Trail ride through the old Wild West America
North America > United States

Spectacular Three Park Trail (15 days)

An incredible trail ride across the border between Utah and Arizona. Wide open spaces contrast with narrow canyons on this incredible horseback trail through the old Wild West. This extended version of the classic Three Park Trail offers the possibility to spend more days in the saddle and visit some of the most impressive parks in the area.
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Trail Riding
15 days / 9 days riding
From £4,020
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Itinerary

Highlights

- Visit some of the greatest natural wonders of the West
- Cowboys, chuck wagons, canyons and prairies .... the pure Old Wild West!
- Experience breathtaking canters towards infinite horizons
- Be welcomed into this cowboy family and leave as friends.

  • Day 1 1: LONDON - ST GEORGE

    Fly from London to St George (c. 9 hour flight) and spend the night in a hotel. Flights are not included but can be arranged on request.

    Meet the group at the hotel and enjoy the first dinner together. Overnight in St George.

    Please note that the transfers are not included (check "Dates&Prices" to know more).

  • Day 2 2: SAINT GEORGE - PARIA - No riding

    Camp
    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paria, the location where this riding holiday takes place.
    Upon arrival, you will have a chance to meet the horses and the local team. The horses will be assigned to each rider and there is a quick introduction to western riding.

    Overnight in tents.

  • Day 3 3: ROCK SPRING - SHEEP CREEK - WILLIS CREEK - 8h riding

    Camp
    Today, is the first day of the riding adventure!
    You will be riding by a succession of canyons. Following the Paria river, you will arrive at Rock Spring and stop for a picnic lunch.
    At a bend in the Paria River, you will enter the Sheep Creek tributary canyon, where the rock changes colour from red to white.
    Your support vehicle has set up camp in the high valley of Willis Creek - here the landscape widens and is covered in forest. Far on the horizon you can see the sun setting and lighting up the cliffs of Bryce Canyon in pink hues.

  • Day 4 4: WILLIS CREEK - BRYCE CANYON - CHICKEN SPRINGS - 8h riding

    Camp
    A long riding day today following Willis Creek through a forest of giant Ponderosa pines. Gradually climb up into Dixie National Forest and up to the cliffs of Bryce Canyon. Camp in a clearing amongst an aspen forest at Chicken Springs.

  • Day 5 5: CHICKEN SPRINGS - FOUR MILE - 7 hours riding

    Camp
    Head up to a plateau at 2,850m overlooking a magnificent ampitheatre of pink cliffs and a vast landscape of plains and prairies. It is surprising at this altitude to see such large valleys and mountain pastures bordered by forests of pine and aspen. Start the long descent along East Fork Creek and Swapp Canyon to leave behind the plateau of Bryce and enter the broad valley of Kanab Creek.

    Here there is a short transfer by vehicle (the horses also go in a truck) to ascend Four Mile Canyon and set up camp on a volcanic plateau overlooking the canyon.

  • Day 6 6: FOUR MILE - RED CANYON - VIRGIN RIVER - 7 hours riding

    Camp
    Descend through the shade as you follow the meandering path of Four Mile Canyon out into the open and deep sand winding between juniper bushes. Ride through Red Canyon which becomes increasingly narrow before your picnic in the shade of the cliffs. Re-mount and ride through hills of red sand covered with a forest of cedar and aromatic juniper. The landscape opens up affording stunning views of the mesas, White Tower and Diana's Throne - large monolithic mounds emerging from the plateau. A final descent leads to the Virgin River (1,600m) where you camp.

  • Day 7 7: VIRGIN RIVER - SLOT CANYON - VIRGIN RIVER - 5 hours riding

    Camp
    Todays ride is a loop from Virgin River to reach two narrow canyons (slot canyons) formed by water running through the rock. Some sections have to be walked on foot and there is some climbing. The ground is sandy with groves of juniper and there are opportunities for good canters along the dry riverbeds. This short day allows time to rest in camp or to learn a few cowboy techniques such as lassoing, or playing games with horse shoes.

    *Today's itinerary can be modified and adapted for the visit of Bryce Canyon on day 8. The itinerary for day 8 is the same and can be substituted for another day of riding:
    Horseback riding this day in the wide canyon of the Virgin River with its monumental cliffs and its tributary, the Rock Canyon. River crossings punctuate this day, the highlight of which is the climb on horseback up a sandy path that leads to a magnificent viewpoint. In the distance, the sandstone fortresses of Zion National Park. Then you ride over a few more plateaus: Sandstone Butte, Elephant Butte, before returning to a long sandy track that leads to the waterhole, the corrals and Pine Spring camp. The covered wagon and its mules are there, an atmosphere of conquest of the West!

    Dinner and overnight at the camp.

  • Day 8 8: VIRGIN RIVER - BRYCE CANYON - No riding

    Camp
    A well-deserved rest day for horses and riders. You leave for the famous Bryce Canyon Park (about 1 hour drive). A short hike allows you to see the most beautiful views of the park.
    In the evening, your guide will take you to a local rodeo which takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in season.

    Dinner at leisure, rodeo entrance included. Return and overnight at the camp.

  • Day 9 9: PINE SPRING - YELLOWSTONE MESA - 6,5 hours riding

    Camp
    Today you leave Utah behind and enter Arizona. The horses are happy to be on firmer ground for these days where you ride from one watering point to another. This semi-desert landscape allows you to spread out and perhaps startle Jack rabbits and antelopes to scatter before you as the large spaces invite fast canters. There may be the possibility to try your hand at driving the wagon. Camp is set up at Yellowstone Mesa where there are 360 degree views across to the horizon.

  • Day 10 10: YELLOWSTONE MESA - ANTELOPE VALLEY - MOUNT TRUMBULL - 6 hours riding

    Camp
    Today offers a beautiful descent from the plateau to a lowland, terminating with volcanoes. It's the Wild West - dry and arid under a baking sun. Break in the shade of a cowboy cabin near a corral where the horses rest. A long crossing across the plains until, on the horizon, amongst the chain of volcanoes and Antelope Valley you find the truck for a short transfer (30mins) to the foot of Mount Trumbull. Camp is set up in a forest where you may hear the call of coyotes.

  • Day 11 11: MOUNT TRUMBULL - MOUNT LOGAN - 5 hours riding

    Camp
    Shorter ride on horseback around Mount Logan and the Kaibab forest, home to an endemic squirrel species and families of deer. Beautiful views of the Antelope Valley and the plains you have just crossed and the string of volcanoes on the horizon. On the other side, you can see a rift and the beginnings of the Grand Canyon!

    Back to the camp in the afternoon and dinner.

  • Day 12 12: MOUNT TRUMBULL - GRAND CANYON - 5,5 hours riding

    Camp
    Set out riding through the forest, following the veins in the volcanic rocks. Here you may discover Indian rock carvings from the Anasazi tribe. After a dizzying descent into the vast, arid Toroweap valley you ride along a track and the horizon suddenly becomes clearer and widens as the immense Grand Canyon comes into view. The ride ends there, on the lookout point at Toroweap, with the green ribbon of the Colorado river flowing 1,500m below you and the Grand Canyon unfolding in a gigantic ampitheatre of multi-coloured mineral curtains. Say goodbye to your horses and watch the sunset over the canyon from your campsite.

  • Day 13 13: GRAND CANYON - SAINT GEORGE - No riding

    After breakfast, transfer back to Saint George (c. 3hr drive) for lunch and a final chance to shop in the Western stores.
    Your guide will propose a farewell dinner in a restaurant (not included).

    Overnight in a hotel.

  • Day 14 14: ST GEORGE - EUROPE - No riding

    Airport transfer according to your flight schedule and flight home (to your own account).

    Please note that today's breakfast is at your own account.

  • Day 15 15: HOME

    Arrival back home in the morning.

Dates & prices

Price details

- International flights are not included.

- Groups comprise of 6 - 12 international riders plus guides

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room in St George, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. £135/€150/$160. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. 

- Single tent supplement on the ride: £75/€70/$65. This will not be invoiced if you are willing to share.

- Tipping is compulsory. The local team expects to be tipped $220 per rider.

- Rider weight limit: 100 kg/220 lbs/15,7 stones. Riders weighing more than 90 kg should contact us before booking.

- An electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) is required to enter the USA. It is your responsibility to organise this. Please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and contact us if you need help.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistic

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 groom
1 cook
1 vehicle and driver
1 local team

Inland transports

Private bus as described in the itinerary

Accommodation

2 person tents and foam mattress
Double/3-bed room in hotel standard 2/3* in St George

Meals

Full board from lunch on D2 to breakfast on D13 (except dinner on D8)

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra
Dinner on D8

Transports

International flights bookable on request
Visa fees (ESTA) which must be arranged in advance
Airport transfers from/to your St George hotel

Extra

Tips to local team (see above)

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement in St George
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    01/06/2023 15/06/2023 £4,020 €4,734 $4,985 Full

Equestrian info

Horses

Working horses including mustangs, paints and quarter horses. They are well trained, forward going, confident and independent.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be an experienced rider who is used to riding across varied terrain for several hours. There are some long riding days and the pace can be fast at times. There are some areas of difficult terrain.

Rider weight limit: 100 kg/220 lbs/15,7 stones. Riders weighing more than 90 kg should contact us before booking.

Pace

There are long stretches of walk as the horses need to complete the whole ride, but there are plenty of opportunities for fast riding across the plains and prairies.

Tacking ability and participation

Everyone is expected to assist in caring for the horses (tacking up, un-tacking etc) and setting up camp (erecting tents and helping prepare meals).

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit. There are some long days (up to 8 hours riding) at the start of the ride. The ground is uneven and you have to be able to trust your horse to find his way. On some occasions you may be asked to dismount and lead your horse on foot. This ride is not recommended for riders who are scared of heights. The camp is also basic.

Equestrian equipment

Western saddles and bridles.
Saddlebags are provided.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

In Saint George you stay in a 2 star hotel in double or triple rooms.
Whilst on the trail you camp in two-man tents with foam mattresses provided. You should take your own sleeping bags.

Meals

- Copious breakfasts with a choice of sweet and savoury options
- Picnic lunches
- Hot meals at dinner (meat, potatoes, vegetables and salad)

Water will be available at Camp.
Alcohol is not provided but you are welcome to bring your own drink.

Please make sure to advise us in advance of any dietary requirements you may have.

Climate

The climate is that of a mid-latitude desert with relatively moderate temperatures. Annual temperatures average 20°C.
- June and May are very dry and hot (15-30°C) with cool nights.
- Summers (June-September) are long, hot and sunny (c. 30°C). Nights average 10-15°C. A few showers and the occasional thunder storm are possible.
- Expect extremely hot weather in Las Vegas - up to 45°C in the summer.




Guide and local team

The Heaton family will be your hosts for this adventure.
The father, Mel, used to be lead guide and is now Camp manager.
Justin, his son, is a true cowboy at heart. Always attentive to your needs, he is always happy to help you learn more about the area.
Several wranglers work for them - Cadie, Houston, Jason...

Tips

Tips are compulsory in USA, the team expects 15/20% of the cost of the ride.

Packing list

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
- Warm hat for cold nights when camping

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be particularly cold
- Swimming costume - for swimming/bathing in rivers/hot springs

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Waterproof shoes/boots can be useful for abundant dew in the mornings or when it rains
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around the camp in the evenings
- Several pairs of warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag. You need at least a comfort factor down to minus 5 celsius, but would recommend at least minus 8 or 10 celsius
- Sleeping bag liner - silk, cotton or fleece - adds an extra layer
- inflatable mattress
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Towels - camping ones will both dry and pack more easily
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day (carried by support crew)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Swiss army knife
- Field glasses
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it with
- Small plastic bags for rubbish
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Water purification tablets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided with a capacity of 60-80 litres. We recommend taking a backpack or similar.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Even if foam mattresses are provided, you may pack your inflatable mattress for comfort sake.
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Please take your rubbish home with you. There are no recycling facilities, so take your used batteries, aerosols etc back home and dispose of them appropriately. Try to leave excess packaging material at home before travelling
- If you prefer travelling in a "light way" please choose a biodegradable soap or washing powder/liquid.


In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Visa & Health

Formalities

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the valid visa requirements for entry. We will endeavour to keep this section up to date, but please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors for further information.

You’ll need prior authorisation to enter the United States using a British passport, either through a visa, a Permanent Resident Card, or the Visa Waiver Programme. To enter the United States of America, a passport valid for the duration of stay is required by Australian, British, Canadian and other EU nationals.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - VISA WAIVER PROGRAMME
Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. Visit the official US website to apply for your ESTA: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports require a valid USA entry visa.

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) aren’t valid for entry into the United States or transit through the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme; if you’re planning to enter or transit through the US using an ETD you must apply for a visa from the nearest US embassy or consulate before you travel, or hold a valid lawful permanent resident card (often referred to as a ‘green card’), which you must have with you on arrival; you can leave the US using an ETD that has been issued in the United States

Visitors to the USA travelling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the USA, if arriving by air or sea. It is recommended that applications are made at least 72 hours prior to travel but you may apply at any time prior to travel. Airlines must now deny check-in to passengers without a valid ESTA. There is a US$14 fee. An ESTA is valid for two years, so if you've applied for one previously, ensure it's still valid.

When applying for ESTA-authorisation and entering the passport number, the number 0 must not be replaced by letter O as this can lead to problems upon entering the USA. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA. Canadian citizens do not require an ESTA, but permanent residents of Canada who are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must obtain one.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - VISAS
If you don’t qualify for entry under the VWP, and don’t have a US Permanent Resident Card, you should apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and need to obtain a visa.

PLEASE NOTE
Travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

- Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
- Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR TRAVELERS TRANSITING THROUGH CANADA
If you are travelling to the USA visa Canada, please remember you also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), mandatory for anyone transiting through Canada. Completing ESTA formalities do not replace your eTA.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Addresses of consulates

  • Paris | Ambassade des Etats-Unis
    2, avenue Gabriel
    75008 paris
    Tél. : 01.43.12.22.22
    Fax :
  • Ambassade de France aux Etats-Unis
    4101 Reservoir Road, N.W.
    20007 Washington D.C.
    Tél. : +1 (202) 944 60 00
    Fax :
    info@ambafrance-us.org
  • US Embassy
    24 Grosvenor Square
    W1A 2LQ London
    Tél. : 020 7499-9000
    Fax :

Health

There are no vaccinations required for entering the United States. If you are entering from a yellow fever endemic area (or you have been to one within 7 days of entering the country), you may be required to show proof of immunization. Recommended vaccinations include Tetanus(Lockjaw), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Rabies vaccinations are sometimes recommended for wilderness travel and/or wildlife volunteer projects. Lyme disease is endemic in the northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest areas and transmitted via blacklegged ticks.

Travel insurance that provides medical coverage is a requirement for visitors to the US. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment may be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. All receipts for services rendered must be kept in order to make a claim. Medical care in the United States tends to be quite expensive, especially for emergency treatment provided in hospital settings, paid for out of pocket.

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin

Budget and money

The US Dollar, is the national currency of the United States. One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request pre-payment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card. Be sure to check with your card issuer for current surcharge rates imposed for use of the card outside your home country. You should also inform your issuer that you are travelling for a specified period so your card is not flagged or temporarily suspended.

Bank-issued debit cards are accepted at many businesses in the US; however, using them to pay for many travel-related expenses, such as car hire and hotel rooms, often incurs a surcharge, deposit, or a hold on your account.

Telephone and jetlag

The dialling code for the USA is +1

The country stradles a number of different time zones. Eastern Daylight time (eg. New York) is GMT -4. Mountain Daylight time (eg. Montana) is GMT -6. Pacific Daylight time (eg. California) is GMT -7.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Stetson : A Legendary Hat

This is an indispensable element of your horseback riding holiday or trail ride in the United States!

The stetson was invented by the American John B. Stetson in the 1860s. 

It was during a stay in the American West that he invented a felt hat with very wide edges, perfectly suited to the cowboys lifestyle. 

Felt is waterproof and resistant: it is better suited to the climate of the West than the traditional straw hats and its large brims protect the eyes and the neck from the sun.
 
This hat was first sold in Central City, Colorado under the name "Boss of the Plains". It was later renamed "stetson" in reference to its inventor.