Kanab: Cave Lakes Canyon Horseback Riding Experience

Cave Lakes Canyon gives you a rare way to see southern Utah: from the back of a calm horse, below 100-foot red sandstone walls and across open pasture. The 2.5-mile route passes meadows and hidden lakes before rising toward a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

I like the small groups of up to 10 and the way the horses are matched to riders, especially beginners. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Jessica has offered horse treats at the end, while Rachelle and Kevin have added stories about the canyon and surrounding area.

The main consideration is that this is still a real horseback ride, not a sightseeing vehicle with a saddle attached. Horses can jostle or compete with one another, and one rider found that unsettling. Children under eight and anyone over 220 pounds cannot take part.

Key points before you book

• The 2.5-mile trail takes about 90 minutes, with a gradual climb toward a low plateau.
• The canyon walls are the star, rising about 100 feet around meadows, pasture, and lakes.
• Beginners are welcome, and guides pair riders with horses suited to their experience.
• Small groups keep the ride personal, with a maximum of 10 participants.
• The horses are generally gentle and well cared for, though they remain animals with their own behavior.
• Long pants and comfortable shoes matter, and you should arrive early enough to get settled.

Riding beneath Cave Lakes Canyon’s red walls

The ride begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, a short distance from Kanab. The setting changes quickly from ordinary ranch surroundings to a broad canyon framed by red sandstone walls. At roughly 100 feet high, the walls provide shade and scale without making the ride feel enclosed.

You follow a winding trail through pasture and meadow. This is not a fast, athletic ride. The pace is intended for looking around, settling into the saddle, and allowing the horses to move steadily along the route.

That slower rhythm is a major part of the appeal. You get time to notice the color changes in the stone, the shape of the canyon, and the contrast between green grass and southern Utah’s dry red rock. The scenery does much of the work, so you are not spending the whole ride listening to a long speech from the guide.

The trail reaches hidden lakes and open meadows along the way. The exact amount of water and greenery can vary with conditions, but these areas give the route more variety than a simple ride through bare desert. You may spend one section beside canyon walls, then cross an open patch where the horses can graze or pause for water.

What the 90-minute route feels like

The advertised route covers about 2.5 miles, which gives you a useful sense of pace. You are not being rushed from one viewpoint to another. The trail gradually climbs toward a low plateau located between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, adding a change in elevation and a wider outlook.

A typical ride includes time on the trail, pauses in scenic areas, and chances to hear about the horses, canyon, caves, and local surroundings. Guides have also taken photos for riders, although you should not assume photography is part of every departure.

The meadow stop is one of the route’s nicest features. It breaks up the ride and lets you see the horses in a more relaxed setting. One guide even allowed riders to give the horses a treat at the end, a small gesture that made the finish feel personal. Treats are not listed as a guaranteed part of every tour, so consider that a possible extra rather than a promise.

The ride is especially attractive in warmer weather because parts of the canyon provide shade. That does not make the desert climate disappear, but it can make the 90 minutes more comfortable than an exposed walk across open slickrock.

Horses, guides, and first-time riders

You do not need previous riding experience. Guides have paired first-time riders with horses that were easy to handle, and one clear message from the operation is that beginners can take part. You will still receive instructions and need to follow the guide’s directions, but you are not expected to arrive with advanced riding skills.

Horse selection matters. The guides have been praised for matching riders with suitable animals, including horses with distinct personalities. Names such as Quarter and Bangs have come up as memorable pairings, and riders have appreciated being introduced to horses that fit their comfort level.

Several guides have received especially warm praise for the human side of the ride. Jessica has been described as friendly and informative. Sadie has helped pair riders with horses and answered questions about the property. Kevin has kept the ride lively with stories about the area, while Rachelle has been praised for her easy conversation and attention to the group.

Blaine has also been singled out for choosing suitable horses and staying engaged throughout the ride. Johnny has helped nervous or inexperienced riders feel at ease. Guides change, so you cannot request a particular person with certainty, but the operation has several staff members who bring more than basic trail supervision.

One practical weakness deserves attention. On one departure, horses were biting at and competing with one another, which made a rider question how well the animals were being managed. That is not the dominant pattern, but it is a reminder that horseback riding always involves some unpredictability. If you are nervous around horses, tell the guide before mounting and pay close attention to the instructions about spacing.

Why the small group size matters

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is small enough for a guide to notice how riders are doing and to answer questions without turning the ride into a long line of strangers.

A small group also helps with horse selection. The guide has a better chance to understand who is a beginner, who is comfortable in the saddle, and who needs a quieter animal. It also makes conversation easier during pauses.

There is one tradeoff. A group ride moves at the pace of the least confident rider, and the horses may need to remain in a set order. If you want to gallop, choose your own route, or ride at an advanced level, this is probably not the right format. The emphasis is on a calm guided outing, not speed or technical riding.

How the $95 price compares

At $95 per person, the cost is reasonable for a 90-minute guided ride in a distinctive canyon setting. The price includes the horse and guide, and the small group size adds value because you are not paying for a large-scale operation with little personal attention.

You are also paying for access to a setting that would be difficult to appreciate in the same way on foot. From the saddle, you move through the pasture at the horses’ pace and can enter parts of the canyon route without the noise or machinery of a vehicle tour.

The value is strongest for first-time riders, couples, and families with eligible older children who want one memorable outdoor activity near Kanab. It is less compelling if you are already an experienced rider looking for a long backcountry outing. Ninety minutes is enough to enjoy the setting, but not enough for a full-day adventure.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring what you need for before or after the ride, especially if you are fitting this into a busy day of sightseeing around Kanab, Zion, Bryce Canyon, or the Grand Canyon.

What to wear and how to prepare

Wear long pants. They protect your legs from saddle friction and brush, and they are more comfortable than shorts during a 90-minute ride.

Choose comfortable shoes. The supplied information does not require boots, so sensible closed-toe footwear is the practical choice. You should also arrive early. One rider specifically advised getting there ahead of time, and that is good advice for completing check-in, meeting your horse, and listening to the safety instructions without feeling hurried.

Keep your expectations realistic. The route is scenic, but the horses set the pace. You may need to sit quietly while the group moves through a narrow section or wait as another rider gets comfortable. That is part of a controlled trail ride.

The weight limit is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. Children under eight cannot participate. These rules are firm, so check your group before booking rather than assuming the ranch can make exceptions.

The best seasons and times to ride

The activity runs in different seasons, and the canyon’s shade can be welcome during hot weather. Summer riders have enjoyed cooler pockets along the route, while spring conditions have prompted guides to adjust the route when needed.

That flexibility is useful because a horse trail can change with weather. A wet section, heat, or other conditions may affect the safest route. The guide’s ability to adjust the ride is more important than following a fixed path at all costs.

Morning conditions can bring especially pleasant temperatures, but you should check the available start times when booking. The activity lasts 90 minutes, so it can fit before another Kanab outing or serve as a quieter break after a busy day in the national parks.

How it fits with Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon

Cave Lakes Canyon is near Kanab, making it a practical addition to a southern Utah road trip. The ride is not inside Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or Grand Canyon National Park, but the route gives you a different way to experience the red-rock region between them.

If you have spent the morning walking among crowded overlooks, a horseback ride offers a change in pace. You are still seeing dramatic stone walls and wide views, but you are doing so from a ranch trail with a guide who can talk about the horses and the area.

It also works well for a group with mixed interests. A confident hiker can enjoy the canyon scenery, while someone who does not want another steep trail can experience the area from horseback. That said, anyone expecting a remote wilderness expedition should choose a longer ride instead.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, small families with children eight and older, and anyone who wants a relaxed outdoor activity near Kanab. The gentle pace, short duration, and guide support make it approachable.

It is also a good choice if you care about how the horses are treated. Multiple guides have been praised for the horses’ condition and behavior, and riders have noticed when the animals were allowed to graze, drink, and rest.

I would be more cautious if you are very uneasy around animals, have trouble sitting comfortably for 90 minutes, or want a fast and demanding ride. The horses are generally described as calm and well mannered, but one departure included some horse-to-horse conflict. Tell the guide about your experience level and concerns before the ride begins.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps when your Kanab schedule depends on weather or park conditions.

Should you book Cave Lakes Canyon?

Book this ride if you want beautiful canyon scenery without a strenuous hike, and if you like the idea of seeing southern Utah at a slow, steady pace. The red walls, meadows, lakes, and plateau give the short route plenty of visual variety.

The $95 price is fair for the setting, horse, guide, and small group format. Just remember that this is a 90-minute introductory ride, not an all-day ranch adventure. Arrive early, wear long pants, listen carefully to the guide, and tell the staff if you are a beginner or feel nervous around horses.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The ride starts at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch near Kanab, Utah.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The activity lasts 90 minutes. The trail covers about 2.5 miles.

How much does the ride cost?

The listed price is $95 per person.

What does the price include?

The price includes the horse and an English-speaking guide. Food and drinks are not included.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. First-time riders can participate, and guides pair riders with suitable horses.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes.

Can children join the ride?

Children must be at least eight years old. Children under eight cannot participate.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. People over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, cannot participate.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.