Wednesday, October 10, 2012 (Red Canyon RV Park, Panguitch, Utah)

We had a relaxing start to the day...after a big breakfast, Steve walked down to the office to pay for another night while I had my shower.  It was about 10:45 when we headed off to Bryce Canyon.  We did not have to be at the stables for our horseback ride until 12:30 but we thought we would go early so that we could explore Bryce Canyon City a bit before going into the park.

We got out and walked around a bit but unfortunately, most of the shops in ‘Old Bryce Town’ were already closed for the season.

At the entrance to the park, we decided to purchase the annual pass to all National Parks...the entrance fee is $25 but for $80, you get an annual pass for all National Parks.  We plan on going to Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon...and I think there might be one in Arizona as well, so we thought it was a good purchase.

We parked the truck in the same spot as yesterday and walked the path to Bryce Canyon Lodge.  We had a bit of time to kill, so we wandered around inside...

...then decided to head to the stables...I was excited and wanted to see the horses...yes, we were early.  I was surprised at the number of people that started to gather for the half day ride.  Still lots of people visiting the park...there must have been about 30 taking the ride this afternoon...they ended up taking 3 groups of 10 (at least there were 10 in our group and since there were 3 groups going out, I assume there must have been 10 in each).  It took awhile to get everyone all matched up with an appropriate horse (there were also some mules).

And we're off...Steve was bringing up the rear riding Keystone, the mule, on our group (he was behind me)...I was riding Lucky Strike...

 



 

I didn't like some of the steep hairpin curves on the trail...but I managed it (although it got my heart pounding a couple of times)...

 



 

...and up we go....the trail took us up and down many times as we went through the canyon...

 

We passed many hikers on the trail...

 

We stopped for a rest and a water break about an hour or so into the ride...there was even a pit toilet available...

...and we're ready to go again...

Up...and up...

Look how close to the edge of the trail that the white horse in front of me goes...that would have driven me nuts!

And down, down...

Yikes...more of those downhill hairpin curves...

And we're back...

We had such a great time...it's a wonderful way to see the canyon (if you don't want to hike).  Steve took many fabulous pictures, so if you'd like to see them all, click on the following link to the web album Bryce Canyon, Utah Horseback Ride--October10, 2012