Kanab: Cave Lakes Canyon Horseback Riding Experience

Cave Lakes Canyon gives you something rare near Kanab: a quiet horseback ride beneath 100-foot red sandstone walls, with meadows and small lakes breaking up the red-rock scenery. The 2.5-mile route gradually climbs toward a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

I like the gentle pace and the careful horse matching, especially for first-time riders. I also like the personal touch from guides such as Jessica, Sadie, Blaine, and Rachelle, who explain the area and answer questions. The main consideration is that horse behavior can vary, and the ride may feel less comfortable for very young children or nervous beginners.

Key points to know before you book

• Red-rock canyon setting: Ride through Cave Lakes Canyon, surrounded by towering sandstone walls and open meadow.
• A good first horseback ride: The horses are generally calm and well suited to beginners, with guides providing direction along the trail.
• Short but scenic route: The ride covers about 2.5 miles in 90 minutes, giving you a taste of the area without taking up half a day.
• Small groups: No more than 10 people join each ride, making it easier to hear the guide and get individual help.
• Bring the right clothing: Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. Food and drinks are not included.
• Important limits: Riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh no more than 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

A quiet horse ride just outside Kanab

Kanab is surrounded by famous red-rock sights, but not every worthwhile outing requires a long hike or a crowded viewpoint. At Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, you trade walking boots for a saddle and follow a guided trail through a quieter corner of southern Utah.

The setting is the main attraction. The canyon walls rise around you, with red sandstone reaching roughly 100 feet above the trail. Between the rock faces, the route passes through grassy meadows and by hidden lakes. The mix of open pasture and narrow canyon scenery keeps the ride from feeling repetitive.

I like this kind of outing for a rest day between national park visits. After hiking in Zion or Bryce Canyon, a slow ride can give your legs a break while still putting you outdoors. It also offers a different view of the country. From a horse, you notice the trail underfoot, the sound of hooves, and the changing shape of the canyon walls in a way you do not get from a car.

The ranch is near Kanab, making it a practical addition to a southern Utah trip. The activity is also described as a way to reach a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. That location gives the route a useful sense of place, even though this is not a full-day expedition into either national park.

What the 90-minute route feels like

The ride covers about 2.5 miles and lasts 90 minutes. That is enough time to settle into the saddle, get used to your horse, enjoy several types of scenery, and hear stories from the guide without making the outing physically demanding for most participants.

The route begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch. You will be assigned a horse, receive guidance, and then follow the trail into the canyon. Exact stops can vary, and the route may be adjusted for weather conditions. That flexibility matters in southern Utah, where heat, storms, or wet ground can change what is comfortable and safe.

Early in the ride, expect the canyon walls to provide the visual drama. The red stone rises on both sides, creating a strong contrast with the grass and open sky. The route then winds through meadows, where the scenery opens up and the horses may have opportunities to graze or drink water under the guide’s direction.

The small lakes are another appealing feature. They add a cooler, quieter note to a setting often associated only with dry rock. You should not expect a long stop for swimming or a separate lake activity. The lakes are scenic points along the horseback route, part of the changing view rather than a standalone attraction.

As the trail climbs, you move toward the low plateau between Zion and the Grand Canyon. The rise is gradual, not a strenuous mountain climb. Still, you should be ready for a real trail ride, with some movement from the horse and changing ground underfoot.

The horses and the beginner experience

You do not need previous riding experience for this activity. The ride is structured as a guided group outing, and the horses are selected for the people riding them. Several guides, including Blaine and Sadie, have been praised for matching horses well to each rider’s comfort level.

That matching is especially important if you are nervous. A large animal can feel intimidating at first, and even a quiet horse has its own habits. The best approach is to listen closely at the start, keep your hands relaxed, and follow the guide’s instructions rather than trying to control the horse on your own.

The horses are generally described as gentle, friendly, and well cared for. Some riders have been allowed to give the horses a treat at the end, which adds a pleasant closing moment for children and horse lovers. The animals may also graze in the meadows during the ride when the guide says it is appropriate.

There is one point to keep in mind. One account described horses biting or competing with one another, which made the ride less comfortable for first-time riders. This appears to be an exception within otherwise positive feedback, but it is a fair reminder that horses are living animals, not amusement-park rides. I would be cautious about booking this for a very young child or anyone who is extremely uneasy around horses.

The minimum age is 8. Riders over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, cannot take part. Those limits are firm and should be checked before you reserve.

Guides who add more than directions

A good horseback ride depends heavily on the guide. The trail itself may be beautiful, but the guide controls the pace, explains how to handle the horse, watches the group, and helps you understand what you are seeing.

This experience has several guides singled out for different strengths. Jessica has been praised for sharing information about the area and letting riders give the horses a treat afterward. Sadie is known for pairing riders with suitable horses and explaining the property. Blaine has been described as easy to talk with and well informed about the horses and Cave Lakes.

Rachelle and RaeChele have also been praised for friendly conversation and an engaging manner. One rider appreciated having photos taken along the way, though another person reported that promised photos had not arrived. If your guide offers to take pictures, it is sensible to confirm how and when you will receive them.

Kevin has been praised for telling stories about the area and keeping the group involved. Johnny, meanwhile, helped make the ride comfortable for a first-time rider. The names and guide assignments can change, so you should not book expecting one particular person. The useful point is that the experience benefits from guides who do more than lead a horse down a path.

One practical issue is group communication. A rider noted that it was sometimes hard to hear the guide during the ride. With up to 10 people, wind, hoofbeats, and the spacing between horses can make conversation uneven. If you want to hear every story, stay close enough to the guide while still leaving safe space between horses.

Why the scenery earns the $95 price

At $95 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend 90 minutes near Kanab. It is also not priced like a full-day ranch excursion. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for the horse, the guide, the ranch setting, the trail access, and the chance to ride through a canyon that would be difficult to experience in the same way on foot. For a first-time rider, the guided support and horse selection add real value. You do not need to own equipment, arrange a horse, or know how to plan a route through unfamiliar terrain.

The scenery helps justify the cost. A standard trail ride through scrubland would feel less compelling at this price, but this route combines tall red walls, open meadows, lakes, and a gradual climb. The variety gives the 90 minutes a satisfying rhythm.

The duration is also useful for itinerary planning. You can fit the ride around other Kanab-area activities without giving up an entire morning or afternoon. If you have never ridden before, 90 minutes is long enough to feel like a proper outing but short enough that saddle soreness is less likely to dominate the rest of your day.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately. The activity is best viewed as a focused outdoor experience, not a complete half-day package.

What to wear and how to prepare

Wear long pants. They protect your legs from the saddle, stirrups, brush, and friction. Comfortable shoes are also required, and you should choose footwear that feels secure while walking and riding.

Arrive early. One rider specifically advised giving yourself extra time, and that is sound advice for a ranch activity with horse assignments and a group departure. The tour begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, so confirm the meeting details when booking and avoid arriving at the last minute.

You do not need to bring food or drinks as part of the tour, since neither is included. The provided information does not specify other equipment, so avoid assuming that helmets, snacks, or photography services are included unless the operator confirms them.

The route can be adjusted to suit weather conditions. That is good for safety and comfort, but it also means the precise ride may not look identical every day. If the weather is unsettled, ask what route is planned before you mount.

The activity is conducted in English. If you need detailed riding instructions, make sure you can follow spoken English clearly, especially when the group is spread out along the trail.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This ride is a strong match for first-time riders who want a gentle introduction to horseback travel. The short route, small group size, and repeated praise for calm horses make it less intimidating than a large commercial trail ride.

It also suits couples and families with children aged 8 or older. Horse lovers will appreciate the attention given to the animals, including time to let them graze and, in some cases, offer a treat afterward. The setting works well for photographers too, although you should keep your equipment secure and avoid letting picture-taking distract from riding instructions.

I would also recommend it to anyone looking for a quieter break from the major parks. You will still get the red-rock scenery associated with Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Kanab area, but the pace is slower and the experience is more personal.

It may not suit someone seeking speed, advanced riding, or a long backcountry trip. The route is guided, the group stays together, and the pace is designed for mixed abilities. Riders who want to gallop or handle horses independently should choose a different kind of outing.

The weight limit also rules out some adults, and the minimum age makes it unsuitable for families with younger children. If a child is horse-mad but under 8, this is not an activity you can bend the rules for.

A small group makes a difference

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on each rider and answer questions without turning the outing into a private tour.

A smaller group also helps with horse spacing and trail flow. You are less likely to be stuck in a long line of riders, and the guide can give more personal help if someone needs a reminder about reins, posture, or when to let the horse graze.

Small groups do not guarantee silence or constant conversation. Horses may spread out, and it can be difficult to hear from the back. Still, 10 people is a reasonable limit for a beginner-friendly ride in a canyon.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some flexibility, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your southern Utah plans are still taking shape. Check the available start times before committing, since the 90-minute duration alone does not tell you whether the ride fits your day.

Should you book the Cave Lakes Canyon ride?

Book this ride if you want a scenic, moderate-length horseback outing with striking red rock, a small group, and a good chance of being matched with a calm horse. The repeated praise for the horses, guides, scenery, and personal attention makes the $95 price reasonable for many visitors.

I would especially choose it for a first ride, a relaxed couple’s activity, or a family outing with children who meet the age requirement. The best guides add local stories and help you feel at ease, while the changing scenery keeps the route interesting.

Skip it if you want advanced riding, a fast pace, or a full-day wilderness trip. Also think twice if you have a very young child, weigh more than 220 pounds, or feel deeply uncomfortable around horses.

For most people visiting Kanab, this is a pleasant way to see the canyon country from a lower, slower viewpoint. Give yourself extra time to arrive, wear long pants, listen carefully to the guide, and let the horses set the pace.

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 activity lasts 90 minutes.

How far do you ride?

The Cave Lakes Canyon trail covers about 2.5 miles.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $95 per person.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Previous riders have found the horses suitable for inexperienced riders, and guides provide instructions and match riders with horses.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What should I wear?

Bring comfortable shoes and long pants.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.