News Release

Bryce Canyon private horse reservations moving to Recreation.gov

Bryce Canyon offers over 5 miles of horse trails for both private and wrangler-led rides.

Adobe Stock/Denis Feldmann

News Release Date: March 1, 2024

Contact: Peter Densmore

Beginning April 1, those planning to ride private stock within Bryce Canyon National Park will be able to make ride reservations online via Recreation.gov. This will replace the old system, by which reservations were made by calling or e-mailing designated park staff during regular business hours. Information on private ride reservations as well as wrangler-led horse and mule rides can be found at go.nps.gov/BryceHorse. 

Private stock rides for up to 10 riders will continue to be available every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from May through October, depending on weather and trail conditions. Reservations for the entire season will become available on April 1 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time each year. A $1 processing fee per reservation will cover the cost of Recreation.gov services.  

“This change aligns our private horse rides with the digital pass and campground reservation options already available on Recreation.gov,” said park superintendent Jim Ireland, “It also gives private stock owners the ability to better plan their visit. By moving reservations online, Bryce Canyon visitors will be able to view available time slots and book their next ride, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” 

Since 2015, private stock riders have been required to make reservations for a specific time by calling or e-mailing designated park staff during regular business hours. These reservations often required multiple calls or e-mails to book available times and could be delayed if staff were on other calls or otherwise unavailable.  

Private stock use has also increased significantly since 2015. That year the park saw 124 private rider reservations in 33 groups. In 2023 there were 923 rider reservations in 207 groups—an increase of nearly 650%. An online self-reservation process offers a more efficient way to meet this rising demand. 

To learn more about both private and wrangler-led horse and mule rides in Bryce Canyon National Park, visit go.nps.gov/BryceHorse.