Horseback riding in Haleakala crater gone?

Saw that Pony express is no longer doing horseback rides Into the crater. Does anyone know why they stopped? Is there another company that does this ride? Been looking forward to doing the ride....

I "Binged" and found 2 other groups doing in the crater trail rides.

Chuck

MC - please share who they are. Pony Express was the only one that I was aware of that did these rides ... has another company taken over?

To the OP: if you're up to it, you can hike into the crater, or part way if energy/ability is limited. Just need to allow two or three times as long to climb back up as it takes to go down, and take a good amount of water. Even if you hike down for only 10 minutes, you'll get spectacular views into the crater.

Thanks for the replies. I was in contact with Pony Express and they lost their permit with no chance of renewal until at least 2015. I appreciate the hiking tips. Maybe that is what we will do!

You're welcome and thanks for your feedback on the cancellation of the permit.

The hike that I was referring to is called Sliding Sands and it starts at the summit visitor's centre parking lot. It's the same trail that Pony Express did their tours on. Enjoy. :)

p.s. There's also a viewing area that you can drive up to a short ways beyond the Visitor's Centre parking lot.