Bryce Canyon’s Thunder Mountain Trail offers an exhilarating horseback adventure for nature enthusiasts. This 4.5-hour tour immerses riders in the canyon’s breathtaking vistas, revealing its unique geology and terrain. With a maximum of 12 participants, the guided ride promises an intimate and personalized experience. Shuttle service and an expert guide enhance the convenience and safety of this scenic excursion. For those seeking an unforgettable outdoor escapade, the Thunder Mountain Trail beckons with the promise of an adrenaline-fueled journey through Bryce Canyon’s natural splendor.
Key Points
- Scenic 4.5-hour horseback ride through Bryce Canyon’s rugged terrain, guided by an English-speaking tour guide.
- Panoramic views of the canyon’s wilderness and sweeping landscapes from the saddle.
- Shuttle service included for transportation to and from the trailhead.
- Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues due to weight and experience restrictions.
- Straightforward booking process with flexible scheduling and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Activity Overview
The Thunder Mountain Trail is a scenic horseback riding experience that lasts approximately 4.5 hours.
The tour is priced from $140.00 per person and is limited to small groups of no more than 12 participants. A live tour guide, in English, leads the ride.
The tour is priced from $140.00 per person and is limited to small groups of no more than 12 participants. A live tour guide, in English, leads the ride.
Visitors enjoy scenic views of the Bryce Canyon area while traversing tight switchbacks and narrow ridges, providing a unique vantage point from the saddle.
Shuttle service is included, transporting guests from the meeting point to the trailhead and back.
Looking for more options in Bryce Canyon City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience Highlights
Scenic views of the Bryce Canyon area await riders on the Thunder Mountain Trail. The route traverses tight switchbacks and narrow ridges, offering a unique vantage point from the saddle. Riders can expect to:
| Experience | Description |
| — | — |
| Scenic Vistas | Take in sweeping panoramas of the Bryce Canyon wilderness. |
| Thrilling Ride | Navigate the trail’s challenging topography from the back of a horse. |
| One-of-a-Kind | Enjoy a perspective few get to experience – horseback in this stunning landscape. |
The shuttle service provides convenient transportation to and from the trailhead, allowing guests to focus on the adventure ahead.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Thunder Mountain Trail horseback ride includes the guided horseback tour, as well as pickup and drop-off service from the meeting point to the trailhead and back.
However, the price doesn’t cover food, drinks, or gratuities.
The activity isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, those afraid of heights, individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg), or inexperienced riders.
Participants are advised to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and to bring water. Backpacks aren’t allowed.
The tour is subject to weather conditions, and the overall customer rating is 5/5 based on 4 reviews.
Booking Information
Visitors can reserve their spot on the Thunder Mountain Trail horseback ride and pay later, without any upfront payment.
The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing for flexibility. Travelers can check the availability of start times to find the best option for their schedule.
This activity is subject to weather conditions, so it’s important to plan accordingly. The booking process is straightforward, making it easy for adventurers to secure their place on this scenic horseback ride through the Bryce Canyon area.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Recommendations
When preparing for the Thunder Mountain Trail horseback ride, visitors should bring along water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Backpacks are not allowed on the tour. The experience is subject to weather conditions, so participants should be prepared for any changes in the forecast.
| Do | Don’t |
| — | — |
| Bring water | Bring backpacks |
| Wear long pants | Forget closed-toe shoes |
| Wear closed-toe shoes | Ignore weather conditions |
| Check the forecast | Disregard weight limit |
| Arrive on time | Be afraid of heights |
Lastly, the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, those afraid of heights, or individuals over 220 lbs.
Meeting Point and Shuttle Service
From the meeting point, participants are provided with a shuttle service to the trailhead and back.
This allows visitors to park their vehicles at a central location and be transported directly to the starting point of the scenic horseback ride.
The shuttle is included in the tour price, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to access the trail.
Riders simply need to show up at the designated meeting point, where the wrangler will greet them and handle the transportation logistics.
This service ensures a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the scenic horseback adventure.
Stunning Scenery and Unique Terrain
As riders ascend the Thunder Mountain Trail, they are treated to a captivating panorama of Bryce Canyon’s renowned hoodoos and sandstone formations. The trail winds through a landscape of vibrant reds, oranges, and whites, offering a unique vantage point from the saddle. Along the way, riders traverse tight switchbacks and narrow ridges, providing a thrilling and exhilarating experience.
| Terrain Features | Description |
| — | — |
| Hoodoos | Tall, thin spires of rock carved by erosion |
| Sandstone Formations | Sculpted rock formations in a variety of shapes and sizes |
| Tight Switchbacks | Sharp turns on the trail requiring skilled maneuvering |
| Narrow Ridges | Exposed paths along the sides of steep slopes |
| Vibrant Colors | A striking palette of reds, oranges, and whites |
Tour Guide and Safety Considerations
The tour is led by experienced wranglers who prioritize the safety and enjoyment of each rider. They provide thorough instructions on riding techniques and trail navigation.
Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for protection. Backpacks aren’t allowed, as they can interfere with the horse’s movement.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues or a fear of heights. Riders over 220 lbs (100 kg) or without prior experience may also be excluded for safety reasons.
The wranglers ensure a memorable and secure experience on the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Horse on the Tour?
No, you can’t bring your own horse on this tour. The tour provider supplies the horses and limits the group size to 12 participants. Bringing your own horse wouldn’t be allowed as it could disrupt the group experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old. However, there aren’t any upper age limits, as long as riders can safely mount and control the horses.
How Experienced Do I Need to Be to Participate?
The tour isn’t suitable for inexperienced riders. However, riders don’t need extensive experience to participate. As long as they’re comfortable on a horse, they should be able to enjoy the scenic ride.
Can I Stop and Take Photos During the Ride?
Riders can stop and take photos during the horseback ride, but it’s best to let the guide know in advance. They’ll accommodate photo breaks as much as possible while keeping the group’s safety and schedule in mind.
What Happens if I Have a Fear of Heights?
If you have a fear of heights, this horseback ride may not be suitable for you. The tour includes riding on narrow ridges and tight switchbacks, which could be challenging for those uneasy with heights. Consider sharing your concerns with the operator.
The Sum Up
This scenic horseback ride on the Thunder Mountain Trail offers an unforgettable experience amidst Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking beauty. With expert guidance, riders navigate challenging terrain, gaining unique perspectives of the landscape. The 4.5-hour adventure, priced at $140 per person, includes shuttle service for convenience. It’s a perfect outing for those seeking an exhilarating ride in nature’s splendor.
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