Kanab: Cave Lakes Canyon Horseback Riding Experience

Red cliffs, calm horses, and wide-open views. This 90-minute ride near Kanab gives you a quiet way to see southern Utah, with a trail through meadows, pastures, canyon walls, and small lakes. I like the short length, which fits neatly into a busy Kanab day, and I like the small groups of no more than 10 people. Guides such as Jessica, Sadie, Rachelle, Kevin, and Blaine have earned praise for pairing riders with suitable horses and sharing stories about the area.

The main consideration is that this remains a horseback ride, not a fast-moving adventure. You spend much of the time at a relaxed pace, and one account raised concerns about horses biting or competing with one another. That sounds unusual rather than typical, but first-time riders should pay attention to the guide and avoid bringing children under eight.

What makes this ride worth your time

• A 2.5-mile route through Cave Lakes Canyon: The trail passes between red sandstone walls that rise about 100 feet.
• Pastures, meadows, and small lakes: The scenery changes gradually, giving the ride more variety than a simple out-and-back trail.
• A low plateau between Zion and the Grand Canyon: The setting connects two of southern Utah’s great park areas without taking you inside either one.
• Small groups capped at 10 people: You get a more personal ride and a better chance to ask questions.
• Horses suited to many beginners: Several riders praised the calm, friendly horses and careful horse matching.
• Flexible booking: The $95 price includes the horse and guide, with cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before the ride.

Starting at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch

Your ride begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, just outside Kanab. The ranch is the practical starting point rather than a long transfer from town, and you should arrive early enough to check in, meet your horse, and listen to the riding instructions without rushing.

The activity lasts 90 minutes, but your total time at the ranch may be a little longer once you include preparation. The supplied details do not promise hotel pickup, meals, or drinks, so plan to reach the ranch on your own and bring any water or snacks you need for before or after the ride.

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. That advice matters more here than it may sound. You are sitting in a saddle for a while, and loose summer clothing or open footwear is a poor match for a trail ride. The area can also feel warm in the sun, while the canyon provides shade in places.

The ride is limited to people age eight and older. There is also a firm weight limit of 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. This is not a detail to leave until arrival, since it determines if you can take part.

Meeting the horses and getting comfortable

A strong part of this experience is the attention given to matching riders with horses. Sadie was praised for pairing riders well, while Blaine was noted for choosing horses that fit the guests. That can make a real difference if you are nervous, have not ridden before, or have only ridden a few times.

Several horses received personal praise. One rider described Quarter and Bangs as having quirky personalities that matched their riders. Others called the horses gentle, friendly, well mannered, and easy to handle. One account also noted that the horses were well cared for, allowed to graze, and given time to drink.

You do not need to arrive as an experienced rider. A first-time rider from Germany specifically found the ride enjoyable, and several other riders said the horses were suitable for beginners. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean completely hands-off. You will need to follow directions, keep your feet positioned properly, and pay attention to how your horse behaves near the others.

One less positive account described horses biting each other and competing for position. That rider felt the situation could be challenging for beginners and did not recommend the ride for small children. I would treat this as a useful reminder: horses are living animals, not trail props. Listen closely to the guide, keep a safe distance when instructed, and tell the staff if you feel uneasy.

Riding between 100-foot red sandstone walls

Once the group moves onto the trail, Cave Lakes Canyon supplies the main drama. Red sandstone walls rise roughly 100 feet on both sides, giving the route a strong sense of place without requiring a strenuous hike.

The horses carry you through a series of changing views. You begin around the ranch and open pasture, then follow a winding trail into the canyon. The ride is designed to be peaceful rather than demanding, so you have time to look up at the rock walls and notice how the scenery shifts as the trail bends.

I like this setting for people who want to see southern Utah without spending another half day walking over exposed rock. From the saddle, you get a higher viewpoint than you would on foot, and the horse handles the steady forward movement. You can enjoy the scenery while saving your legs for Zion, Bryce Canyon, or the next stop on a wider road trip.

The tradeoff is speed. If you want a technical ride, a gallop, or a great deal of action, this is probably not your trip. The route is built around a calm, scenic pace. That makes it a good companion to a busy national park schedule, but not a substitute for a serious riding lesson or backcountry adventure.

Meadows, pastures, and the canyon’s quieter side

The trail does not stay inside narrow red rock corridors. It moves through grassy pasture and lush meadow areas, which soften the view and give the horses room to walk and graze.

This variety is one reason the route works well for mixed groups. You can enjoy the walls, then move into a more open section where the horses may pause to eat or drink when the guide allows it. One rider especially appreciated being able to stop in a meadow, while another liked seeing the horses free to roam and snack in the fields.

You may also encounter small lakes or water areas associated with Cave Lakes Canyon. The supplied description presents these as part of the route, but it does not promise a specific number of lakes or a particular water level. Conditions can affect what you see, so it is best to think of the water and meadow sections as scenic features rather than fixed showpieces.

Shade is another plus. One summer rider found that the surroundings shielded the group from some of the sun and heat. That will not make the ride cool in every season, but canyon walls and trees can provide welcome relief during warmer months.

Climbing toward the low plateau

The full route covers about 2.5 miles and gradually rises toward a low plateau positioned between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. The climb gives the ride a sense of progression, even though the activity stays within a relaxed 90-minute format.

You are not taking a horseback route through Zion or the Grand Canyon themselves. Instead, you are riding in the broad region between those major destinations, in a setting that shares the area’s red rock character. This makes the tour especially useful for a Kanab itinerary. You can add a different kind of outdoor activity without repeating the same viewpoint or trail style found in a national park.

The plateau section should appeal to anyone who likes broad views. You gain a wider look at the canyon and surrounding country, while the lower sections give you closer views of the walls and vegetation. The experience is less about checking off one famous rock formation and more about watching the terrain change as the horses carry you through it.

Because the route and pace can be affected by weather, a good guide may adjust the ride. One rider appreciated that the route was changed to suit conditions. That flexibility is a strength, even if it means your exact path may not match another group’s ride.

The guides shape the experience

The guide is central to this tour. You are not simply renting a horse and following a marker. You ride with an English-speaking guide who controls the pace, helps manage the horses, and adds information about the canyon and surrounding area.

Several guides received especially warm praise. Johnny was described as friendly and reassuring for a first-time rider. Jessica was praised for sharing local information and allowing the group to offer the horses a treat at the end. Kevin kept the ride engaging with stories about the area, while Rachelle was described as personable, attentive, and fun to talk with.

Sadie earned praise for her knowledge of the property, her horse pairings, and her willingness to answer questions. Blaine was also singled out for his easy conversation and horse-handling ability. These details matter because a guided ride can feel either stiff and procedural or personal and relaxed. Here, the guide often seems to be the difference between simply sitting on a horse and feeling connected to the place.

One practical caution: a rider said it was sometimes hard to hear the guide during the ride. A moving group, hoofbeats, wind, and distance between horses can make conversation uneven. If a story or instruction is unclear, ask the guide to repeat it. The small group size should make that possible.

Some guides may also take photos. One rider appreciated having pictures taken along the way, while another reported not receiving the photos afterward. If photographs matter to you, ask before or after the ride how that process works rather than assuming pictures are included.

How much value do you get for $95?

At $95 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see southern Utah, but the price is reasonable for a guided horseback activity with a horse, guide, small group, and a scenic 90-minute route.

The value comes from the setting and the low planning burden. You do not need to bring your own horse, choose a safe route, or figure out how to manage the animal through canyon terrain. The guide handles the basic riding structure while you focus on the views.

The small-group limit also helps justify the price. A maximum of 10 people is far more personal than a large wagon-style outing. You should have a better chance to ask about the horses, canyon, and local area, though the exact amount of conversation depends on the guide and how clearly you can hear during the ride.

Food and drinks are not included. That is easy to handle, but remember to bring your own water for before or after the activity. The 90-minute duration also makes this a manageable add-on rather than a full-day expense.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you useful flexibility, especially when weather may affect the route. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are building a longer Utah itinerary and do not want to pay for every activity at once.

Who will enjoy this Kanab ride most?

I would choose this ride if you want scenery, animals, and a calm outdoor activity in one package. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time riders, and people who want something gentler than a long hike.

It is also a good match for a mixed group. An experienced rider can appreciate the canyon and horse handling, while a beginner can enjoy the route without needing advanced skills. The guides appear accustomed to answering questions and helping newcomers settle in.

You should think twice if you dislike slow travel, feel uncomfortable around horses, or want an athletic ride. The route is scenic and relaxed, not fast or highly technical. The age and weight limits also rule out some participants.

For families, the minimum age of eight deserves attention. Younger children cannot join, and one rider’s concern about horses interacting with each other suggests that parents should be realistic about a child’s confidence and ability to follow directions.

Practical advice for a smoother ride

Arrive early. One rider emphasized this in capital letters, and the advice makes sense. You want time to check in, get matched with a horse, and hear the guide without beginning the ride flustered.

Wear long pants and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Bring water, since food and drinks are not provided. You may also want sun protection, although parts of the route can offer shade.

If you are new to riding, tell the guide immediately. The horses have been praised as suitable for inexperienced riders, but the staff can help more effectively if they know your comfort level from the start.

Ask questions during quiet portions of the trail. Guides such as Kevin, Jessica, Sadie, and Rachelle have been praised for sharing information and keeping conversation friendly. If you cannot hear, speak up.

At the end, ask if you may offer a horse a treat. Jessica allowed this for one group, but it should happen only with staff permission. Horses may be friendly, yet feeding rules exist for a reason.

Should you book the Cave Lakes Canyon ride?

I would book it if you want a well-priced, scenic introduction to horseback riding near Kanab. The red canyon walls, meadows, pasture, and lake areas provide more visual variety than a plain trail ride, and the 90-minute length fits easily around other Utah plans.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to first-time riders who are willing to listen and stay alert. The horses and guides receive overwhelmingly positive praise, and the small group size adds personal attention.

Skip it if you need a fast, demanding ride, cannot meet the age or weight requirements, or feel uneasy around horses. For everyone else, this is a pleasant way to slow down, see Cave Lakes Canyon from the saddle, and give your Utah trip a quieter outdoor chapter.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

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

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The guided ride lasts 90 minutes.

How far is the trail?

The Cave Lakes Canyon trail stretches for about 2.5 miles.

What scenery will I see?

You can expect red sandstone walls about 100 feet tall, pastures, meadows, winding trails, hidden lakes, and views toward a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The horses have been described as suitable for inexperienced riders, but you still need to follow the guide’s instructions and remain attentive around the animals.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and long pants.

Who cannot participate?

Children under eight and people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, cannot participate.

Is food included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

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