This was a gorgeous ride into Zion's Canyon, towards Kolob Arch. Stop at the visitor's center to pay and get a permit. Zion's Canyon National Park: http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm It's hard to find on the Zion's site, so here is what Wikitravel says about horseback riding permits in Zions: "On horseback permits are not required for day trips, but are required for overnight trips. The maximum group size for horseback trips is six animals. For overnight trips the maximum stay in any single location is one night. Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. To reduce the spread of noxious and exotic weeds all stock must be fed only certified weed-free hay one day prior to entering the backcountry, and when using park trails. When traveling by horseback on trail areas stock must remain on trails. Free-trailing or loose herding is not allowed. Animals must be kept at a slow walk when passing hikers. When standing, stock must be kept at least 100 feet from drainages. Stock may be used in these areas: Trails: La Verkin Creek, Hop Valley Wildcat Canyon, West Rim (above Cabin Springs), East Rim (above rim, includes Cable Mountain and Deertrap trails), Sand Bench (November through February only). Off-trail areas: Coalpits Wash, Huber Wash, Scoggins Wash, Crater Hill." Map: http://www.nps.gov/zion/parknews/newspaper.htm Most of the trail is absolutely gorgeous high desert riding. We went in October, it was perfect. Much of this trail was exposed, so summer heat could be a problem. For the arch itself, you have to hike in a little ways. There was plenty of water in the bottom by the river, and some little bits along the way that were clearly seasonal runoffs, not to be counted on. Trail was mainly sandy, with some rocky areas. A lot was smooth and nice for trotting. Not particularly strenuous. We were planning to camp at the horse campground, so you will see part of our track at the end trying to get up there. The trail was SO bad that we turned around and rode out that night instead (that tells you how BAD it was). Slick rock and bouldering, definitely a poor trail for horses. Other than that, fabulous!