Horse Riding and Camping
The forests and grassland offer many trails suitable for horseback riding. Riders can explore millions of acres of beautiful scenery on multi-use trails.
Not all trails are suitable for use on horseback. Contact the local District Office in the area you'd like to ride for details. There are several dude ranches and outfitters in the area that rent horses for trail rides and pack trips. Horses are not allowed in developed campgrounds but may be kept adjacent to them in Wyoming, and in a few select campgrounds in Colorado.
- You may need to pack water, as some trails lack streams.
- Bring certified weed-free hay and water buckets.
- Tree-saver straps for picket lines and portable corrals are recommended.
- Grazing is allowed, but keep it light.
- Give hikers the right-of-way while keeping your horse calm.
- Make sure horses are tied securely, and if you are camping, keep 200 feet from water to protect streams and pack out all waste.
- Use a map or Avenza app to find sites.
Please follow Leave No Trace protocols.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Adams Creek Trailhead: Trail #1144.6A
Although only 1.5 miles in length, this trail provides motorized, foot, bike and horse access to the entire 1144 system of trails in California Park.
Adams Park Trailhead: Trail #1144
This trail provides motorized and foot, bike and horse access to the #1144 Bears Ears system of trails, connecting most directly with Adams Creek #1144.6A and #1144 Bears Ears. The trails system can…
Aspen Trailhead: Trail #1183.1A
Located near Freeman Reservoir, this non-motorized trail is open to foot, bike, and horse traffic. Day hiking leads to Cottonwood and Sherman Trails, the #1183 Freeman trail, #1144 Bears Ears and the…
Baby Lake Trailhead - CDT Access
Baby Lake is located in the Sierra Madre Range and is managed by the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District. Trailhead provides non-motorized access to the Baby Lakes Trail and Huston Park Wilderness…
Baldy Trailhead
This Trailhead serves as the access point for Baldy Trail #1200. This 6.75 mile trail begins on private land, please respect the landowner and stay on the trail.The trail begins by crossing the East…
Base Camp Trailhead: Trail #1101 - CDT Access
Trail # 1101, CDT National scenic trail leads you North on the Continental Divide from Rabbit Ears Pass. This is a non-motorized, multi-use trail leading to multiple lakes and connects to trails…
Bear Lake Campground
Site Closed
Bear Lake Campground is located 11 miles outside of Yampa, Colorado on Forest Service Road 900. The campground typically opens in early June and has a range of outdoor recreation opportunities from…
Beaver Creek Trailhead
Trailhead parking is ample and ideal for parking horse trailers and unloading horses. The trail provides a good access to the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, great for groups with horses who want to get away…
Big Creek Lakes Campground
Site Open
Currently there is no potable water, campers should come prepared with their own water. No date has been determined as to when it will have potable water again. Big Creek Lakes Campground is the…
Big Creek Lakes Day Use Area
Site Open
This Day Use Area will close on October 21st, 2024.Picnic tables, fishing access and general recreation opportunities in this beautiful lakeside setting near portal to Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This…