Kanab: Cave Lakes Canyon Horseback Riding Experience

Cave Lakes Canyon gives you a rare way to see southern Utah: from the back of a horse, at a slow enough pace to notice the 100-foot red sandstone walls, shady meadows, and small lakes tucked along the route. The 90-minute ride follows a 2.5-mile trail near Kanab, then climbs gently toward a low plateau between Zion and the Grand Canyon.

I like the small group of no more than 10 people, which makes horse matching and guide attention more personal. I also like the care shown toward the horses, with riders given chances to let them graze and drink. The main caution is that this is still a real horse ride, not a perfectly controlled amusement-park loop. One rider found the horses competing and nipping at one another, so very young children and nervous first-timers may want to think twice.

Key points to know before you saddle up

• Red-rock canyon riding: Follow a 2.5-mile trail between tall sandstone walls, meadows, and hidden lakes.
• A gentle 90-minute outing: The ride is long enough to feel worthwhile without taking up most of your day in Kanab.
• Good for many beginners: Guides pair riders with suitable horses, and several first-time riders found the experience comfortable.
• Small-group setting: A maximum of 10 participants gives the guide room to help with questions and horse handling.
• Useful limits: Riders must be at least 8 years old and no more than 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.
• Bring the right clothes: Comfortable shoes and long pants are required practical choices for the saddle and trail.

Riding into Cave Lakes Canyon near Kanab

The ride starts at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch, a short distance from Kanab. From there, you set out along a trail that winds through open pasture and into the canyon, where the rock walls quickly become the main event.

The setting is different from the broad, sun-baked views you get at many southern Utah overlooks. Here, the route brings you close to the canyon walls. Their height gives the ride a sheltered feel, especially through the greener sections of the property. You may pass through meadows, follow narrower stretches of trail, and reach the lakes that give Cave Lakes Canyon its name.

The trail covers about 2.5 miles, with a gradual climb toward a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. That description matters because this is not just a ride around a flat paddock. You get changing views and a modest sense of moving through the country, though the pace remains controlled and suitable for a guided group.

I would allow extra time before the scheduled start. One rider specifically advised arriving early, and that is sensible for any horseback activity. You want time to park, meet the staff, get paired with a horse, and settle into the saddle without rushing.

The horses and the first few minutes

The horses are a major part of the experience, not just transportation. The guides match riders with individual animals, and several guides received praise for making thoughtful pairings. Blaine was singled out for choosing horses that suited the riders, while Sadie was praised for pairing people well and explaining the property.

For a first ride, this early attention can make a big difference. The horse beneath you affects how relaxed you feel, how easily you follow instructions, and how much attention you can give to the scenery. The guides have experience helping beginners, and one recent rider specifically found the activity suitable even without previous riding experience.

The horses are also described as friendly, gentle, and well cared for. At the end of one ride, Jessica let the group give the horses a treat, a small touch that made the animals feel like working partners rather than equipment. Other riders appreciated being told when the horses could graze or drink.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. Horses have personalities and do not always behave like machines. One rider felt uneasy when horses bit at one another and competed for position. That does not appear to be the usual experience, but it is a useful reminder that you need to listen closely to the guide and stay calm around the animals.

What the 90-minute route feels like

The 90-minute duration is one of this ride’s strengths. You get enough time to leave the ranch, move through the canyon, pause in scenic areas, and return without giving up an entire morning or afternoon.

The first section takes you through pasture and toward the canyon walls. The mix of open grass and red rock gives your eyes a break from one view. You can watch the horse’s rhythm, listen to the guide, and gradually become more comfortable in the saddle.

As the trail bends farther into Cave Lakes Canyon, the walls become more dramatic. The red sandstone rises around 100 feet, creating the kind of close-up scenery that is difficult to appreciate from a highway pullout. The canyon also offers shade in places, which can make the ride more comfortable when the sun is strong.

The meadows and lakes add another layer to the route. They are not major sightseeing stops with long walks or formal facilities. Their value is quieter: a pause in the ride, a change in color and texture, and a place where the horses may graze or drink. That slower rhythm is part of the appeal.

The trail gradually heads toward a low plateau between Zion and the Grand Canyon. You should not picture a strenuous mountain climb. The route is described as a gradual ascent, and the point is the changing view rather than a physical challenge. For many riders, that makes the trip a pleasant middle ground between a casual ranch loop and a demanding backcountry ride.

Guides who make the ride personal

The guide can shape this experience as much as the canyon does. Several guides received praise for being friendly, attentive, and willing to talk throughout the ride.

Jessica was appreciated for sharing information about the area and for the small horse treat at the end. Rachelle was praised for her easy conversation and for taking photographs during the ride. Kevin added local stories and background that kept the trip engaging, while Blaine was valued for his horse handling and relaxed manner.

Sadie also received strong marks for explaining the property, answering questions, and matching riders with horses. These details suggest that the guiding style is conversational rather than purely instructional. You should expect safety guidance and horse-handling help, along with stories about the canyon and its caves.

There is one practical limitation. The group may spread out along the trail, and one rider found it difficult to hear the guide during parts of the ride. If the commentary matters to you, stay close enough to the guide when the group sets off, and ask questions during pauses rather than waiting until you are far behind.

The small-group limit of 10 helps here. It does not guarantee that every word will carry across the canyon, but it gives the guide a better chance to check on each rider and respond to concerns.

Why the scenery is worth the price

At $95 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend 90 minutes around Kanab. It is, however, a fair price if you want a guided outdoor activity that combines an animal encounter with scenery you cannot see from a standard road tour.

The value comes from several parts working together. You get the horse, the guide, the ranch setting, the canyon trail, and a route that includes pasture, meadows, lakes, red-rock walls, and a plateau. You are also paying for staff who select and manage the horses, keep the group moving, and adjust the route when conditions require it.

One rider noted that the route was thoughtfully adjusted for weather. That is important in southern Utah, where conditions can change the comfort and safety of a trail ride. A flexible route is more useful than a fixed promise to visit every point on a map.

I would compare the price with the type of day you want. If you are trying to see as many famous viewpoints as possible, a 90-minute horseback ride may feel like a significant slice of your schedule. If you want a calm change of pace from hiking and driving, the cost buys a more personal way to see the area.

The rating of 4.9 from 89 reviews supports the idea that the ride delivers strong value for most people. I would not treat that number as a promise of perfection, though. The horse behavior and guide-audibility concerns are worth keeping in mind, especially for families with small children or riders who feel uncertain around animals.

Who will enjoy this Kanab horseback ride

This ride is a strong fit for adults, older children, couples, and families with children aged 8 or above who want a scenic activity without a full-day commitment. It also works well for people visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, or the Kanab area who want to add something different from another hike or overlook.

Beginners should feel encouraged. The horses are generally described as gentle and easy to handle, and the guides have helped people who have never ridden before. You do not need advanced riding skills to appreciate the trip.

Experienced riders may enjoy it for the setting and relaxed pace, but you should not book it expecting a fast ride or technical trail work. The activity is built around controlled sightseeing, not speed.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling with a child under 8, weigh more than 220 pounds, or feel very nervous around horses. The age and weight limits are firm participation rules. The report of horses nipping at each other also means parents should judge their child’s confidence, not just their age.

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. The provided information does not call for special riding equipment, so practical clothing is the sensible approach. Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately rather than expecting refreshments at the ranch.

Planning around Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon

Cave Lakes Canyon is near Kanab, making it a useful activity for a wider southern Utah road trip. The route is positioned between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, and the experience is also promoted alongside riding opportunities in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Kanab.

That does not mean you will ride inside all three national parks during this 90-minute outing. This particular activity begins at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch and stays focused on its canyon, meadows, lakes, and plateau. Think of it as a Kanab-area activity that fits neatly into a trip linking the major parks.

I would schedule it on a day when you want a slower morning or afternoon. The ride will not replace a full day at Zion or Bryce Canyon, but it can give your trip a different rhythm. After hours of driving and hiking, sitting on a horse while the scenery changes gradually can be a welcome reset.

The reservation terms also make planning easier. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the ride.

Should you book the Cave Lakes Canyon ride?

Book it if you want close-up red-rock scenery, a relaxed pace, and a guided horse ride that feels more personal than a quick ranch loop. The meadows, lakes, tall walls, and low plateau give the route enough variety to justify the $95 cost, while the 90-minute length keeps it manageable.

I would especially recommend it to first-time riders who are comfortable around horses and to experienced riders who want an easy scenic outing. The guides, including Jessica, Sadie, Blaine, Kevin, and Rachelle, have been praised for horse matching, local stories, conversation, and attentive care.

Skip it if you need a fast-paced ride, dislike being around unpredictable animals, or are traveling with children under 8. Also reconsider if you need every spoken detail to be easy to hear while riding, since the group can spread out.

For most visitors staying near Kanab, this is a worthwhile way to trade the car window for a saddle and see Cave Lakes Canyon at a slower, more human pace.

FAQ

How long is the Cave Lakes Canyon horseback ride?

The ride lasts 90 minutes and follows a trail of about 2.5 miles.

Where does the activity start?

The meeting point is Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch near Kanab, Utah.

How much does the horseback ride cost?

The listed price is $95 per person.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. First-time riders can participate, and the guides match riders with horses and provide help. You should still feel comfortable following instructions around animals.

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 bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and long pants. Food and drinks are not included.

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.