If you’re a fan of horseback riding, there’s no better way to experience America’s beauty than by hitting the trails in one of our many national parks. From the wide-open spaces of the West to the lush forests of the East, there’s a park for everyone and every horse. Here are some of our favorite parks for horseback riding. Happy trails!
Here are Our Best National Parks for Horseback Riding
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the best places in the country for horseback riding. The park offers a variety of trails that wind through canyons and valleys, offering riders stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Here you’ll find dramatic red cliffs, towering mountains, and pristine rivers. The park also offers a variety of amenities for riders, including stables, corrals, and equestrian camping sites.
For those looking to explore the park on horseback, there are several great trails to choose from. The Emerald Pools Trail is a great option for beginners, as it features gentle slopes and plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery. For those looking for a more challenging ride, the Angel’s Landing trail offers stunning views of the park – but be prepared for some steep sections.
You’ll find several tour operators that will take you throughout the park. Prices vary from provider to provider. You can visit our Tours page for links to some of the tour operators.
If you’re bringing your own horse, admission cost for the park is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the premier outdoor destinations in North America. With vast expanses of wilderness and abundant wildlife, it is a true paradise for nature lovers. But the park also offers plenty of opportunities for other types of recreation, including horseback riding. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, there are plenty of great spots for riding in Yellowstone.
The Lamar Valley is a picturesque landscape that offers scenic views and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent place for riding. Additionally, Norris Geyser Basin is known for its geothermal activity and rich history. Furthermore, Fountain Paint Pot is home to some of the park’s most colorful thermal features, including bright yellow and red hot springs.
Another popular area is the Old Faithful region, which is home to some of the park’s most famous geysers and hot springs, as well as beautiful forests and valleys. If you’re looking for more challenging terrain, there are also numerous backcountry trails where you can experience rugged mountain landscapes while saddled up.
You’ll also find many horse riding tours of the park. There are dozens of tour operators in the park. You can visit the National Park Service website for a list of approved companies.
Admission to Yellowstone National Park is $35 per car.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the best places for horseback riding in the United States. The park’s diverse landscapes provide riders with plenty of opportunities to explore amid the breathtaking scenery.
One of the best places for riding in Glacier National Park is the Many Glacier area. This region is home to abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Riders can also enjoy stunning views of glacier-carved valleys and towering mountains. Another great option for horseback riding in Glacier National Park is the Two Medicine area. This region is known for its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and riders can explore forests of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. Riders of all experience levels will find plenty of trails to suit their needs in both of these regions of glacier National Park.
There are several companies that offer guided riding tours in the park, and it’s also possible to rent horses and go exploring on your own. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions and familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations before setting out. With a little planning, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience riding through Glacier National Park.
Admission to Glacier National Park is $35 per vehicle.
Shenandoah National Park
There are many great places for horseback riding in Shenandoah National Park, with each region offering its own unique set of trails and terrain. For those looking for a challenge, the rocky mountain passes and high elevations of the northern section of the park provide the perfect setting for an exciting ride.
The forested areas to the south are more level, making them ideal for novice riders or those simply looking for a leisurely trek through the woods. And for those seeking some serenity away from the crowds, there are several remote backcountry areas that offer great opportunities to explore on horseback.
Some of the best places in the park are the trails near Little Stony Man. These well-maintained trails are packed with gorgeous scenic views of the surrounding mountain landscape, making them perfect for an afternoon of trotting and cantering. Additionally, many of these trails offer areas that are designated specifically for horseback riders, so you can be assured of a safe and enjoyable outing.
If you want a guided tour, the park has one official concessionaire. You can visit them here to make reservations.
The cost of admission to the park is $30 per vehicle.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the country for horseback riding. The park offers more than 350 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and riders of all experience levels are sure to find a trail that suits their needs. In addition, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Riders have a good chance of seeing deer, elk, or bighorn sheep while out on the trail.
The park’s many trails provide panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, and riders can often explore the park’s backcountry, which is otherwise inaccessible to hikers and vehicles. For those looking for a more leisurely ride, there are several horse-drawn stagecoaches that offer tours of the park. No matter what your skill level, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to have a trail that’s perfect for you.
For a guided experience, you can visit one of the local companies offering tours. You can find a list of them here.
Admission to Rocky Mountain National Park is $35 per vehicle.
Bryce Canyon National Park
There are many great places for horseback riding in Bryce Canyon National Park, and each offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. One of the most popular spots is along the Hoodoo trail, which features stunning views of orange and red sandstone formations against a backdrop of azure sky. This trail is fairly easy for beginners, with plenty of gradual hills and wide, well-maintained paths that are perfect for galloping. In addition, there are numerous ponds and streams along the way where riders can stop to cool off their horses or themselves on a hot day.
Another popular spot is Fairyland Point, which offers magnificent views of the horseshoe-shaped canyon below. And for those looking for a more relaxing ride, there are also meandering trails that wind through peaceful woodlands and offer stunning views of babbling waterfalls and serene lakes.
Cedar Mountain is also a popular spot. It offers a more challenging ride through wooded areas as well as grassy meadows. This route has steep climbs and narrow trails that require close attention to detail, making it an exciting option for experienced riders who enjoy both speed and technical work.
Canyon Rides is the park concessioner for Bryce Canyon National Park if you’re looking for a guided tour. They have two tours available. One if about an hour and a half to two hours, and the other is three hours long. You can go to their website to make reservations.
Admission to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a mecca for horseback riders, with miles of gorgeous trails that wind through the breathtaking mountains and forests of this iconic American landmark. Some of the best places for horseback riding in Yosemite include the Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point Road, and Tuolumne Meadows. These locations offer unmatched views of some of Yosemite’s most scenic landscapes, including towering waterfalls and majestic granite cliffs.
Other popular and well-trafficked areas include Lake Eleanor, the Tuolumne River Trail, and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Area. These miles of scenic trails are perfect for a relaxing ride through nature, with plenty of opportunity to take in the stunning views of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. Additionally, these trails offer a variety of different terrains that can accommodate both novice and experienced riders, from level paths interspersed with obstacles to challenging mountain slopes that offer challenging but exhilarating rides.
For a guided tour, you can visit the park concessioner’s website here. You can find two-hour and all-day trips. Currently, the two-hour ride costs $70 per person and the all-day trip costs $144.
Admission to Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Horseback riding is a great way to explore the great outdoors, and there are plenty of great places to go riding in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is a great place to start, as it offers an easy ride around a scenic loop. For a longer ride, head to the Deep Creek area, where you can explore the waterfalls and mountain streams. Or for a truly memorable experience, try riding through the old-growth forests of Cataloochee.
Another great place for riding is the Appalachian Trail. The trail offers great views of the mountains and is perfect for a more adventurous ride.
Whichever route you choose, horseback riding is a great way to explore the park and take in the beauty of the mountains.
For a guided adventure, the park has four concessioners where you can take trips with everything provided. Costs and length of rides vary. You can visit the National Park Service website for a list of available companies.
There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a stunningly beautiful place, and there are many great places to go horseback riding. The park offers over 100 miles of trails, winding through forests, along waterways, and up and down mountains. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and riders can enjoy views of wildlife, wildflowers, and stunning vistas. Acadia also has a variety of different terrains, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find the perfect trail for your skill level.
Some of the best places to ride are along the ocean, where you can enjoy the sound and smell of the waves crashing against the shore. There are also several great lakes in Acadia National Park, where you can go for a refreshing swim after a long ride. You can also try some of the carriage roads in the park. The 45 miles of rustic roads were a gift to the park from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and most permit horseback riding.
There are no concessioners who provide guided riding tours in the park.
Admission to Acadia National Park is $30 per vehicle.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular destinations for horseback riding in the United States. The park is home to numerous trails that wind through its stunning landscapes, offering riders of all levels the opportunity to explore the canyon. Many of the park’s trails are located near the South Rim, making it easy to access some of the most popular riding areas.
There are, however, also a number of trails located in other parts of the park, so riders can find the perfect route for their ability level and interests. Whether you’re looking for an easy ride along the rim or a challenging trek into the depths of the canyon, Grand Canyon National Park has a trail that’s perfect for you.
The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular trails in Grand Canyon national park. The trailhead is located near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, and the trail descends 9.5 miles into the canyon. The Bright Angel Trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner riders. But be warned—the Bright Angel Trail can be strenuous, so make sure you’re up for a challenge before you set out.
For a more leisurely ride, try the Hermit’s Rest Route. This 12-mile round-trip trail starts at Hermit’s Rest, located on the west side of Grand Canyon national park.
There are many private tours that will take you on a guided adventure. If you’re bringing your own horse, you’ll need to be aware of the National Park System’s many rules. You can find them listed here.
Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a beautiful and unique place to explore on horseback. There are many miles of trails winding through the forests and meadows, offering riders stunning views of the park’s volcanic features. One of the best places to start exploring is at the Summit Lake North Horse Camp, which offers access to some of the most popular trails in the park. From here, riders can head out on gentle rides through fragrant meadows or more challenging rides along rocky ridges.
Another great option for riding is the Juniper Lake campground, which is located near the shores of Juniper Lake. This campground offers access to a number of different trails, including some that wind through old-growth forests. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming, making it a great spot to spend a few days exploring on horseback. You’ll also have a great opportunity to see the wide variety of wildlife in the park.
There are plenty of private tour companies if you’re looking for a guided adventure. Most of the park’s trails are open to horses. Costs will vary depending on the provider.
Admission to Lassen Volcanic National Park is $30 per vehicle.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the best places for horseback riding in the Midwest. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, you’ll find beautiful, dense forest trails and rolling hills which provide a scenic backdrop for riders of all skill levels. Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, there are plenty of trails in CVNP that will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of riding. Some popular options include the Wetmore Trail and the Langes Run Trail.
Most trails will take about two hours, although some can be combined for a longer experience. A complete list of the park’s trails is on the park’s website. Whether you’re out for a ride on a sunny afternoon or taking part in one of the park’s many equestrian events, it’s easy to find plenty of room to roam.
And one of the best things of all is that there is no admission fee to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
