Trail Ride & Cowboy Cookout

Some traditions are worth keeping. The Trail Ride & Cowboy Cookout pairs a two-hour scenic horseback ride through East Zion's ponderosa country with an authentic Dutch oven steak dinner, cooked the way cowboys have done it for generations. It's built for groups who want more than a tour: time on the trail together, then a hearty meal and good company to end the day.

Your group meets at the Zion Ponderosa stables, where wranglers match each rider with a well-trained horse. First-time riders get a quick lesson before heading out. The two-hour ride follows old pioneer trails through East Zion’s ponderosa pine high country, with your guide sharing the area’s ranching history along the way. The ride ends at the cookout, where a Dutch oven steak dinner is waiting. Settle in, swap trail stories, and enjoy a true Western evening on the quiet side of Zion.

This is a natural fit for multi-generational family trips, reunions, corporate retreats, and friend groups who want a shared experience with a meal included. It's beginner-friendly, so mixed-experience groups do well. If you're traveling in a smaller party, try the Checkerboard Evening Shadow Ride or the White Sands Sunset & S'mores Ride instead.

This experience is arranged by request for groups of four or more, so plan ahead. Let us know about any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book. Temperatures drop quickly at elevation after sunset, so bring a warm layer, even in summer. Rides may not run in severe weather, and if yours is affected, we’ll contact you ahead of time to reschedule or refund.

Every East Zion Adventures guide is CPR trained and certified through our company training program. Beyond safety, our guides bring real local knowledge to every ride, from the plant and animal life you'll pass to the history of the Native peoples and early settlers who lived in this terrain.

At least 2 liters of water.

Long pants and closed-toe shoes.

A warm jacket, plus a hat and gloves in fall and winter.

Your appetite.

FAQs

What's included in the Cowboy Cookout?

A guided two-hour evening trail ride and an authentic Dutch oven steak dinner, served fireside with the resort wranglers.

How do I book?

The Cowboy Cookout is offered by request only for groups of 5 or more.

Can friends or family join for dinner without riding?

Yes. Add a dinner plate for each non-rider when you book, or RSVP no later than 3 p.m. on the day of the ride. They’ll meet your group at the cookout.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Before the ride, you’ll get to know your horse, and your guide will show you how to handle it safely.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Riders must weigh less than 220 lbs.

When should I arrive?

Arrive at the stables 20 minutes before your ride to meet your horse and get saddled up.

How much does it cost?

It starts at $175 per person, which includes the ride and dinner.

Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes. Our Dutch oven dinner can be adjusted for most dietary needs. Let us know about any allergies or restrictions when you book, or contact Tucker at Tucker@eastzionadventures.com.