Horse Riding and Camping

Equestrians can explore trails suited for horses in the forest and camp under the stars, while the grassland offers wide-open spaces for riding and rustic overnights.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a classic way to explore two wild landscapes from the saddle! With trails and open spaces perfect for a trot, it’s a rider’s delight. Here’s what you need to know to giddy-up and go:

Where You Can Ride

Trails are open wide—grab a map at ranger offices or online to pick your route. In the Caribou-Targhee, paths like those near Caribou Mountain or the Teton Basin wind through forests and meadows, offering horse-friendly terrain with mountain views. The Curlew Grassland switches it up—flat, sagebrush plains stretch out, ideal for an easy canter under big skies. Ride most anywhere in the forest, including wilderness areas like Jedediah Smith (no motors!), while the grassland’s open for roaming—just watch for trail conditions.

What’s Special

The forest feels like a Western movie—clip-clop through pines, past wildflowers, or along streams, with summer’s green or fall’s gold framing the ride. The Curlew’s a different beast—wide-open prairie vibes, rolling hills, and maybe a hawk overhead, giving you that lone-rider thrill. It’s two sides of awesome: forested trails with punchy scenery, grassland expanses with pure freedom.

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring water and a snack for you and your horse—forest streams aren’t always close, and the Curlew’s dry. Bear spray’s a must in the Caribou-Targhee (grizzlies are out there—make noise!), while the grassland’s more about sun and wind. A map or Avenza app keeps you headed right, and yield to hikers—horses rule the trail. Check tack, wear a helmet, and dodge mud after rain.

Horseback riding here is all about the journey and the views—saddle up, pick a path, and let the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew take you for a ride!

Horse Camping

Horse camping on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a dreamy way to ride and rest in the wild! With trails leading to starry campsites, it’s a horse lover’s perfect getaway. Here’s what you need to know for an overnight adventure:

Where You Can Camp

Campsites are out there—grab a map at ranger offices or online to plan your spot. In the Caribou-Targhee, dispersed sites near trails like those by Scout Mountain or Palisades Reservoir offer space for horses, with room to tie up or set a corral. The Curlew Grassland keeps it open—pitch a tent on its sagebrush plains, no trees to tie to, but plenty of room to roam and rest. Forest wilderness areas like Jedediah Smith are fair game too (no motors!), just camp 200 feet from water to keep it clean.

What’s Special

The forest sets the scene—ride through pines and meadows by day, then camp with mountain silhouettes and a crackling fire, summer’s warm or fall’s crisp. The Curlew flips it—wide prairie nights under endless stars, with grassland breezes and a quiet that’s pure magic. It’s two flavors: forest trails ending in cozy camps, grassland nights with big-sky freedom, both pure horse country.

Tips to Be Prepared

Pack weed-free hay (it’s required!), water buckets, and a highline or portable corral—grazing’s light in both spots. Bear spray’s key in the Caribou-Targhee (grizzlies roam—store food high!), while the Curlew’s more sun and wind than critters. A map or Avenza app guides you to good sites and tell someone your plan—signals iffy. Pack out waste (yours and your horse’s!), and check weather—nights get cold fast.

Horse camping here is all about trails and tranquility—load up, ride in, and enjoy the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew’s wild nights!