Sunsets Await in the West: Must-Ride Trails & Horse-Friendly Stays

By Christy Thiaucourt | February 10, 2025

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!