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Experience Zion National Park like never before on a peaceful horseback ride along Jolly's Gulch. Perfect for families and all skill levels, explore Checkerboard Mesa’s iconic views on this scenic adventure.
Experience Zion National Park like never before on a peaceful horseback ride along Jolly's Gulch. Perfect for families and all skill levels, explore Checkerboard Mesa’s iconic views on this scenic adventure.
Book with East Zion Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by East Zion Adventures · Orderville, Utah
Discover the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park with East Zion Adventures' Checkerboard Horseback Ride. This one-hour guided tour along the rim of Jolly's Gulch offers riders an unforgettable experience of Utah’s wild beauty. Whether you’re a beginner or have intermediate riding skills, the gentle horses and expert guides make this trip accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. You'll pass breathtaking views of Checkerboard Mesa—an iconic sandstone formation named for its unique cross-hatched patterns—while soaking in sweeping canyon vistas and desert flora. This ride combines nature, adventure, and a touch of local history, offering a perfect way to connect with the landscape beyond typical hiking trails. The small group sizes provide personalized attention, allowing you to learn about the geology, wildlife, and cultural history as you go. Suitable for all ages and riding abilities, the Checkerboard Horseback Ride is a peaceful, scenic escape that highlights the rugged charm of southern Utah’s high desert environment.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic balance and light physical activity required.
No, the ride is beginner-friendly and guides provide instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all levels.
Yes, children are welcome as long as they meet the minimum age requirement, typically around 8 years old, and can safely ride.
We recommend bringing water, sun protection, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and layered clothing depending on the season.
Absolutely, all horses used are calm, experienced, and suited to riders of varying skill levels.
East Zion Adventures offers private and small group rides to provide personalized experiences.
In cases of extreme weather, East Zion Adventures will reschedule or offer refunds to ensure guest safety.
Checkerboard Mesa was named for its distinctive cross-hatched sandstone patterns, formed over millions of years by erosion and geological forces.
East Zion Adventures practices responsible tourism by minimizing trail impact and educating guests on preserving the fragile desert ecosystem.
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