Horseback Riding in the National Park System

  • Acadia, Maine
    •  The Carriage Roads, forty-five miles of broken-stone roads, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Most of these roads can be used for horseback riding on your personal horse or carriage rides. These roads are closed during the warm weather and wet conditions to prevent damage. Refer to NPS website for any closures.
    • Wildwood Stables offers one hour and two hour carriage tours. For information on pricing, the stables can be reached at 1 (877) 276-3622 or (207) 276-5721.

 

 

 

  • Badlands, South Dakota
    • No Trail Riding Offered
    • The Badlands Wilderness Area is open year round. These 64,000 acres consists of eroded spires and mixed-grass prairie. Horseback riding is allowed in any area outside of marked trails, roads, highways and developed area.
    • https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/horseback-riding-badl.htm

 

  • Big Bend, Texas
    • No Trail Riding Offered
    • Big Bend offers an incredibly diverse landscape for horseback riding. Riding is permitted year round. Horses are allowed on all gravel roads and cross-country travel is permitted in the park, except in the Chisos Mountains.

 

 

 

  • Bryce Canyon, Utah
    • Guided trail rides are typically offered from April until October 31st. Canyon Trail Rides offers 2-hour ($75 per person) and 3-hour rides ($100 per person). For the 2-hour rides, riders must be over 7 years old and the weight limit is 220 lbs. For the 3-hour rides, riders must be over 10 years old and the weight limit is 220 lbs. If you have further questions or would like to schedule, Canyon Trail Rides can be reached at 1 (435) 834-5500.
    • You can bring your own horse or mule and ride in certain areas at specific times and you must email the park in advance at least 72 hours in advance to schedule a specific day and time; there is a link online at https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/go-horseback-riding.htm

 

  • Canyonlands, Utah
    • Canyonlands is known for some of the most significant rock art. Horseback riding is permitted on all backcountry roads, as well as in Horseshoe Canyon. Day use permits are free of charge and overnight trip permits are $36. Caution is advised when riding during the summer months due to excessive heat and unreliable water sources.

 

  • Capitol Reef, Utah
    • The park is open year-round. Use of personal horses, burros and mules are allowed in Capitol Reef National Park for day use and overnight stays. There are some restrictions as to which trails horses are allowed on. Please refer to the park website for more information.

 

  • Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
    • The Guadalupe Ridge Trail provides a true wilderness experience of the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains. Horseback riding is permitted on the Guadalupe Ridge Trail only, from the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive to the park’s west boundary. Riders are required to make arrangements in advance with the park.

 

 

 

 

  • Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio
    • Horseback riding is allowed in Cuyahoga Valley National Park on trails that are designated as horse trails. There are no trail rides offered but riders can bring their own horse in. See park website for details about what trails are usable for horses.

 

  • Death Valley, California
    • While horseback riding is permitted in the park, it is not common due to the harsh terrain and lack of water. Caution is strongly advised when riding in this park. Riders are allowed on all the backcountry dirt roads, cross country, and a few of the hiking trails and can use horses, mules and burros.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Glacier, Montana
    • Glacier National Park offers pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. Guided horseback rides are available inside the park at Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Apgar through Swan Valley Outfitters. Rides vary from 1 hr to all day.
    • Glacier National Park offers pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. Most of the trails in the park are open to horses. Overnight camping is also allowed with a permit.

 

 

  • Grand Canyon, Arizona
    • Riders can experience the Grand Canyon to its fullest with trail rides along the rims or descending into the canyon itself.
    • South Rim mule rides are offered year-round. This 2-hour ride costs $155.77 per person. Riders must be at least 9 years old, 57 inches or taller, and weigh less than 200 lbs. For more information or to book a trip, call (888) 297-2757.
    • North Rim mule rides are offered May 15th through October 15th. One-hour and three-hour rides are offered. Rides must be over the age of 7 or 10 years old, depending on the ride. The weight limit is 200 lbs or 220 lbs, depending on the ride. Cost ranges from $50 to $100 per person. For more details or to book a ride, call (435) 679-8665.

 

  • Grand Teton, Wyoming
    • Trail rides are offered at Grand Teton National Park from late May to September. One-hour and two-hour rides are available. Rides must be over the age of 8 and the weight limit is 225 lbs. Cost ranges from $60 to $90 per person. Rides can be booked by calling (307) 543-2811.
    • Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton has a lot to offer, whatever your interests. Mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and skies are home to diverse and abundant forests, wildflowers and wildlife. The park also has a rich cultural history with old homesteads and cattle ranches to explore and photograph. Check the website for areas open to use.

 

  • Great Basin, Nevada
    • Horses are welcome in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. There are no rental services or trail rides offered. Rides are welcome to bring their own horse in and are allowed on most trails except paved roads and cross country riding.

 

  • Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

 

  • Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
    • Guided horseback rides are offered from mid-March through late November. Rides are offered from 45 minutes to several hours long. Rates are from $30 per hour. Multiple stables are available to choose from. Refer to National Park Service website for more information.
    • About 550 miles of the park’s hiking trails are open to horses. Horses are restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use. If you wish to ride your own horse in the park, please obtain a copy of the park’s trail map. This map indicates the trails on which you may ride horses and explains the park’s rules and regulations concerning horse riding in the backcountry. It also provides information about backcountry camping, and permit requirements. To obtain an official trail map, stop at any park visitor center or call (865) 436-0120. The cost of the map is $1. You may also download a trail map.

 

  • Guadalupe Mountains, Tennessee
    • The park offers about sixty percent of the trails to horseback riding. Riders must bring their own horse as there are no rentals in or near the park. A backcountry permit is required for all horse use.

 

 

  • Hawai’i Volcanoes, Hawaii
    • Horseback riding is permitted in the backcountry. Riders must obtain a backcountry permit before riding. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a wide variety of scenery, ranging from open grasslands to sandy beaches. Care should be taken that adequate water is brought as there are no streams in the area.

 

  • Indiana Dunes, Indiana
    • No Trail Riding Offered
    • Can trailer in and ride personal horses at the Glenwood Dunes Trails during March 16th-December 14th, but if there is 3+ inches of snow at any time during this period riding is not permitted.
  • Joshua Tree, California
    • Knob Hill Ranch is a popular ranch that offers various types of trail rides through the California deserts and the Joshua Tree National Park. This horse ranch operates all year round, with riding times occurring slightly earlier in the day in summer due to heat. There are no apparent weight, age or height limitations, however the Eureka Peak ride has a riding experience limitation. Cost of the ride varies anywhere from $135 a person to $475 a person based off what ride is chosen. Any further questions can be asked using the contact information for the ranch, 1 (760) 821-7525.
    • There are also 253 miles of equestrian trails and corridors that traverse canyon bottoms, dry washes and open lands. Black Rock Canyon and the areas near the West Entrance are the two most popular areas of the park for equestrians.
  • Katmai, Alaska

 

  • Kenai Fjords, Alaska

 

  • Kings Canyon, California
    • Trail riding is offered at this park from June-October. The ride will show off the beautiful sequoia trees and lake in the national park. Two separate barns offer trail rides, both cost $60 for a one-hour ride and $100 .for a two-hour ride. All riders must be above age 8, under 225lbs, and physically capable of riding. The name of the first stable is Grant Grove Stables with the contact information of (559) 335-9292. The second stable is Cedar Grove Pack Station with the contact information of (559) 565-3464.
    • Horses, mules and burros (as well as llamas) can be taken on the trails in the park. For an overnight, you must have a wilderness permit. The Wilderness Office can help you plan your trip.
  • Kobuk Valley, Alaska

 

  • Lake Clark, Alaska

 

  • Lassen Volcanic, California
    • Drakesbad Guest Ranch typically offers trail riding, as well as a full-on ranch experience at Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, due to recent wildfires the ranch is temporarily closed with no date for re-opening.
    • More than 100 miles of trails are open to stock users. You must obtain a free, mandatory stock use permit from a self-registration kiosk and make a reservation for a stock corral at recreation.gov if you plan to stay overnight.

 

  • Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
    • Trail riding is offered through Double J Stables, there are 85 miles of beautiful, wooded trails. Prices of the rides range from $30-$55 depending on the length of the ride. Any rider must be older than 6 and under 250 lbs. You can find this stable open everyday March-Labor Day and weekends from Labor Day to November; anytime after that will be private rides only. This horse farm can be contacted at (270) 286-8167.
    • Additionally, Mammoth Cave also allows trailering in of personal horses and specific trails are marked for these horses. There are 60 miles of backcountry trails.

 

  • Mesa Verde, Colorado
    • Beautiful, guided trail rides of the Colorado scenery can be taken at Four Corners Horseback Farm in spring and summer. Although there is a weight limit of 250 lbs, there are rides available for all ages. Ride prices vary, depending on the type of ride and the length, costs can range from $20-$90. The farm is located across the street from Mesa Verde. Any questions on the rides can be directed to fourcornershorseback@gmail.com.

 

  • Mount Rainier, Washington
    • There is no trail riding offered directly in this national park, however EZ Times Outfitters offers trails rides just outside of the park. Many different scenic trails are available to take, bordering flowing rivers and blooming fruit bushes in the fall. The rides are not available in the winter and will range anywhere from $40-$100 depending on the ride. There are certain rides specifically for children and the only restriction is a 250 lb weight limit. Any questions can be directed to (253) 350-1141.
    • https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

 

  • New River Gorge, West Virginia

 

  • North Cascades, Washington
    • Wild at Heart Horse Rides offers trail rides at the North Cascades, through wooded areas with natural wetlands and ponds. No children under 6 are allowed to ride and any child under 12 will need to be with an adult. Any individual over 250 lbs will not be able to ride. This farm offers 6 different types of trail rides ranging from $75 per person for an hour and a half ride all the way to $650 a couple for a half day engagement ride with a picnic and everything in between. Any questions can be asked through the “contact us” section on the website.
    • There are plentiful opportunities for stock packing and day and overnight riding in the park. The most popular trails are in the southeast of the park along Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest Trail), most of the trails throughout the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and some major west side stock trails.

 

  • Olympic, Washington

 

  • Petrified Forest, Arizona
    • This park does not have any guided trail rides or horses to use. Although, people are allowed to trailer in, ride and even camp with their own horses. Access is through the Painted Desert Wilderness access trail near Kachina Point. There are no maintained trails.

 

  • Pinnacles, California

 

  • Redwood, California
    • Redwood Trails Horse Rides offer unforgettable scenic views on their trails rides where the stunning redwood trees can be seen. Anyone 6 years of older and under 230 lbs can ride here. Rides range from 1 hour to all day and therefore prices range as well, anywhere from $45-$300. Rides are offered all year round and the farm can be contacted at (707) 498-4837.
    • Horses, ponies, mules, burros, goats and llamas are allowed on designated park trails and beaches. You can camp at the Orick Rodeo Grounds, advance reservations advised. Maps are available on the site.

 

  • Rocky Mountain, Colorado
    • According to the NPS website, there are two stables located within the park.
      • Glacier Creek Stables – Rides range from 1.5 to 3 hours. http://rockymountainhorserides.com/
      • Moraine Park Stables – at the time of the latest update, no information was available on this stable
    • SK Horses conducts guided trail rides through the scenic trails along the Rocky Mountains. Rides are offered in the summer and fall. Anyone over the age of four and under 280 lbs can ride these trails. This farm offers many different lengths of rides and prices range from $100-$400. Any reservations or questions can be directed to (970) 586-5269
    • Horses, mules, ponies, llamas and burros are allowed on park trails. Stock is permitted at established backcountry campsites established for stock use. Approximately 260 miles of trails (80% of total trails) are open to commercial and private use.

 

  • Saguaro, Arizona

 

  • Sequoia, California
    • Trail riding is offered at this park from June-October; the ride will show off the beautiful sequoia trees and lake in the national park. Two separate barns offer trail rides, both cost $60 for a one-hour ride and $100 for a two-hour ride. All riders must be above age 8, under 225 lbs, and physically capable of riding. The name of the first stable is Grant Grove Stables with the contact information of (559) 335-9292. The second stable is Cedar Grove Pack Station with the contact information of (559) 565-3464.
    • You can also bring your own horse to ride on the trails which are open to horses, mules, burros and even llamas. This park allows overnight camping with stock.

 

  • Shenandoah, Virginia
    • Guided trail rides are offered through the wooded areas of the Shenandoah National Park at Skyland Stables (mile 42.5 on Skyline Drive). 1 hour horse back rides are $50 a person. Anyone over 4’11” and under 250 lbs is allowed to ride. They also offer pony rides. Any reservations or questions can be directed to (877) 847-1919.

 

  • Theodore Roosevelt, North Dakota
    • As of this update, guided trail rides are no longer offered at this park.
    • The backcountry is open to horse use. You can ride backcountry trails with your horse or go across country. Horses are not allowed on nature trails, roadways, in developed campgrounds, or in picnic areas. Camping is available at the Roundup Group Horse Camp in the South Unit, the CCC camp near the North Unit or in the backcountry of the North or South Units (free permit required).

 

  • Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands
    • There are a few options for trail riding in the Virgin Islands, a popular one being Equus Rides. This barn offers rides through a historic sugar plantation, along the beach, and even in the water with the horses. Anyone over the age of four and under 220 lbs can ride. Rides seem to be offered all year-round weather permitting. Two-hour riders are offered and cost $145 per rider. Any further information can be obtained at (561) 762-9935.
    • https://www.nps.gov/viis/index.htm

 

  • Voyageurs, Minnesota

 

  • White Sands, New Mexico

 

  • Wind Cave, South Dakota
    • There are no trail rides offered in the park, but horses can be trailered in and ridden. A free day use permit is required.

 

  • Wrangell – St. Elias, Alaska

 

  • Yellowstone, Wyoming

 

  • Yosemite, California
    • At Wawona Stables you can ride for 2 hours to all day. In the shorter ride, you see views of Wawona Hotel and Meadow, a former Mikwok encampment and Wawona Dome. On the longer ride, you ride to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Riders must be at least 7 year old (10 years old for the all day ride) and weigh 52 lbs to no more than 225 lbs.
    • You can also apply for the High Sierra Camp lottery to apply for a 4 or 6 day guided pack and saddle trips. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served and you have a backcountry tent cabin.
    • From June to September you can board your horse at Yosemite Valley Stable. There are requirements for different immunizations.
    • Except where posted on the site below, all designated trails in the park are open to stock use. Trails open to stock on the floor of Yosemite Valley are signed as bridle paths.

 

  • Zion, Utah
    • Zion offers guided trail rides through the park that give stunning views of the rocky scenery. Rides are offered May though October. There are a few different types of rides that change the age and weight requirements, as well as the prices. Age requirements will either be above 7 or above 10, weight requirements will either be above 220 lbs or above 200 lbs, and prices are either $50 or $100. Any further questions can be directed to (435) 679-8665.
    • You can bring your own horse, mule or burro to Zion National Park to ride. Permits are not required for day use but stock are prohibited during spring thaws, unusually wet periods, or times when their use would cause trail damage. The only overnight stock camp in Zion is Hop Valley Site A and you can only stay one night. A Wilderness permit is required.

 

Last Updated 7/15/2022