuming confidence developed through spending her life accompanying her father caring for horses, completing ranch jobs and introducing their guests to the wilderness they call home. Her support on the rides was her cousin, Jackson, who shared her impressive ability on horseback and speed at racing to claim shed deer antlers found on the trail. Their youthful enthusiasm and confidence infused the group with a relaxed attitude with which to enjoy the rides.

Providing ground support and direction were Justin and Mel, whose wisdom they can share after a lifetime of lived experience riding, guiding and exploring. Their knowledge is deep, and serves as a fount of far ranging stories around the campfire. Justin continues to refine and redesign the itineraries to provide access to country rarely seen by tourists, while ensuring it’s an accessible experience for the average rider. Equitours has worked with the Heatons since the 1990s and is lucky to have been able to offer many different itineraries in the area. This ride and its northern mountain counterpart, the Grand Staircase to Bryce Plateau, are modifications of the classic Three Park Spectacular and allow for more exploration in each location, spending a few nights in each campsite.

To enjoy the ride so we are provided with plentiful nourishment with three squares a day, sturdy straightforward tents and cots, and horses with heart. It’s a fine balance to have capable, strong mounts to cover the mileage and elevation while being responsive and independent, and also safe. We were the first tour of the season, and the horses were full of the tension of anticipation on the first ride of the week. After navigating steep inclines and declines, challenging terrain and footing they all found their rhythm in the herd. A combination of young horses learning the trails and veterans who knew their place, they all had training which allowed us a sense of freedom. We could often choose our own path and pace, a rare circumstance in group travel. You need your own confidence to relay to your mount and sense of group etiquette to respect your fellow riders and horses, but with those requirements you have some leeway to create the experience you seek.

I appreciated the week’s insight into this unique region and way of life, and appreciated my fellow riders’ spirit of adventure, the knowledge and hospitality of our guides, and ability and training of our horses.

Below, some clips from my week.