Spend a full day on horseback through the tall pines and canyon benches east of Orderville. Small groups, a private guide, lunch, and a 15-mile route that visits a site known as Butch Cassidy’s Hideout make this a standout backcountry experience.
Spend a full day on horseback through the tall pines and canyon benches east of Orderville. Small groups, a private guide, lunch, and a 15-mile route that visits a site known as Butch Cassidy’s Hideout make this a standout backcountry experience.
Book with East Zion Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by East Zion Adventures · Orderville, Utah
Casto Canyon Full Day Horseback Ride takes you into the backcountry east of Orderville, Utah, a close-in wilderness corridor that sits at the edge of Bryce Canyon country. The day begins at The Shop Coffee Co, Orderville UT, where riders meet for a 45‑minute scenic shuttle to the trailhead. From there you saddle up for roughly six hours in the saddle and about fifteen miles of riding that finish with a glide down Casto Canyon. This ride stands out because the terrain shifts—tall ponderosa and fir stand above pinyon-juniper benches while crimson limestone and sandstone rims punctuate the horizon—so you get a forested experience unlike the amphitheaters of Bryce. The route follows an old outlaw trail tied to local lore: guides stop at a rocky alcove known as Butch Cassidy’s Hideout for lunch and stories. That mix of quiet forest, canyon outlooks, and western history gives the day a textured, place-specific feel. Eastzionadventures runs this as a VIP offering: small groups limited to six riders, a private guide, a prepared lunch (club sandwich, chips, cookie, drink), and shuttle transport back to Orderville. Practical details matter here—arrive fifteen minutes early for shuttle pickup, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring water since it is not included. Restrictions include a minimum age of twelve, a maximum weight of 220 pounds, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant guests or people with impaired mobility. For dietary questions contact [email protected]. On the trail expect steady gaits, manageable hills, and time for photos at the canyon rims. Wildlife sightings commonly include mule deer and wild turkey, while raptors often circle overhead. The horses are schooled for long rides, so basic riding confidence is enough to enjoy the pace; no technical equestrian skills are required, though reasonable fitness helps when mounting and dismounting over multiple hours. This offering is a particular asset to Orderville and the surrounding public lands because it channels visitors through local services, keeps group sizes small, and emphasizes low-impact travel across fragile canyon benches. For anyone who wants a long, deliberate day in southern Utah’s quieter pines and canyons—complete with outlaw lore, wide views, and slow horsemanship—this full-day ride delivers a memorable, grounded way to experience the landscape. Plan to ride in spring or fall for mild temperatures; summers get hot on exposed sections, winters bring snow and limited access. Pack layers, a small daypack, and a camera with a strap. Because groups are small, guides can tailor stops for photographers and to moderate pace for less-experienced riders. Booking through the operator assures attention to horse fit and route conditions; confirm dietary restrictions ahead of time via the email provided. This ride rewards patience: move slowly and the landscape opens.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Suitable for riders with basic horseback experience and reasonable mobility; expect several hours in the saddle and short walks when mounting or dismounting.
Meet at The Shop Coffee Co, Orderville UT; arrive 15 minutes early for the shuttle to the trailhead.
The experience is about 7–8 hours total including a 45-minute shuttle; expect roughly six hours in the saddle covering about 15 miles.
Private guide, shuttle transportation, and lunch (club sandwich, chips, cookie, drink) are included. Water is not included.
Yes—minimum age is 12 and maximum weight is 220 pounds; the trip is not suitable for pregnant guests or people with impaired mobility.
No advanced skills are required; basic riding confidence is sufficient since the horses are trained for long rides and the pace is moderate.
Email [email protected] to arrange accommodations for allergies or dietary needs.
The route follows an outlaw trail associated with Butch Cassidy and local lore; nearby Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1928, marking the region’s protected legacy.
Guides emphasize low-impact travel and small groups to protect fragile canyon benches; pack out all trash and stick to established tracks to reduce erosion.
East Zion Adventures is a Mount Carmel, Utah–based outdoor operator offering guided backcountry tours and shuttle services focused on the East Zion corridor of Zion National Park. The company provides a mix of Jeep tours, UTV driving experiences, guided sunset hikes, and convenient shuttle connections from nearby resort properties. Signature offerings include the Pink Sands Sunset Jeep Tour and Pink Sands Jeep Tour (which includes a stop at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary), the Diana's Throne UTV Adventure featuring a customized 2022 Can-am Maverick, the Zion Sunset Jeep Tour to the Pine Knoll summit, the Top of the World Sunset Jeep Tour (adults-only), the Zion Mountain Sunset Jeep Tour, an easy Sunset Guided Hike, and shuttle services from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and Zion Mountain Ranch, plus Observation Point and Cable Mountain shuttle options. Guides provide safety briefings, helmet communication on UTV departures, guided narration about local geology and viewpoints such as The Beehive, the Escalante Grand Staircase, and Parunuweap Canyon, and curated photo stops at sunset viewpoints. Tours stage from Mount Carmel with pickup and drop-off at designated resort flagpoles where applicable. Third-party reviews and resort partnerships help visitors choose the right experience, while local guides offer area knowledge for a reliable, memorable East Zion outing. Booking is available online and through partner resorts for real-time availability and reservations, and customer support available.
Book with East Zion Adventures