This vast, sparsely populated section of Arizona and Utah is ideally suited for horseback riding vacations. The landscape in this part of the Southwest has a haunting, nostalgic quality and at times the feeling of déjà vu can be almost overpowering. Film directors and artists have long recognized that the landscape here is some of the most dramatically beautiful in the world. Spectacular, red walled mesas tower abruptly a thousand feet above the surrounding plain, rivers have carved out immense, multi-colored canyons, outcroppings of rock have formed weird shapes and the unusual form of the tall saguaro cactus dots the desert. Horseback riding in Arizona constantly provides magnificent and ever changing views which help make the experience unforgettable.
The cultural aspects are fascinating too. One frequently sees the remains of the once powerful and now vanished Anasazi civilization and comes in contact with the thriving Navajo who have maintained many of their ancient traditions. They still produce fine woven rugs, pottery and silver work. The 6 million acre Navajo Indian Reservation with its rich historical sites and stupendous scenic views is one of the most interesting places for Arizona horseback riding vacations.
Each of our horseback riding tours in Arizona and Utah has its unique characteristics and the Two Inn Trail even provides the comfort of inn lodging while traveling through spectacular wilderness country each day. Click below for more detailed information including prices, dates and itineraries for the rides which interest you. These are all camping rides except for the Two Inn Trail.
Horseback riding in Arizona is an ancient tradition and has been going on since the Spanish conquistadores arrived in the 16th century. After 1680 when the Pueblo Rebellion took place the Indians were able to capture hundreds of horses which totally changed their life style, making it far easier to hunt buffalo and to move from place to place. Our outfitters in Arizonan are a fourth generation ranching family who have been driving their cattle over the same route for a century. Horseback riding in Arizona with them is like stepping a hundred years into the past and living the exciting and satisfying life of a cowboy. It will bring alive all those Western movies you have seen, books you have read and songs you have listened to.
All our horseback riding in Arizona and Utah is under permit from the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Arizona/Utah - CANYON EXPLORER TREK - This challenging adventure is for those who have done other rides with us and want to explore new territory.
Arizona/Utah - GRAND CANYON WINTER PASTURES - Amazingly there are wide terraces on the slopes of the Grand Canyon’s north rim where the winter remains temperate and ideal for camping. This little known area, accessible only on horseback or by hiking, provides wonderful views from the seldom visited north side of the canyon.
Arizona/Utah - LONG VALLEY CATTLE DRIVE - This is one of the very few truly authentic cattle drives left in America. It takes ten days to move the cattle from the ranch in the Bryce Canyon area down to winter pasture on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It provides a unique chance to move back to a bygone era for a horseback riding vacation. Your cowboy guides are forth generation ranchers in the area.
Arizona/Utah - NAVAJOLAND - This popular Arizona horseback riding tour through the heart of Navajo country traverses the breathtaking Canyon de Chelly and visits other fascinating parts of the vast Navajo Indian Reservation. There are many opportunities to see the impressive remains of the ancient Anasazi civilization discussed in Jared Diamond’s best selling book, Collapse.
Arizona/Utah - THE TWO INN TRAIL - The ride offers the comfort of comfortable lodging while seeing new sections of this wild country each day and riding the same picturesque trails taken by Indians, Spanish explorers, cowboys, miners and outlaws in former times.
Arizona/Utah - THREE PARK SPECTACULAR - This grand tour covers the region in and around three of our most famous parks which are among our greatest national treasures. It affords views few tourists ever see and there is a special thrill in viewing it while horseback riding like the early explorers.
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A horseback riding vacation in beautiful country where the climate is favorable for comfortable camping
Arizona horseback riding will take you on some steep and rugged trails, but the sure footed horses handled them beautifully.
Guests on this trip will find some great places for a good gallop and pleasant spots for camping.
Well-trained horses capably negotiate the rugged terrain on these riding tours in AZ
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