From rugged mountain passes to open desert plains and coastal beaches, the Western U.S. is a dream destination for horseback riders. Whether you’re looking for multi-day pack trips, scenic trail rides, or historic ranch stays, these unforgettable equestrian destinations offer breathtaking landscapes and horse-friendly lodging to make your trip seamless.
1. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
📍 Location: Gardiner, WY & West Yellowstone, MT
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride through America’s first national park, home to geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.
- Backcountry trails offer stunning views of canyons, waterfalls, and open valleys.
- See wild bison, elk, and even grizzly bears from the saddle.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Dreamcatcher Lodge & Stables – Offers guided pack trips and overnight horse camping near Yellowstone.
Must-Try Experience: Ride into Lamar Valley for some of the best wildlife viewing on horseback.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
📍 Location: Bryce, UT
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride among towering hoodoos, deep canyons, and red rock formations.
- Well-marked equestrian trails weave through the park’s surreal landscape.
- One of the most photogenic horseback riding destinations in the West.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Ruby’s Inn Horse Campground – Offers corrals and access to guided rides into Bryce Canyon.
Must-Try Experience: Take the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which winds through majestic red rock formations.
3. Big Sur Coastal Rides – California
📍 Location: Big Sur, CA
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride along cliffside trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Explore redwood forests, wildflower-covered hills, and secluded beaches.
- One of the most iconic coastal riding experiences in the world.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Andrew Molera State Park Equestrian Campground – Provides horse corrals and access to coastal trails.
Must-Try Experience: Ride Molera Beach Trail, where horses are allowed on the sand and in the waves!
4. Glacier National Park – Montana
📍 Location: West Glacier, MT
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride through glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
- Over 700 miles of trails, including high-mountain passes with jaw-dropping views.
- A true wilderness adventure in one of the most remote areas of the West.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Swan Mountain Outfitters – Offers guided trail rides and multi-day pack trips in Glacier.
Must-Try Experience: Ride the Apgar Lookout Trail for panoramic views of Glacier’s mountain peaks.
5. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
📍 Location: South Rim, AZ
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Experience the legendary Grand Canyon on horseback.
- Ride down steep switchbacks into the canyon for an epic adventure.
- Mule rides are also available for those looking for a sure-footed trail experience.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Apache Stables & Lodge – Offers boarding and private trail rides near the Grand Canyon.
Must-Try Experience: Take the Bright Angel Trail for a once-in-a-lifetime descent into the Grand Canyon.
6. Redwood National Park – California
📍 Location: Orick, CA
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride among the world’s tallest trees in an ancient forest setting.
- Soft dirt trails make for a smooth, comfortable ride.
- Some trails lead to secluded beaches along the Northern California coast.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Orick Horse Camp – A private campground with stalls and direct trail access.
Must-Try Experience: Ride Lost Man Creek Trail for an immersive redwood forest experience.
7. Painted Hills – Oregon
📍 Location: Mitchell, OR
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride through colorful rock formations that change with the sunlight.
- One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, featuring desert trails and rolling hills.
- A must-visit destination for photographers and adventure riders.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Painted Hills Horse Camp – A remote horse camping facility with stunning views.
Must-Try Experience: Ride the Carroll Rim Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of the Painted Hills.
8. Colorado Rocky Mountains – Colorado
📍 Location: Estes Park, CO & Rocky Mountain National Park
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride through high-altitude trails, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks.
- Over 200 miles of designated equestrian trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- See elk, bighorn sheep, and stunning wildflower fields.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: Sombrero Ranches – Offers horse-friendly lodging and guided trail rides in Estes Park.
Must-Try Experience: Ride the Glacier Creek Trail for incredible mountain views and waterfalls.
9. Custer State Park – South Dakota
📍 Location: Custer, SD
🌟 Why It's Unforgettable:
- Ride among herds of wild bison in the Black Hills.
- Trails pass through granite spires, rolling prairies, and pine forests.
- Home to the famous Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup.
🏡 Horse-Friendly Stay: French Creek Horse Camp – Offers equestrian camping and direct trail access.
Must-Try Experience: Take the Wildlife Loop Road for up-close encounters with bison and pronghorn.
Saddle Up for a Western Horseback Adventure
From beach rides in California to high-altitude trails in the Rockies, the Western U.S. is full of legendary equestrian experiences. Whether you’re planning a multi-day pack trip or a scenic day ride, these destinations offer unforgettable trails and top horse-friendly lodging.
🐴 Which Western trail is on your bucket list? Let us know!
