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Explore Zion National Park’s Checkerboard Mesa on horseback with East Zion Adventures. Perfect for families and all skill levels, this one-hour ride delivers stunning canyon views and a close-up encounter with Utah’s desert landscape.
Explore Zion National Park’s Checkerboard Mesa on horseback with East Zion Adventures. Perfect for families and all skill levels, this one-hour ride delivers stunning canyon views and a close-up encounter with Utah’s desert landscape.
Book with East Zion Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by East Zion Adventures · Orderville, Utah
Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Zion National Park with East Zion Adventures' Checkerboard Horseback Ride. This one-hour journey takes riders along the rim of Jolly's Gulch, presenting unmatched views of Checkerboard Mesa and the surrounding canyons. Designed for beginners and intermediate riders alike, this tour invites families and outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature on horseback in a relaxed, safe setting. As you trot through the high desert terrain, you’ll experience the region's iconic rock formations and vast open skies, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The calm, well-trained horses make it ideal for riders of all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the majestic scenery without stress. This guided adventure not only highlights the visual splendor of Zion but also shares insights about the region’s geology and cultural history, enriching your outdoor experience. Whether you’re seeking a memorable family outing or a peaceful retreat from the hustle, this horseback ride offers a captivating way to experience the unique beauty of southern Utah.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most physical fitness levels; minimal exertion required
No prior experience is needed. The horses and guides accommodate beginners and intermediate riders.
Yes, families with children are welcome, and the ride is suitable for riders of all ages with appropriate supervision.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing appropriate for the season, and sun protection.
Due to the nature of horseback riding and terrain, this experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Absolutely! Many riders bring cameras or smartphones to capture the stunning views along the trail.
East Zion Adventures monitors weather conditions closely and will reschedule or provide a refund if it’s unsafe to operate the ride.
The Checkerboard Mesa area holds cultural significance for native tribes and has geological features formed over millions of years of erosion.
East Zion Adventures practices Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and minimize human impact.
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