Horseback Riding in Zion National Park
My daughter loves horses so we booked a horseback riding trip while we were in Zion. We chose to go horseback riding with Canyon Trail Rides. This Zion horseback riding company is located inside Zion National Park. It is located across the street from the Zion National Park Lodge and near the Emerald Pools trailhead.
When you book your ticket, you are given a parking pass, and also a gate access code to drive your car through the portion of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that is normally closed off to private cars when the park shuttle system is in operation. You still have to pay to enter Zion National Park itself, but at least you do not have to worry about finding parking.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to check-in. The horseback riding tours are very punctual, and you will be left behind. If you want to be more time-efficient, you can plan on hiking Emerald Pools the same day you take your horseback ride.
The one hour horseback riding tour along the Virgin Riverside was wonderful! We had two guides on our trip. One was leading the group and the other was in the back. We rode on the trail in a single file and it felt very safe.
We started our journey by riding our horses through the Virgin River. Then they took individual photos of us crossing the river, and offered them for sale at the end of the tour at $10 per photo.
Our guides entertained us with funny jokes and told us interesting facts about Zion. The one hour ride was the perfect amount of time for me, but my daughter wanted to stay longer! She is already in love with the horse, Black Magic, and is looking forward to returning again for another trail ride.
Beautiful Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy Scenic Drive
We originally planned to go river tubing down the Virgin River, but we were concerned with the low water levels. The Virgin River tubing is not a lazy river float to begin with. The water is shallow and requires people to get in and out of their tubes to avoid the sharp rocks. So we decided to go on a scenic drive down Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy instead.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy was a lovely drive. You drive in and out of tunnels that have been carved into the mountains, and get gorgeous views of interesting geological rock formations. We even saw some desert bighorn sheep! There were a lot of cars on this highway, but the Park Rangers did control traffic. Be prepared to wait for several minutes before being allowed through. Some people used this time to get out of their cars and take a few scenic photos.
Before heading home, we had a delicious meal at Whiptail Grill and did a little shopping in Springdale. If you love beautiful rocks, fossils and gemstones, visit the Zion Rock & Gem store, which is located at 1416 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767!
Rock hounds will love this place! This shop sells natural rocks, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, coasters and more. My daughter happily spent the remainder of her souvenir money in this shop. She appreciated the informative cards that came with the stones so that she could properly identify them when she returned home.
I purchased some dyed agate slice coasters, and also some gold plated geode slice necklaces (see above). I love that I am reminded of our trip to this park every time I use these coasters. I have also received many compliments on the geode slice necklaces. They are truly one of a kind.
Similar Agate Coasters and Agate Jewelry from Other Sellers
Blue Agate Slice Earrings
Gold Plated Blue Agate Slice Necklace
BLUE AGATE COASTER SET of 4 Sliced Thick with Felt Bumper (4-5″)
