Kanab: Cave Lakes Canyon Horseback Riding Experience

Red walls make a fine riding companion. This 90-minute horseback ride near Kanab takes you through green pastures, quiet meadows, and a canyon framed by 100-foot red sandstone walls. I like the gentle pace and the chance to see southern Utah from horseback rather than from another crowded overlook. I also like the small groups, limited to 10 people, which gives guides room to pair riders with suitable horses.

The main caution is simple: horseback riding still means a saddle, a moving animal, and some responsibility. One recent guest felt uneasy when horses nipped at one another, so very young children and nervous first-timers may need extra thought. The ride is also limited to people age 8 and older who weigh no more than 220 pounds.

Key points at a glance

• A 2.5-mile trail through Cave Lakes Canyon: The route passes meadows, pastures, hidden lakes, and red rock walls before climbing toward a low plateau.
• A small group of no more than 10: This helps the English-speaking guide give personal attention and manage the horses more carefully.
• Good for first-time riders: Several guests found the horses calm and easy to handle, and guides match horses to each rider.
• Guides add much more than directions: Jessica, Sadie, Blaine, Kevin, Rachelle, RaeChele, and others have been praised for stories, local information, humor, and horse care.
• $95 for 90 minutes: That is a fair price for a guided ride in a distinctive canyon, especially if you want something different from a standard scenic drive.
• Bring long pants and comfortable shoes: Food and drinks are not included, and you should arrive early enough to get settled.

Riding into Cave Lakes Canyon near Kanab

Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch is just outside Kanab, a useful base for exploring southern Utah. The setting places you between several famous destinations, with Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon both part of the wider regional picture.

The ride itself covers about 2.5 miles. That distance is not meant to be a workout or a fast trail ride. Instead, the route gradually moves through open pasture and canyon country, giving you time to settle into the saddle and look around.

I like this format for a first horseback experience. A 90-minute trip is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough that you are not committing to half a day on a horse. If you have never ridden before, the shorter duration also limits the chance of saddle soreness becoming the main memory.

The canyon walls provide the visual drama. At roughly 100 feet tall, they make the trail feel enclosed in places, while the pastures and meadows open the view again. That change of scale keeps the ride from becoming a repetitive procession along one narrow path.

What the 90-minute route feels like

The ride begins at the ranch, where you meet your horse and guide. Specific mounting and orientation details are not provided, so allow time to get organized before the stated start. One useful tip from a past rider is to arrive early. That matters on a horseback tour, since a calm start is better than rushing straight into the saddle.

Once the group sets off, the trail passes through green fields and winding sections of canyon. You will have the red sandstone walls on either side in some stretches, with more open views across the meadows in others.

The hidden lakes are one of the most unusual features of this outing. The information does not promise swimming or a long stop beside the water, so think of the lakes as scenic points along the ride rather than a separate activity. They add quiet, reflective scenery to a route otherwise dominated by red rock.

The trail gradually climbs toward a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. The climb is part of the route, not an optional hike, but it is described as gradual. You should expect changing views rather than a dramatic mountain ascent.

Guides may allow horses to graze or drink at suitable points. Stacey specifically appreciated being told when the horses could stop for water and food. That kind of guidance helps you understand that the animals are not machines being pushed from start to finish.

The red rock scenery is the main event

Kanab is known for big desert scenery, but this ride offers a different view from the usual roadside stop. You are low in the canyon, moving at the pace of the horse, with time to notice the walls, grass, water, and trail rather than simply taking a quick photograph.

I especially like the contrast between the canyon and the pasture. The red sandstone gives you the classic southern Utah color, while the green meadows soften the scene. In summer, the canyon can also provide shade and relief from direct sun. Amy noted that the surrounding terrain shielded the group from much of the heat during a July ride.

Weather still matters. The route may be adjusted to match conditions, as happened during one spring outing. That is a sensible approach, though it means the exact feel of the ride can vary. A wet or difficult day may bring a different route or fewer scenic pauses.

The scenery also changes with the season. March and spring can bring cooler conditions, while summer offers longer daylight and hotter sun. Fall and winter rides may feel quieter and cooler. The supplied information does not provide a weather gear list, so check the forecast and dress sensibly.

Horses chosen for beginners and experienced riders

The horses receive some of the strongest praise. Multiple riders described them as gentle, friendly, well-mannered, and well cared for. Amanda, who called herself inexperienced, said the horses were suitable for new riders. That is useful reassurance if you are interested in the outing but have never spent much time on horseback.

Horse selection matters. Sadie was praised for pairing riders with horses that fit their personalities and comfort levels. Blaine was also commended for choosing suitable horses. A good match can make the difference between sitting back and enjoying the view or spending the whole ride worrying about control.

You should still remember that horses have individual behavior. One guest reported seeing horses bite or compete with one another and felt uncertain about the handling. That was an exception among the supplied comments, but it is worth taking seriously, especially if you are bringing a child or have no riding experience.

The weight limit is firm: people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, cannot take part. Children under 8 are also not allowed. The age rule and weight rule are not minor details, so check them before paying.

The horses may be allowed to roam and snack in the fields. At the end of one ride, Jessica let the group give the horses a treat. That is not guaranteed, but it shows the outing can include small moments of connection with the animals beyond simply sitting on them.

Guides make the difference

This is a guide-led activity, and the guide can shape the whole morning or afternoon. The strongest praise goes to guides who combine horse handling with a friendly conversation and stories about the area.

Kevin was praised for keeping the group engaged with local stories and information. Jessica was described as charming and full of useful details. Sadie received high marks for matching horses, explaining the property, and answering questions. Blaine was called easy to talk with and well informed about the horses and Cave Lakes.

Rachelle and RaeChele were also praised for their warmth and conversation. One rider said RaeChele made the ride feel like spending time with an old friend. Another called Rachelle engaging, informative, and friendly, and appreciated her help taking photographs.

The guide names matter because you are not just being led along a marked path. You are relying on another person to manage a line of horses, explain when to let them graze or drink, and keep the group together. The best guides add context without turning the ride into a lecture.

There is one practical limitation. One rider found it difficult to hear the guide during the ride. With horses moving, hoof sounds, wind, and a group spread along the trail, not every comment will reach everyone. If a guide says something important or interesting and you miss it, ask for it to be repeated.

Is $95 a fair price?

At $95 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see southern Utah, but it is a reasonable price for a 90-minute guided horseback outing in a private canyon setting. The fee includes the horse and guide, which are the essential parts of the activity.

You are paying for more than a short horse rental. The route includes a 2.5-mile canyon trail, meadow sections, hidden lakes, red rock walls, and a gradual climb toward the plateau. You also get a guide who handles the group and helps match you with a horse.

The value is strongest if you want a quiet, active break from driving and hiking. It is less compelling if your main goal is speed, solitude, or a long riding expedition. Ninety minutes goes quickly, particularly once you become comfortable in the saddle.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own water and any snack you need, but do not expect a meal or refreshment stop as part of the price. Comfortable shoes and long pants are specifically recommended. Long pants are especially practical for saddle comfort and brush along the trail.

The flexible booking terms also help with planning. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That is useful in Kanab, where weather can affect outdoor plans.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This ride suits adults and children age 8 or older who want an easy introduction to horseback riding. It also works for experienced riders who are happy with a calm, guided pace rather than a fast or technically demanding route.

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups looking for a scenic activity that does not require a strenuous hike. The canyon walls and meadow sections offer plenty to see, while the 90-minute length fits neatly beside other Kanab plans.

It is a good choice for someone who has already visited a few viewpoints and wants a different way to experience the area. You trade the broad panorama of a high overlook for a closer view of the canyon floor, pasture, and trail.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone nervous around horses, uncomfortable sitting for 90 minutes, or hoping to ride independently at speed. The route is guided, the group stays together, and the horses set the pace.

Families should also think carefully about age and temperament. Children under 8 cannot participate, and the report of horses nipping at each other suggests that very young or easily frightened riders may not be the best fit. Older children who love animals may have a wonderful time, particularly if they enjoy learning about horse care.

Practical advice before you go

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. You do not need to dress like a ranch hand, but sandals and short clothing are poor choices for a saddle ride.

Arrive early. That gives you time to find Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, meet the guide, and get comfortable before the group leaves. Amanda’s advice on arriving early is especially useful because a rushed start can make a beginner feel more anxious than necessary.

Bring water, since food and drinks are not included. The material provided does not specify whether water is supplied, so carrying your own is the safest plan.

Ask questions. The guides have been praised for explaining the horses, the canyon, and the local area. If you are new to riding, tell the guide clearly. The experience is described as suitable for beginners, but the guide needs to know your comfort level to make a good horse match.

Keep your expectations realistic. You will see attractive scenery, but this is not a guaranteed wildlife tour, swimming outing, or full-day ranch program. The appeal is the steady ride, the canyon setting, and the relationship between horse, guide, and rider.

Should you book the Cave Lakes Canyon ride?

I would book this ride if you want a manageable horseback outing with memorable scenery and a friendly guide. The combination of red canyon walls, green meadows, hidden lakes, and gentle horses gives you something more distinctive than a basic trail ride.

The strongest reasons to go are the thoughtful horse matching, the small group size, and the quality of the guides. Kevin, Jessica, Sadie, Blaine, Rachelle, and RaeChele have all been praised for making the ride personal and informative. The 4.9 rating from 89 reviews also supports the idea that the experience is consistently well received.

I would skip it if you need a fast ride, dislike animals, exceed the weight limit, or are bringing a child under 8. For everyone else, $95 buys a pleasant 90-minute change of pace in one of southern Utah’s most striking settings.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The experience begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch near Kanab, Utah.

How long is the horseback ride?

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

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $95 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a horse and an English-speaking live guide.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What should I wear?

Bring comfortable shoes and long pants.

Can children take part?

Children under 8 cannot participate. Participants must also weigh no more than 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.