Horse Riding and Camping

Riding is a great way to connect with nature and experience the tranquility and beauty of the forest. On horseback, you can reach parts of the forest that might be inaccessible by foot or vehicle... and the horse's height adds a new perspective of surrounding nature and wildlife.

Certified weed-free forage and bedding is required on all National Forest land.  No hay is allowed in Wilderness areas.  The Colorado Department of Agriculture maintains a directory of certified weed-free forage producers.

Horseback Riding

Many forest trails are open to multiple uses, and trails may shared by hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists. 

Horses have the right of way on multiple use trails:

• Hikers yield to horses
• Bicyclists yield to horses and hikers

Horse Camping

Horses are not permitted in campgrounds and picnic areas unless specifically stated.

The White River has several equestrian campgrounds with corrals, opportunities for dispersed camping, and miles of trails for riders packing in for overnight stays. 

The Colorado Backcountry Horsemen's online handbook offers safety tips and Leave No Trace advice for camping with horses.

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Recreation Opportunities

Horseback Riding (284)

Horse Camping (18)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 289 results

Acorn Creek TH #71

This trail offers the hiker solitude as well as an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. You will hike through beautiful Aspen groves, sagebrush meadows, and forests of spruce and fir trees before…

Anthracite Pass TH #1969

Raggeds WildernessThe Raggeds Wilderness covers 65,443 acres spanning Gunnison and White River National Forests.A very difficult day hike to a mountain pass through groves of aspen, pine forests and…

Antones #1871

The Antones Trail begins at LEDE Reservoir and ends at Forest Service Road 414. The trail begins as an old jeep road, then enters aspen forest as a gradual uphill climb until it comes to the top of…

Arkansas Mountain TH #1965

ALERTS:• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass…

Aspen Area

The Aspen area is known for its beautiful peaks over 14,000 feet and majestic wilderness experiences. It's home to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, one of the most iconic areas in Colorado. 

Aspen to Crested Butte via East Maroon TH #1983

ALERTS:• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass…

Aspen-Sopris Ranger District

Aspen-SoprisAspen-Sopris Ranger District manages five Wilderness areas and the spectacular Maroon Bells Scenic Area. The historic Crystal Mill, Ashcroft ghost town, and the small mining town of…

Avalanche Creek TH #1959

ALERTS:• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass…

Bailey Lake (via Oyster Lake #1825)

Bailey Lake is accessed via Oyster Lake Trail #1825 which begins at Rio Blanco County Road 17 and for the first 4 miles the trail crosses private property; please remain on the trail. One mile…

Bailey Lakes Trailhead #1859

The Bailey Lakes trail begins on the Hooper Lake Trail # 1860 and ends at Bailey Lakes. Follow the Hooper Lake Trail for about 3 miles to reach the beginning of this trail which continues another 1.5…