Bryce Canyon National Park - Nevada Horse Trails

The largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth can be found just a few hours drive from Las Vegas. Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah is home to a spectacular amphitheater of rock spires and pillars. Millions of visitors come each year to traverse and photograph the colorful landscape, but of course the best way to see the park is through the ears!

Horses and mules are allowed in Bryce, but as with most national parks, there are very strict regulations. Despite the restrictions, this is a bucket list destination for many equestrians, and with good reason! Don’t even bother putting your phone away because just about every part of this ride is worthy of a photo.

There is only one trail in Bryce Canyon National Park that is open to equestrians. The Peekaboo Loop Trail is just over 8 miles and takes a little over three hours, depending on how fast you ride and how often you stop to take photos. The trail winds through a jaw-dropping depression filled with tall and thin rocks in shades of red, orange, and white. Hoodoos, as they are called, formed from millions of years of erosion and weathering. These delicate pinnacles are a wonder, especially to see so many in one place.

The unique landscape of Bryce also features several species of fir, pine, and spruce trees as well as bitterbrush and manzanita. Keep an eye open for mule deer, which are abundant in the park (and not afraid of horses). You may also spot prairie dogs, badgers, and other critters. The trail itself is pretty strenuous for the elevation ascent and descent. It is technical with narrow sections, sharp/steep drop-offs, switchbacks, tunnels, step ups and step downs, and dizzying heights.

You must make a reservation to ride Peekaboo. The park will not let you in without one! With a reservation, a limited number of riders can access the trail from May through October, between 4:30pm and 7:30pm each day. Why so strict? The park has a large outfitter that provides horse and mule rides to tourists on the same trail, and they have exclusive access during the day. You’ll also need to show proof of negative Coggins and a health certificate to enter the park.

A few more important things to know about riding Bryce: Peekaboo must be ridden in one direction. (There are signs along the trail to indicate direction.) As with most national parks, dogs are not allowed on the trail. You must feed your horse weed-free hay for at least 48 hours before entering the park. You must remove all manure from the parking area or paved portions of the trail. Overnight camping and backcountry access is not allowed. Because of the timed entry, if you ride Peekaboo later in the season, be prepared to finish in the dark!