Desert Southwest Trail Ride

The ultimate desert southwest trail ride through the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon offers trail riders the chance to learn the history of the area including Buch Cassidy and Native American culture. Horses for rent or bring your own trail horse.

If you’ve always wanted to see the desert Southwest, the Red Rock Ride is for you. This six-day trail ride takes you through some of the most beautiful and breathtaking landmarks in the world. You’ll ride through the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. Along the way, you’ll learn about the land and its outlaw history, and view authentic Indian petroglyphs.

Every day’s adventure is completely different than the one before, and designed to give you plenty of time for riding and exploring. The beauty of the Southwest will intoxicate you as you wind through red-rock formations, pristine slot canyons, sparkling streams, and shear white-wall cliffs. Every day ends in a beautiful sunset and a star-filled night.

“I never knew there were so many stars,” said one woman from Australia. “I was awestruck.”

“I’ve never had a holiday this great,” reported a British guest. “I’ve seen places that I’ve only dreamed of.”

The Red Rock Ride was the brainstorm of the Houston and Mangum families; they wanted to share their hospitality and pride in southern Utah with folks from around the world.

Pete and Keela Mangum and their family have guided riders through Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National parks for more than 30 years. They have more than 250 horses and dozens of surefooted mules available-or you can bring your own mount. Each ride is limited to 30 riders who’ve had at least some riding experience to ensure a top-quality experience. The wranglers are committed to your safety and enjoyment.

The Mangums’ notable guests have included members of the United States Congress, a Secretary of the Interior, and the staff from National Geographic. They also have numerous film and commercial credits.

All meals are prepared by the Houston family, known for delivering sumptuous food and superior personal service. With their mobile equipment, the Houstons are capable of setting up a gourmet restaurant at any remote site.

With 30 years in the food-service business and four million remote-site meals under their belts, the Houstons know how to take care of people. Their operations have taken them to every state in the western United States. In 2003, they spent 63 days in Texas feeding members of the Columbia Shuttle Recovery Team. They’ve fed forest firefighters all over the West. In 2001, they were awarded the National Small Business Contractor of the Year award by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They take great pride in personal service and provide hospitality that’s second to none.

The Red Rock Ride starts and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sunday night is orientation with discussions of what to expect on the ride. An early start Monday gets you to Zion National Park for the day’s ride and a film about the park at the IMAX Theater. After the film, you’ll ride to the Bryce Canyon area, where the wranglers have set up camp. You’ll settle there for the night.

Tuesday’s ride is from Bryce Canyon to Yellow Creek; you’ll return to camp for dinner and evening activities. Wednesday, you’ll be off to the famous Butch Cassidy Trail, where old Butch used to hide out. The ride continues through the beautiful Red Rock Casto Canyon.

On Thursday, you’ll take the Timber Mountain Trail over rolling red-rock dunes dotted with bristle-cone pine trees. Friday is “Cowboy Up” day, with a ride through the Paria Canyon. It’s a long day’s ride, but one of the most spectacular. Saturday, you’ll see the glorious Grand Canyon.

The Red Rock Ride is first class. Camping amenities include full-size sleeping tents with floors, beds with mattresses, deluxe hot showers, restrooms, a full-size dining tent, and all the good food you can eat. At night, there’s entertainment, campfire stories, a rider talent show, and much more. This is more than a ride, it’s where friendships are made; you’ll start out with 30 different riders from all over the world and in six days, you’ll become friends-sometimes, even lifelong friends. So, if you crave adventure and wide open spaces, then saddle up for the time of your life.

For more information, contact Red Rock Adventures, Inc., P.O. Box 128, Tropic, UT 84776; (435) 679-8665; robert@houstons.net; www.redrockride.com.

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