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, IdahoA versatile campground on a small dammed lake with fishing, kayaking, hiking and backpacking into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and stunning fall Aspen and Douglas-Fir colors on the Big Elk Creek Trail.
Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak Add Location 0.6-4.7 mi
Harriman State Park
Island Park, Idaho
8.3 miles SW of Island Park, IdahoAn 11,000-acre wildlife refuge 38 miles from Yellowstone along Henry's Fork — world-class fly-fishing, hiking among wildflowers and wildlife, plus 24 miles of Nordic ski trails in winter.
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 2.8-4.1 mi
Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon
Irwin, Idaho
4.4 miles E of Irwin, IdahoSpectacular mountain views, two landslide-formed alpine lakes, and mountain goat sightings — all within a 4-to-6-mile hike in the Swan Valley wilderness.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 0.6-3.7 mi
Umstead State Park
Raleigh, North Carolina
9.7 miles NW of Raleigh, North CarolinaFive thousand five hundred acres of forested trails — over 20 miles of hiking and 13 miles of multi-use paths — plus three fishing lakes and canoe rentals in the heart of the Triangle.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 6.6-6.8 mi
Bear Creek Hot Springs
Irwin, Idaho
9.8 miles S of Irwin, IdahoTrek ~13 miles up a creek canyon near Palisades Reservoir to a secluded natural hot spring — gentle most of the way, with one rewarding final climb.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Hot Springs, Mountain Bike
Pine Butte / The Caldera
St. Anthony, Idaho
21.7 miles N of St. Anthony, IdahoAn old volcano in the Idaho desert that feels like stepping into a mountain forest — pine-covered hillsides, a meadow ringed by aspen and boulders, and a quarter-mile easy trail to the caldera floor.
Camp, Hike, Horseback 0.2-9.7 mi
City Creek
Pocatello, Idaho
1.3 miles S of Pocatello, IdahoPocatello's city-maintained trail network packs over six miles of singletrack into City Creek Canyon, with everything from casual loops to a downhill-only expert run.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay, California
1.0 miles W of Half Moon Bay, CaliforniaA historic railroad corridor trail along the Half Moon Bay Pacific Coast with sweeping ocean views, access to multiple beaches, red-tailed hawks, herons, and a distant view of the famous Mavericks surf break.
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim
Antelope Island State Park
Syracuse, Utah
10.0 miles SW of Syracuse, UtahTwenty miles of trails cross Utah's Great Salt Lake island alongside free-roaming bison, antelope, and bobcats — best visited in early spring or late fall to beat the bugs.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike
Zephyr Cove Park
Glenbrook, Nevada
5.5 miles S of Glenbrook, NevadaSix tennis courts, disc golf, a sledding hill, a beach, and a fishing pond all at one free park make Zephyr Cove one of Lake Tahoe's most versatile family hangouts.
Camp, Canoe, Disc Golf, Hike, Horseback, Kayak, Swim
- 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.
