Horse Riding and Camping
The San Juan National Forests offer many trails suitable for horseback riding. Horses are allowed on hiking trails unless a trail is designated for foot travel only. Horses are not allowed in developed campgrounds.
For more information on horseback riding opportunities, check out the following links.
- San Juan National Forest Outfitters and Guides
- Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen
- Mesa Verde Backcountry Horsemen
- San Juan Backcountry Horsemen
Only certified weed-free hay or processed feed may be brought onto National Forest System lands. Only processed feed may be used in wilderness areas. Tree-saver straps for picket lines and portable corrals are recommended.
Check out the some tips and regulations: SJNF Packing with Livestock.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Anderson Trail
At Fourmile Trailhead, Anderson Trail (579) begins on your left about 10 feet before the sign for the Fourmile Trail (569). It gradually climbs to the Weminuche Wilderness boundary. Then continues…
Animas River Trail
Animas River Trail (675) is an excellent trail for day hikers, backpackers, and stock riders. Animas River Trail is an alternative to taking the train to get to Chicago Basin by connecting Purgatory…
Aspen Loop Trail
Aspen Loop Trail (631) boasts incredible natural beauty thanks to the thick aspen forests and the wild peaks of the La Plata Mountains. Hesperus Mountain, one of the most notable peaks in this San…
Aspen Spur Trail
Aspen Spur Trail (175) connects the west end and east end of Aspen Loop Trail (631). Distance (one way): 5 milesMinimum elevation: 9,510 feetMaximum elevation: 10,193 feet
Baldy Mountain Trail
Baldy Mountain Trail (536) begins at First Fork Road, FR 622 and ends at Baldy Loop (697), an OHV doubletrack. This trail is located in the Piedra Area; therefore mountain bikes and motorized…
Bear Creek Trail
Bear Creek trail (607) begins at the confluence of Bear Creek and the Dolores River and merges with a portion of the Highline Loop National Recreation Trail, eight miles upstream. This is a great…
Beaver Lakes Trail
Beaver Lakes Trail (604) connects Snow Springs Trail (605) and Devil Mountain OHV Trail (600). From Snow Springs Trail, Beaver Lakes Trail drops off into Beaver Lakes Valley, then climbs to Devil…
Beri ATV Trail
Beri ATV Trail #812 begins and ends at Middle Mountain Road, Forest Road 724. Middle Mountain Road head north of Vallecito Reservoir. The trail has lovely views through the trees as it climbs,…
Big Lick Trail
From the end of FR 581 and Elbert Creek Trail, Big Lick Trail climbs a small hill, traversing beautiful, scenic meadows then abruptly drops for some into the Hermosa Creek drainage to intersect with…
Blanco River Trail
Blanco River Trail (573) begins at Blanco Basin Road (CR326 ) and climbs about eight miles to meet Little Blanco Trail (572). For approximately the first mile, the trail is located on private…