Horseback Riding
Horseback riding on trails is an exciting way to explore the great outdoors. There are countless trails for horseback riding across the country, from rugged mountain paths to peaceful wooded trails. Some popular destinations for horseback riding trails include national parks, state parks, and equestrian centers. These trails are often well-marked and maintained, making them a safe and enjoyable option for riders of all skill levels.
Before setting out on a trail ride, it's important to make sure you have the right gear. This includes a properly fitted helmet, comfortable riding boots, and a well-maintained saddle and bridle. It's also a good idea to bring along some basic first aid supplies, such as bandages and ointment, in case of any accidents.
When choosing a trail to ride on, consider the terrain and the length of the ride. If you're a beginner, it may be best to start with a shorter, flat trail to get a feel for horseback riding. More experienced riders may want to tackle longer, more challenging trails with steep inclines and rough terrain.
It's also important to consider the weather and trail conditions before embarking on a ride. Wet trails can be slippery and dangerous for both horses and riders, and can also cause damage to the trail. It's best to wait until the trail has dried out before setting out, or to choose a different trail if the weather forecast calls for rain.
Overall, horseback riding on trails is a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature. Just be sure to follow proper safety protocols and avoid riding on wet trails to help preserve these beautiful spaces for future generations.
Here's some of our favorite horseback trails
Big Elk Creek
Irwin, Idaho
11.0 miles SE of Irwin, IdahoBig Elk Creak Campground is a very versitile campground with plenty of activities to keep busy. Campgrounds are available, with three group sites that include picnic tables and campfire rings. There...
Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak 0.6-4.7 miHarriman State Park
Island Park, Idaho
8.3 miles SW of Island Park, IdahoHarriman State Park is found 38 miles from Yellowstone along Henry's Fork. This 11,000-acre wildlife refuge is open year round for most activities. In addition to having beautiful scenery and...
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 3.2-47.0 miYellowstone Branch Line Trail
Ashton, Idaho
7.6 miles NE of Ashton, IdahoYellowstone branch line trail runs from Warm River to the Montana border totaling 39 miles. There are a few places to jump on and off the trail as well as a few smaller trails that branch off of this...
Backpack, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 0.6-3.7 miUmstead State Park
Raleigh, North Carolina
9.7 miles NW of Raleigh, North CarolinaPeople in North Carolina’s Triangle find respite in the natural haven that is William B. Umstead State Park. Umstead State Park is an impressive 5,579 acres of nature’s wonders in the...
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 13.2-13.5 miBear Creek Hot Springs
Irwin, Idaho
9.8 miles S of Irwin, IdahoBear Creek Hot Springs is a 15 mile out and back trail with a hot spring at the end. The trail is not well marked and is only recommended for very experienced outdoorsmen and primarily used for...
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Hot Springs, Mountain BikePine Butte / The Caldera
St. Anthony, Idaho
21.7 miles N of St. Anthony, IdahoThis is about as close to an oasis as you can get in the deserts of Idaho. It's an old volcano in the middle of the sagebrush desert. As soon as you start down the path, you can feel the air...
Camp, Hike, Horseback 0.2-9.7 miCity Creek
Pocatello, Idaho
1.3 miles S of Pocatello, IdahoThe City Creek Management Area (CCMA) Trail System is a vast network of trails maintained by the City of Pocatello. There are trails to go up and others to come down. Most trails come back to the...
Hike, Horseback, Mountain BikeCity of Rocks National Reserve
Malta, Idaho
23.3 miles SW of Malta, IdahoThe City of Rocks, or "The City" as locals call it, is one of the best places in the country to go rock climbing. Throughout the valley granite spires dominate the skyline, reaching...
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Rock ClimbHalf Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay, California
1.0 miles W of Half Moon Bay, CaliforniaHalf Moon Bay State Park's Coastside Trail runs parallel to the Pacific Coast along what used to be the Ocean Shore Railroad. The railroad itself was in operation for just 14 years before it was...
Camp, Hike, Horseback, SwimAntelope Island State Park
Syracuse, Utah
10.0 miles SW of Syracuse, UtahLocated just 41 miles north of Salt Lake City, Antelope Island State Park encompasses a vast selection of outdoor activities and spectacular scenery providing a peaceful nature experience. Experience...
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike- Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.