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Bryce Canyon National Parka view of tower bridge from down in the canyon
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Private Horse & Mule Riding at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is a very wonderful place and some visitors enjoy bringing their own riding stock into the park to enjoy the breathtaking views one can only experience from the back of a horse or mule.

Below is information to assist visitors in the use of private stock. (A concessionaire is already in place for those visitors who may not have their own horse or mule. Click here for more information.)

The use of privately owned stock on the trails of Bryce Canyon is permitted. However, regulations and guidelines have been developed to ensure safety and protection for other visitors and park resources.

  1. Parking, loading, and unloading must take place in the mixing circle area. (click to open map).
  2. Stock must never be left unattended.
  3. Backcountry campgrounds are not developed to accommodate stock, therefore, overnight camping or pack trips on horseback will not be authorized.
  4. Horseback riding is limited to authorized horse/mule trails only. (click to open map).
  5. All rules and regulations regarding trail use will also pertain to horseback use of trails. This includes, horses must stay on trails at all times; shortcutting of trails is not permitted; and riding parallel to the trail is not permitted.
  6. We require the use of certified weed-free feed. Stock must be fed certified weed-free feed a minimum of 48 hours prior to stock coming into the park.
  7. All stock must have current Coggins Certification. Rangers will check this prior to stock being allowed in the park.

In order to avoid conflict with other horse rides and for the safety of other visitors and stock, all horseback riding must be coordinated with Canyon Trail rides prior to entering the park. Contact Paul O. Mangum of Canyon Trail Rides at 435-679-8665 to coordinate your ride.

Liveries are not available in the immediate area. You may, however, be able to make livery service arrangements for your horses by visiting www.brycecanyoncountry.com. Camping with your stock is available in Red Canyon and on National Forest Service Land (Contact the Dixie National Forest Field Office at 435-676-8815) for further information.

We hope this information will be of value to you in planning and enjoying your horseback trip in Bryce Canyon. For any questions, call our office at 435-834-5322. or e-mail us.

Bryce Paintbrush, known also as the Reveal Paintbrush  

Did You Know?
The Reveal Paintbrush was discovered June 24, 1965 at Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. This rare wildflower is only found in southwestern Utah.
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Last Updated: October 16, 2007 at 10:19 EST