Some of our best days on the ranch involve a wagon full of people who did not all know each other that morning: a reunion, a team offsite, a group of friends scattered across the country meeting up in one place. Coordinating a group trip is more work than booking for two, so here is how we help groups get it right.

Start with the group, not the itinerary

Before picking activities, think about who is actually coming. A reunion with grandparents and toddlers moves differently than a bachelorette group or a company retreat. Trail rides can be paced for beginners or confident riders, and the bison wagon tour works well as a shared activity for a wide age range since no riding experience is required. Tell us the makeup of your group when you book and we will help shape the day around it.

Build in time to just be at the ranch

The instinct with a group trip is to pack the schedule; one activity after another so nobody misses anything. But hold your horses... The best group days we host leave room between activities: breakfast before the first ride, a slow lunch after the wagon tour, an hour with nowhere to be while the light changes over the cliffs. Groups that build in that breathing room will appreciate it more than being rushed through four activities in one afternoon.

Pair the ranch with East Zion and Zion National Park

Many of our groups build a multi-day trip around the ranch, using Mount Carmel as a base and adding Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, or Kanab's slot canyons on other days. Because we sit on the quieter East Zion side of the park, it is an easy landing spot for a group that wants a home base with fewer crowds and more space to spread out, roughly half an hour from the East Entrance of Zion and about twenty minutes from Kanab.

Think about the seasons

For larger groups, spring and fall tend work great, mild temperatures, good light for group photos, and enough flexibility in scheduling to accommodate a range of activity levels. Summer is an excellent option for taking advantage of the longer days by scheduling morning activities, big breaks and evening activities too. Winter has its own pace entirely. Groups often remark that they feel like they have their own private part of the park.

Communicate early, especially for larger parties

The earlier you reach out about a group booking, the more we can tailor the day: horse assignments for a range of skill levels, timing around meals, or coordinating a private wagon tour instead of joining a shared one. Reach out through our contact page or give us a call with your group size and the experience you are hoping for, and we will help build the trip of a lifetime.