BCNP Proposes Moving Private Horse Reservations to Recreation.gov

The change would offer convenience and transparency for those planning a private horse or mule ride in the park

BRYCE, UT – Riding a horse or mule along the trails of Bryce Canyon National Park is an unforgettable and increasingly popular experience. To improve visitor service and trip planning, the park is proposing to manage private stock reservations online through Recreation.gov. This change would require riders bringing private stock into Bryce Canyon to pay a $1 processing fee per reservation. The park is seeking public comment on this proposed change until Dec. 31, 2023.

Since 2015, private stock riders have been required to make reservations for a specific time by calling or e-mailing designated park staff during regular business hours. These reservations often require multiple calls or e-mails to book available times and can be delayed if staff are on other calls or otherwise unavailable.

Private stock use has also increased significantly since 2015. That year the park saw 124 private rider reservations in 33 groups. In 2023 there were 923 rider reservations in 207 groups—an increase of nearly 650%. An online self-reservation process offers a way to better meet this rising demand.

“These proposed changes will give private stock owners the ability to better plan their visit, whenever they choose to do it,” said Park Superintendent Jim Ireland, “By moving reservations online, Bryce Canyon visitors will be able to view available time slots and book their next ride, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Private stock rides for up to 10 riders would continue to be available every half hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from May through October, depending on weather and trail conditions. Online reservations for the entire riding season would become available on April 1 each year. The proposed $1 processing fee would cover the cost of Recreation.gov services.

Public comments on this proposed change to Bryce Canyon’s private stock program must be submitted online at parkplanning.nps.gov/brycehorse no later than Dec. 31, 2023.

To learn more about both private and wrangler-led horse and mule rides in Bryce Canyon National Park, visit go.nps.gov/BryceHorse.

– National Park Service

Feature image courtesy of Bernard Spagg – Public Domain.