Saddle up for a custom horseback experience at Gunlock Reservoir—private rides tailored for photographers, families, and special occasions that showcase Utah’s red-rock shorelines. Read on to learn what to expect, what to bring, and why this quiet stretch of desert makes a memorable western outing.
Saddle up for a custom horseback experience at Gunlock Reservoir—private rides tailored for photographers, families, and special occasions that showcase Utah’s red-rock shorelines. Read on to learn what to expect, what to bring, and why this quiet stretch of desert makes a memorable western outing.
Book with Western Horseback Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Western Horseback Trail Rides · Gunlock, Utah
moderate.
2–4 hours.
Moderate fitness—able to sit in a saddle for several hours and handle uneven, unpaved trails.
Book at least two weeks ahead for custom dates; larger groups or weekend slots benefit from earlier reservations.
No—guides accommodate beginners, but riders should be comfortable mounting, dismounting, and following basic commands.
Custom Event runs small groups to maintain safety and flexibility; expect groups of 4–10 depending on your booking request.
Children are welcome if they meet minimum age/weight requirements determined at booking and are paired with appropriate mounts.
Rides may be rescheduled for unsafe conditions; contact the operator as soon as possible to arrange an alternate date.
Light snacks and packed lunches are fine; open alcohol is generally discouraged to keep rides safe and low-impact—confirm specifics when booking.
Gunlock Reservoir was developed in the 20th century as an irrigation and water-storage feature for local agriculture, shaping the shoreline rides available today.
Guides emphasize low-impact horsemanship and staying on established routes to protect riparian plants and shoreline habitats.
Western Horseback Trail Rides operates guided horseback trail rides out of Pine Valley, Utah. The company offers a range of experiences built around trail riding in Southern Utah, including short introductory rides, multi-hour scenic rides, and overnight pack trips. Rides are led as guided experiences with horses and include options that explicitly mention meals, refreshments, and opportunities to immerse in natural scenery. Available trips include The City Slicker (1–1.5 hours), The Greenhorn (2–2.5 hours or two-hour variations), The Wrangler (a full-day trail option featuring a 2-hour ride and a campfire-cooked cowboy meal), and The Overnighter (an overnight pack trip with meals, drinks, and an option to inquire about multi-day extensions). Several itineraries note that rides traverse Washington County scenery and that The Wrangler reaches elevations over 7,000 feet. Many rides are described as suitable for riders of all levels, while others are positioned as introductions to horseback riding. All information presented reflects the trip summaries provided by Western Horseback Trail Rides. Prospective guests are encouraged to review specific trip details, prepare appropriate clothing (jeans, closed-toed shoes, a hat), and contact the operator for questions about reservations, weather, or multi-day availability. The business is based in Pine Valley, Utah, and focuses on delivering outdoor riding experiences that range from brief introductory outings to overnight pack adventures.
Book with Western Horseback Trail Rides