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
Bill Miller Trailhead
Site Open
Designated trailhead with access to trails into Troublesome Basin roadless areas. This is a non-motorized, multi-use trail and there are no developed facilities. The setting is sagebrush and…
Black Mountain Trailhead: Trail #1185
This 7.2-mile one-way single track Trail # 1185 takes off the 110.3B road and goes north, connecting to the Black Mountain Trail. The trail is for non-motorized use and is great for backpacking,…
Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District Office
The Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District office is located in Saratoga, Wyoming and oversees the Sierra Madre Range and west side of the Snowy Range. Maps, passes and Forest product permits are…
Buffalo Pass
Buffalo Pass is a popular dispersed recreation hub, partly because of its proximity to Steamboat Springs. The area, however, was lacking in Forest Service trails, so many visitors created trails…
Buffalo Pass Trailhead: Trail #1101, CDNST
Trail #1101 is located on the summit of Buffalo Pass and is a great multi-use trailhead. To the north, it leads you into Mount Zirkel Wilderness for hiking and horseback riding. To the south,…
Buffalo Ridge Trailhead
Site Open
Designated trailhead with access to trails into Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Parking at the trailhead is adequate provided parked vehicles are parked conservatively. Trail grade varies substantially…
Burn Ridge Trailhead: Trail #1100
Trail #1100 located in the Seedhouse area, off the 443 Road. Non-motorized, multi-use trail that provides Mount Zirkel Wilderness access on the western boundary. This trail connects to the 1100.3A…
California Park Trailhead: Trail #1144
Located in California Park, this lightly trafficked trail is non-motorized and provides foot, bike and horse access to the #1144 Bears Ears system of trails.
California Park/Black Mountain Area
Located in Northern Colorado, on the west side of the Routt National Forest, the California Park/Black Mountain area is home to the Elkhead Mountains. Notable peaks and destinations include Bears…
Campground Trailhead: Trail #1185
This single track, non-motarized Trail # 1185 takes off the 110.3B road and goes north, connecting to the Black Mountain Trail.