canyon trail rides

In June 2014, our party of five took the 1/2-day trail ride down into Bryce Canyon. We enjoyed the views of Bryce Canyon which can be seen on the ride. However, we want anyone who considers taking this ride to be forewarned of the concessionaire's strict prohibition against taking along drinking water.Two days before the ride, our party had hiked a section of the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail, where the National Park Service cautioned us to take a large amount of water to avoid dehydration from the extreme heat and dryness. On our hike, we wore our camelback daypacks and also carried several extra bottles of water to ensure hydration. In view of this, we were very surprised when the cowboys managing the Bryce Canyon trail ride informed us that we were not allowed to carry backpacks or water bottles because their use might spook the horses/mules. We thought this was odd, considering we'd just been instructed to carry a greater-than-adequate amount of water when descending into the Grand Canyon. Also, our camelback backpacks allow the wearer to suck water from a hose while wearing the pack, so drinking would not have spooked the horses. However, the cowboys told us that water would be available on the ride. We assumed that we would be given the opportunity to drink during our ride and left our packs behind.Surprisingly, the only time we were offered water was at the mid-point of our ride, when we stopped for a bathroom break. The water was dispensed from a huge jug into the smallest-sized Dixie cups. We spent the break standing in line at the water jug waiting for turns to have our Dixie cups refilled. No water was offered to us on the ride down or the ride back up.Upon our return to the campground at Bryce, I began to feel ill and was likely suffering from dehydration. I am not an out-of-shape individual and am used to strenuous outdoor activities. I strongly feel that, had I been able to drink water when I needed it, I would have been able to avoid developing dehydration. It was several days before I began to feel like my normal self.

If you have a fear of heights this is not for you. A great adventure those that are not afraid. Fun for our teenagers. They will never forget the adventure.

If you are not sure about taking a trail ride -- DO IT. Wife and 7 year old son did not want to sign up, they had never been on a horse. I was nervous about riding close to the "edge". All fears were groundless, this was wife and son's #1 highlight of our week in Utah/Arizona - we took the 2 hour ride which was perfect. Our leader Cash was outstanding and the horses/mules were great. 7 year old was on Blueberry, a gentle horse that he fell in love with as she responded to his riding directives. There are no cliff edges, just embankments and it's not scary at all even if the horse walks near them. Going down the hill is not difficult and seeing the canyon on horseback was an epiphany for us. Especially the time of year we were there, the trails were very muddy and the high temperature was 46 degrees. Plus the little one would not hike very far, so horses were the perfect solution to seeing the canyon from below. We didn't get cold at all with a light jacket on but do wear a hat for sun protection. Bring some money for the trail photo and a nice tip (both which you will definitely want to do!)

I really wanted to do this ride, but was nervous of riding near the edge (especially after reading the reviews!) But I was determined to do it anyway (and shut my eyes if necessary). And was so glad we did it - it was a great experience and a highlight of the trip. I think, because I felt the cowboy leaders and the mules and horses knew what they were doing and had done it loads of time, I just went with it and enjoyed the ride and the views and the whole experience immensely. So did my son and husband. The only way to see Bryce Canyon. And very good value.

A horse ride down the canyon is a must even if it is many years ago the one has ridden. The experience is unforgettable and a talking point for years to come. The very experienced guides point out the landmarks as they lead the way down the dirt paths with 500 foot drops at the side. Stops are frequent for photo shoots for you to take as well as the guide to take of you! These are very good value to purchase when finished the trip back to the top. The overall ride take approx/ two hours. You need not be worried as your safety is their main concern. Go for it!! It was my and my wife's and friends highlight of our trip.

Wife and I had great experiences on our N Rim trip to Supai Tunnel. Knowledgeable and engaging leader. Great fotos.

We intended to ride the mules down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but because of my lack of knowledge of the area (it's a long story), we had to switch to riding the horses/mules through Bryce. We had a great time. And I would hazard to say that riding the mules through Bryce was better than in the Grand Canyon. You cover so much ground at Bryce. We took the 3 hour tour and saw all of the major parts of Bryce Canyon. It seemed like every turn there was something new to see. The trip down into the Canyon was quite dramatic. Later in our trip out west we did hike down into the bottom of the Grand Canyon. However, you don't get all of the new views that you would in travelling through Bryce. We covered a lot a ground and could never have hiked that much in a day. We had our two kids with us (12 and 15) and they would have quit after a mile or two of hiking. I recommend a bandana as the mules and horses kick up a lot of dust. Also, we took the morning ride which was a benefit as the temperatures were cooler. We traveled in July and the temperatures were in the 90s by mid-day.

Had great rides. both are unique and beautiful. the guides were knowable and friendly,, the mount were healthy, looked well cared for, also were well behaved, they do ask about your riding experience and try to match you with a appropriate mount. 1st time I had ever been on a Mule was at Zion and then again at Bryce. would do the rides again if I every get a chance. They are not to be missed.

Just did the 2 hour ride with 2 other (adult) members of my family. We were the only 3 in the group that morning with Kevin our cowboy. It was the most amazing way to see Bryce Canyon and Kevin was very informative and attentive. Would heartily recommend it to anyone wanting to go down into the canyon for fantastic views. We struggled a bit with the altitude in Bryce as we live at sea level so the ride was the easiest way to do it. The views and scenery are amazing.

I did the 1/2 day horse ride with my wife. It was the first time on a horse for both of us but we had no trouble at all. Dixie, our guide, was very helpful and gave us some good explanation about the area. The horses were very quite and they followed our commands.

I booked the Bryce Canyon Peek A Boo 1/2 day ride as a birthday present for my husband. He loves to ride while I do not. With that said this was a outstanding ride. The sights were breathtaking! The horses were well trained. There were lots of narrow switchbacks especially Devil's slide and the horses did a great job. My husband said this was his best trail ride EVER!!!! That is saying a lot . Matt was our guide and did a great job.

Five members of our family rode the 1/2 day Peek-a-Boo Loop with Canyon Trail Rides. We have ridden horses in McCall, Idaho, and Estes Park. Our experience is that the rides are so-so. This ride in Bryce Canyon blew all the others away. The guides were exceptional matching us up with horses. The horses followed each other. So, our time could be devoted to taking in the breathtaking scenery. The scenery was stunning. The trails were a ton of fun. At one point, our 18 year old daughter turned back to my wife and said, "Can you believe we are actually doing this?" It was a magical experience. I highly recommend it.

We took the three hour mule ride down to the Supai Tunnel and back. There were seven riders total on the trail ride and Melissa was our wrangler. I was a little nervous about the experience because I haven't been on a horse since I was 14 years old and I'm afraid of heights. Both of those contributed to me really wanting to do the mule ride and then I convinced my husband to do it too. I started out very nervous but ended up loving the experience. The vegetation and trees along the North Rim Kaibab Trail we rode on camouflaged the drastic drop and height to the bottom which really helped me with the fear of height. So if you're like me and have a fear of height, you can do this mule ride too. I thought it would be a problem for me, but I was actually totally okay with the height issue. Leslie was the mule assigned to me. I thought she was a very large mule and I'm only 5'1" tall and had to have a little help mounting and dismounting. Leslie, was a slow, sure-footed comfort for this beginner! She was a sweetheart who knew her way along the trail. Our wrangler, Melissa, was wonderful, friendly, and above all, never once did she make me feel like I was out of my element. She did everything she could to be certain we were all doing well, what to expect, and what to do to remain safe at all times. Melissa was a great guide too and gave all of us the support that made the whole three hours a fantastic experience. At one stop on the trail, she offered to take pictures of us on the mules. Something you definitely want to have as a souvenir. This mule riding experience down into the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will always be one of the highlights of my travels. The mules are great and so are the wranglers! What a great way to see the North Rim! And did I say it's fun too!!!

My daughter took this trip and we had a great time. Matt, our guide was funny and helped to inspire confidence on the trail as they are some challenging spots. Thank you for the experience!

Riding to the bottom of Bryce Canyon was a must on my bucket list. And I did it! I can honestly say it is probably one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done. And also one of the scariest. Our guide was JB, and he was very careful with everyone and very knowledgeable about what he was doing. The horses and mules were sure footed and easy to ride. It was an adventure I will never forget.