 Zion National Park
is one of the gems of the national park system and is Utah's most popular national park. Horse lovers come from all
over to experience the stunning rock formations, towering monoliths, and beautifully carved canyons from atop their
horses. You don't want to miss out on the unique experience of taking a Zion National Park horseback riding tour.
The following are some of the horseback riding tours that we offer at Zion Ponderosa Resort. If you choose to
participate in the overnight horseback riding trip please remember to notify us in advance of your arrival at the ranch.
Checkerboard Overlook Ride
This is an easy, flat, one-hour ride. Riders traverse the plateau that overlooks Checkerboard Mesa in the Park.
Several different kinds of trees and shrubs line the trail. Riders will have the opportunity to see Checkerboard Mesa
from a number of different vistas and are invited to bring along their cameras. This is an easy ride for beginners and
a good warm-up for old timers.
 Jolley Gulch Ride
Jolley Gulch is a cool, ravine lined with large ponderosa pine trees and is home to an old homesteader's cabin that
dates back to the beginning of the 1900's. Jolley Gulch ends at the Cave Canyon dryfall, a spectacular 300 foot cliff
in the park that contains a small stream following thunderstorms. Riders can cross through the Gulch to the Park fence
where they tie up their horses. Guests can then walk the additional 50 yards on foot to the stunning dryfall. This ride
is excellent for beginners or more experienced riders and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Pine Knoll Ride
Pine Knoll is the highest point in the Southern section of the ranch and boasts a 360 degree, panoramic view of the
East Zion area. The trail up the face of Pine Knoll traverses narrow spine of fractured limestone and red sand. The
horse knows the way, so sometimes its best to close your eyes and hold on. You will have the opportunity to spend some
time at the top of the knoll taking pictures. The deep canyons of the Zion Narrows can be viewed to the west, with
Checkerboard Mesa to the south and the 10,000 foot peaks of the Dixie National Forrest to the North. This trail ride is
not for beginners but can be enjoyed by anyone who has a few rides under their belt.
Overnight Ride
For guests that want to experience a taste of the real Wild West, Zion Ponderosa can arrange a full-day ride with an
overnight camp-out. The ride begins in the morning with an ascent over Pine Knoll. Riders then explore the remote
sections of the Ranch, including the remnants of an old sawmill and a deep canyon called Englestead Hollow. The
afternoon is spent riding through thick trees and shrubs en route to the camp located in a quiet campground in the far
northern section of the Ranch. The evening will be spent playing games, eating a real Dutch oven dinner, singing
campfire songs, and listening to cowboy poetry. Guests will sleep in tents under a beautiful, star-filled sky. After a
chuck wagon breakfast, shuttle vans will transport guests back to the resort where the hot tub awaits! This ride is
offered only during the summer months and must be scheduled in advance.
Pony Rides
Kids under eight years old are too young for the horses but they will love our pony rides. The pony rides are very safe
and are a favorite among our youngest visitors.
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