An Hour in the Saddle Along the Water Pocket Fold: Torrey’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest by Horse

TORREY HORSE FIELD GUIDE

An Hour in the Saddle Along the Water Pocket Fold: Torrey’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest by Horse

A one-hour guided ride from Capitol Reef Resort takes you through Fishlake National Park scenery—Red Bluff, the Windgate Tunnel and the Petrified Forest—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

An Hour in the Saddle Along the Water Pocket Fold: Torrey’s Red Bluffs and Petrified Forest by Horse.

Duration
1 hour
Location
Torrey
Operator
Wilderness Ridge Adventures
Category
Horse
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Wilderness Ridge Adventures leads a one-hour guided horse ride out of Torrey that threads the washes and redstone that define Fishlake National Park’s connection to the Water Pocket Fold. Riders pass by Red Bluff, look through the Windgate Tunnel and cross a stand of petrified trees, all against Utah’s stark, cinematic light.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Ride beneath the Water Pocket Fold and Red Bluff

The route follows washes that helped form the Water Pocket Fold and brings you alongside the Red Bluff—Utah desert geology that reads like an open-air museum of rock and time.

THE ROUTE

Windgate Tunnel and wash-country trail

The trail winds through the same washes that carved the park, offering narrow views and tunnel-like rock features you’ll see from the saddle.

THE WILDERNESS

Petrified Forest touches and cowboy atmosphere

The ride crosses areas of petrified wood and open desert that combine to create the archetypal western setting—beginners included, it’s designed to feel cinematic and elemental.

What the day feels like

What the hour feels like

You mount at a meeting point near Capitol Reef Resort and spend an hour moving through washes and along redstone formations. The pace and terrain emphasize scenery: short stretches of open desert, narrow wash travel and landmark views of Windgate Tunnel, Red Bluff and the Petrified Forest that make the landscape the ride’s primary companion.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this ride suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Beginners and first-time ridersExcellent fit: the operator welcomes beginners and the ride is structured for those with no prior experience.
2
Scenic photographersGood fit: the compact route concentrates on geological features and redstone vistas ideal for quick, dramatic landscape shots.
3
Families with older childrenPotential fit for families—suitable for novices—but check with the operator on specific age or group limits before booking.
4
Riders seeking a long, strenuous trekNot ideal: this is a one-hour guided experience focused on scenery rather than extended trail endurance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Meeting

The ride is one hour in duration and departs from Capitol Reef Resort at 2600 E Hwy 24, Torrey, UT 84775—confirm exact meet time with the operator when you book.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather: in winter bring gloves, hats, snow pants and layers; in milder weather wear long pants (jeans/leggings) and comfortable clothing; waterproof gear is recommended if rain is forecast.

Weather & Conditions

The operator rides in all weather—plan clothing and footwear accordingly and be prepared for changing conditions.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the guided ride?

The ride lasts one hour.

Where do we meet for the ride?

Meet at Capitol Reef Resort, 2600 E Hwy 24, Torrey, UT 84775.

Do I need prior horse-riding experience?

No experience is necessary; beginners are welcome.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather: in winter bring gloves, hats, snow pants and layers; in milder weather wear long pants (jeans or leggings) and comfortable clothing; waterproof gear if rain is forecast.

Will the ride go in bad weather?

The operator states they ride in all weather, so come prepared with appropriate clothing and waterproof gear when necessary.