Do I need prior riding experience for the 2.5 hour horseback ride?

No experience is necessary. Your wrangler will teach you the basics in the corral before you start, and the horses are calm and well trained for new riders.

What makes the longer horse ride different from the 1.5 hour version?

The 2.5 hour ride takes you deeper into Castle Creek Canyon, where you’ll cross the creek multiple times and enjoy a greater sense of seclusion. It’s a slower, more immersive experience with extra time to relax in the saddle and soak in the scenery.

How much time do we spend in the saddle, and are there breaks?

You’ll spend about two hours in the saddle, with the first 30 minutes dedicated to orientation. The pace is steady but not rushed, and there are natural pauses for creek crossings and photo opportunities.

What kind of terrain and scenery should I expect?

The trail winds through a canyon lined with 2,000-foot red cliffs and a clear desert creek. The terrain is gentle enough for beginners, but varied enough to make the ride exciting and memorable.

Will we be riding into Castle Creek Canyon?

Yes. This ride follows exclusive trails into Castle Creek Canyon, giving you a special sense of seclusion and access to some of Moab’s most stunning scenery.

Are helmets required, and who has to wear them?

Helmets are provided for all riders. They are required for minors under 16 and optional for adults.

What are the age, height, and weight limits?

Riders must be at least 10 years old, 4’2” tall, and under 220 pounds. These guidelines keep both horse and rider comfortable for the full ride.

What should I bring for the longer morning ride?

Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera. Mornings are cooler, so a light jacket or layer is often helpful in spring or fall.

Is this ride suitable for older kids or teens?

Yes. Many families book this ride with older children or teens. It’s a great way for them to try something new while experiencing Moab’s landscapes in a unique way.

What happens if the weather delays our ride?

If weather causes unsafe conditions, rides may be rescheduled or canceled. If your ride is canceled, you’ll receive a full refund or can choose to rebook.

Ride Moab’s red rock canyons in the cool morning air.
Gentle horses make this perfect for beginners and families.
Wranglers share cowboy lore and Moab’s desert history.
Peaceful horseback adventure in stunning Castle Valley.

Castle Valley Horseback Ride 2.5 Hours

★★★★★ 4.9 Out of 2,463 Reviews

Beginning at the Red Cliffs corral, you'll meet your gentle cowboy-trained quarter horse and your professional wrangler who will take some time to make sure each person feels comfortable with their horse and horseback riding technique.

After some lessons in the corral, the trail ride begins. You'll head up Castle Creek Canyon where the soft sounds of the clearwater creek add to the ambiance of towering 2,000-foot cliffs. Cross the shallow creek several times as the views just keep getting better. This beautiful trail is made exclusive to those who choose this trip, so you'll gain a special sense of seclusion that only adds to the astounding sights.

After your Moab horseback ride, you'll return to the corral, and bid farewell to your steed and we recommend you take some time to explore and relax around the ranch before heading back to downtown Moab, Utah.

Maximum weight: 220 lbs. or 99 kg
Young riders must be at least 10 years old and 4'2" (52 inches) or 133 cm tall
Protective helmets are available for riders and are required for minors through 16 years of age

Approximately a 2.5-hour ride including 30 min. orientation

Note: Return times vary as much as an hour depending on the number of riders, weather, and timely starts

A group of people ride horses on a trail with tall sandstone cliffs in the distance.

Horseback Trail Ride Details

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Gentle horses, steady saddles, and attentive guides keep you relaxed and smiling so you can focus on the adventure.

ICONIC LANDMARK ACCESS

Ride beneath towering red cliffs and along desert trails once traveled by cowboys, pioneers, and even Hollywood film crews.

EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES

Wranglers share stories of Moab’s past while guiding gentle, sure-footed horses that make every rider feel at home.

HASSLE-FREE LOGISTICS

We provide the horses, gear, and guidance, just show up ready to ride and enjoy Moab’s canyon country on horseback.

AUTHENTIC CONNECTION

Forge a genuine bond with your horse and the land, experiencing Moab at the slower pace nature intended.

PERFECTLY PACED ADVENTURE

Unhurried rides let you savor the scenery, just the right balance of discovery, relaxation, and cowboy spirit.

"Horseback Riding w/ Kids was Awesome!"

★★★★★
Beautiful and peaceful horseback ride on real trails and through rivers. Melissa, our wrangler, was fantastic, and the kids loved it. We only wished for a bit more trotting, but highly recommend!

Matt - West Jordan, UT

"Horseback Riding Moab Utah"

★★★★★
We had such a wonderful time on the Castle Valley Horseback Ride. It was the best ever and I've had quite a few. Great trail, horses and wranglers.

Greg - Myrtle Beach, SC

"Horseback Riding"

★★★★★
Our Red Cliffs Lodge horseback ride was extraordinary—small group, exciting terrain, and the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen in years of riding the West.

Lydia – Laurel, MD

4.9 ★★★★★

852+ REVIEWS

4.9 ★★★★★

2K+ REVIEWS

5.0 ★★★★★

2K+ REVIEWS

4.7 ★★★★★

345+ REVIEWS

Moab Horseback Rides in Castle Valley Trip Reviews

Your Horseback Ride

Do I need prior riding experience for the 2.5 hour horseback ride?
No experience is necessary. Your wrangler will teach you the basics in the corral before you start, and the horses are calm and well trained for new riders.
What makes the longer horse ride different from the 1.5 hour version?
The 2.5 hour ride takes you deeper into Castle Creek Canyon, where you’ll cross the creek multiple times and enjoy a greater sense of seclusion. It’s a slower, more immersive experience with extra time to relax in the saddle and soak in the scenery.
How much time do we spend in the saddle, and are there breaks?
You’ll spend about two hours in the saddle, with the first 30 minutes dedicated to orientation. The pace is steady but not rushed, and there are natural pauses for creek crossings and photo opportunities.
What kind of terrain and scenery should I expect?
The trail winds through a canyon lined with 2,000-foot red cliffs and a clear desert creek. The terrain is gentle enough for beginners, but varied enough to make the ride exciting and memorable.
Will we be riding into Castle Creek Canyon?
Yes. This ride follows exclusive trails into Castle Creek Canyon, giving you a special sense of seclusion and access to some of Moab’s most stunning scenery.
Are helmets required, and who has to wear them?
Helmets are provided for all riders. They are required for minors under 16 and optional for adults.
What are the age, height, and weight limits?
Riders must be at least 10 years old, 4’2” tall, and under 220 pounds. These guidelines keep both horse and rider comfortable for the full ride.
What should I bring for the longer morning ride?
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera. Mornings are cooler, so a light jacket or layer is often helpful in spring or fall.
Is this ride suitable for older kids or teens?
Yes. Many families book this ride with older children or teens. It’s a great way for them to try something new while experiencing Moab’s landscapes in a unique way.
What happens if the weather delays our ride?
If weather causes unsafe conditions, rides may be rescheduled or canceled. If your ride is canceled, you’ll receive a full refund or can choose to rebook.

TOURS & ADVENTURES

ATTRACTIONS

ACCOMMODATIONS

AREA INFORMATION

Highlights

Castle Valley Horseback Ride 2.5 Hours

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Morning Horseback Ride: Cowboy-Guided Trail Through Castle Creek Canyon with Towering Cliffs and Secluded Views

Horseback Trail Ride Details

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

ICONIC LANDMARK ACCESS

EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES

HASSLE-FREE LOGISTICS

AUTHENTIC CONNECTION

PERFECTLY PACED ADVENTURE

"Horseback Riding w/ Kids was Awesome!"

"Horseback Riding Moab Utah"

"Horseback Riding"

4.9 ★★★★★

4.9 ★★★★★

5.0 ★★★★★

4.7 ★★★★★

What to Bring on this Tour

Cancellations

Book With Confidence

Direct Booking Price Guarantee

Great Tour Guarantee

Award-Winning Adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior riding experience for the 2.5 hour horseback ride?

What makes the longer horse ride different from the 1.5 hour version?

How much time do we spend in the saddle, and are there breaks?

What kind of terrain and scenery should I expect?

Will we be riding into Castle Creek Canyon?

Are helmets required, and who has to wear them?

What are the age, height, and weight limits?

What should I bring for the longer morning ride?

Is this ride suitable for older kids or teens?

What happens if the weather delays our ride?

Make the Most of Moab

Castle Valley Horseback Ride 2.5 Hours