1-Hour Guided Horseback Ride Near Capitol Reef
Ride to Waterpocket Fold views near Capitol Reef National Park in 1 hour
Duration
1 hour
Highlights
Ride on a guided trail near Capitol Reef National Park, with scenery around the Waterpocket Fold. This 1-hour horseback ride welcomes beginners and focuses on the area’s natural features.
- Ride with a guide through washes near the Waterpocket Fold
- Pass by Red Bluff on the route
- See Windgate Tunnel along the trail
- Ride through the Petrified Forest
- Start from Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey
What's Included
- Certified riding helmet
Things to know
Ages 8+ only; children 7 and under are not permitted. A helmet is required for all riders, and each person must ride their own horse (no sharing). Weight limit is listed as 230–250 lbs (some exceptions may apply), and pregnant women are not allowed.
Guides can accept cash or Venmo for gratuity.
Cancellation Policy
30+ days prior: full refund minus 10% processing fee. 15–29 days: 50% refund. 7–14 days: 25% refund. Within 7 days: non-refundable.
FAQs
Wear closed-toe shoes at all times. Wear long pants (jeans or leggings) and comfortable clothing; athletic undergarments are also recommended to reduce chafing.
Yes. Certified riding helmets are mandatory for all riders. Helmets are provided. Refusing to wear a helmet results in a canceled reservation with no refund.
Yes. The ride operates in all weather, so dress accordingly. Bring layers in winter (gloves, hats, snow pants) and waterproof gear if rain is expected.
More about Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah's most striking yet underrated red rock wonders, a place where towering sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons, and the dramatic Waterpocket Fold stretch across the desert in a wave of color. Tucked between Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands, the area surrounding Capitol Reef National Park offers a quieter, more intimate slice of the American Southwest, where the landscape feels almost untouched. Saddling up for a one-hour guided horseback ride just outside Capitol Reef National Park is the perfect way to experience this terrain the way early settlers and pioneers once did, at a slow and steady pace that lets every detail of the scenery sink in.
The ride begins with a friendly introduction to your horse and a few simple riding basics from an experienced local guide, so even first-time riders feel comfortable in the saddle. From there, the trail winds through classic high-desert country on the edge of Capitol Reef National Park, with views of sweeping red cliffs, juniper-dotted hills, and wide-open sky in every direction. You will hear the soft crunch of hooves on the sandy path, catch the warm scent of sage and pine, and feel the dry desert breeze as your horse carries you deeper into the landscape. The pace is relaxed, leaving plenty of time for photos and for soaking in the kind of quiet that only this corner of Utah seems to offer.
This ride is ideal for families with children, couples looking for a memorable outdoor activity, and travelers who want a true Western experience without committing to a full-day trek. Beginners are welcome, and the short one-hour duration makes it easy to pair with other adventures around Capitol Reef National Park, from scenic drives along the Scenic Byway to hikes through narrow canyons and orchards in the historic Fruita district. If you want to slow down, look up, and see Capitol Reef National Park from the back of a horse, this is the kind of ride you will be talking about long after you have brushed the red dust from your boots.
