The number of people seeking private horse or mule rides through Bryce Canyon has jumped nearly 650% in the past eight years. Now the permit process is going online.

It increased from 124 private riders in 2015 to 923 riders in 2023. Bryce Canyon National Park proposes managing private horse and mule reservations online through Recreation.gov.

Horseback rides remain a popular way to see the park today, and even cityfolk who have no experience riding can do it. You can go down to the canyon floor and back in a couple of hours.

Book with Canyon Trail Rides, which offers two- and three-hour tours April-October ($75 and $100 per person, respectively). In winter, explore the park’s extensive network of cross-country ski ...