For an authentic Western experience, take in the red-rock desert from astride a horse and join one of the guided rides at Red Cliffs Lodge.
Riding attire of long pants and sturdy shoes (no sandals) is required. To ensure safety, and the most optimal experience, all rides have six riders to a wrangler.
When they are not taking guests out exploring, the horses at Red Cliffs love roaming around in their open corrals.
Horseback riding is seasonal or weather dependent. Always confirm that rides are being offered when you plan to visit.
Red Cliffs Lodge offers guided horseback rides on gentle, cowboy-trained quarter horses. Ride the same trails that John Wayne rode while making his famous Western movies at Red Cliffs. The main trail winds high along the red-rock canyon and provides majestic views of the famous Castle Rock and the La Sals before returning along Castle Creek in the cool shade of creekside trees.
Daily rides offered May through September. Morning rides are three hours and afternoon rides are 1.5 hours.
Another option is the Outback Adventure Trail Ride exploring the area of Professor or Castle Valleys.
Riders must be over 10 years old and an adult must accompany minors.
For your cowboy or cowgirl experience, call 435-259-2002, or visit redcliffslodge.com.
stable with a view
If you are traveling with your horse, consider staying at Red Cliffs Lodge. They will board your horse. You can stay in the comfort of one of their rooms or cabins while your horse is swapping stories with the local horses. Call the lodge for details, 435-259-2002.
Brought your own horse?
There are numerous riding options to explore. Be certain to bring certified weed-free hay and water for your animal as well as water for yourself, along with a good map (buy one at the Moab Information Center). Resource damage is lessened if all riders stick to the same route. Stay alert around motorized users. Cell service is spotty in the area so be certain of the safety of yourself and your animal at all times.
Ken’s Lake is a flat ride with a sand and sandstone surface. Riding time is about two hours. At Ken’s Lake, continue past the campground entrance 0.2 miles to the horse trailhead for parking.
Pack Creek Trail is further up the La Sal Mountain Loop Road at the entrance to Pack Creek Picnic Site and is a mixture of dirt and gravel. Riding time, out and back, is about 4.5 hours.
Seven Mile Canyon Trail is 2.2 miles up Utah Hwy 313 and is well signed with a nice parking lot (thanks Trail Mix!). Do not block the gate when parking!
The ride is an out-and-back in a sandy wash and about five miles one way.