Horse Riding and Camping

Horseback riding is a wonderful way to explore both the front & backcountry

Horseback Riding

Riding through a forest’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open meadows, offers a unique and intimate way to connect with nature and experience the wilderness's tranquility and beauty. On horseback, you can reach parts of the forest that might be inaccessible by foot or vehicle, uncovering hidden gems and secluded spots. Many trails and trail heads on the Forest are horse friendly. 

Important information

• Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.
• Many trails are open to multiple non-motorized uses, meaning the trails are shared by hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists. Information on allowed trail uses is available on trailhead signs and the National Geographic-Trails Illustrated map for the area, or by contacting the nearest Ranger District office.
• Be sure to bring only certified weed-free feed for your stock.
• Pack it in, pack it out
• Riders are responsible for:
  • Ensuring that their horse has been tested for Equine Infectious Anemia.
  • Carrying current written proof of a negative Coggins Test result.
  • Providing proof of negative Coggins Test upon request.

Horse Camping

Horses are not permitted in developed areas (campgrounds and picnic areas) unless specifically stated. Dispersed camping with your favorite equines is an experience you'll not soon forget. 

Any food storage orders apply to all types of camping, horse camping or otherwise. Secure food away from wildlife.

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Recreation Opportunities

Horseback Riding (78)

Horse Camping (27)

Showing: 11 - 20 of 82 results

Bear Lake Trailhead - Trail # 721

Site Open

The Bear Lake trail is 3.34 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 105 and ends at Bear Lake, a popular fishing lake.The Bear Lake Trail provides a good starting point for longer backpacking trips.…

Bear Town Trailhead - Trail # 869

Site Open

The Beartown trail is 5.4 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 506 and ends at Forest Trail 825. The trail is open for the following uses: Day hiking, backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness Area,…

Big Meadows/Archuleta Trailhead # 839

Site Open

This trailhead is located at the reservoir Boat Ramp on the northeast corner of the lake.The facility consists of a parking lot, pit toilet, and trail signing.  This is a major trailhead to the…

Blanca, CO

Site Open

Blanca is on US Highway 160, 28 miles west of the top of La Veta Pass.

Buffalo Pass Campground

Site Closed

The campground is comprised of a single large loop, surrounded by a grass meadow in a Ponderosa Pine grove. There are 19 sites, 4 are pull-through. The sites are large and well-spaced with sites #16,…

Cathedral Campground

Site Temporarily Closed

Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork on Embargo Creek. The campground has 22 sites, all first come, first served. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull through…

Chama Basin Trailhead - Trail # 738

Site Open

The Chama Basin Trailhead is at the beginning of Forest Service property at the end of FDR 121. It gives access to the Archuleta Creek and Chama River trails. Dispersed camping is allowed there.

Chama River Trailhead - Trail # 738

Site Open

The Chama River trail is 4.9 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 121 and ends at Orel Cabin. Trail 740 begins approx. 2 miles up trail 738.This trail follows the Chama River to the confluence of the…

Chama, NM

Located on Highway 17, 10 miles south of the Colorado border.

Comstock Campground

Site Temporarily Closed

Comstock Campground is in the Rock Creek Drainage 18 miles southwest of Monte Vista. The campground facilities include 7 sites with tables and fire rings, a vault type toilet, and ample parking space…