Best Horseback Riding Spots in Wyoming - Wyoming Magazine

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Best Horseback Riding Spots in Wyoming

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Best Horseback Riding Spots in Wyoming

Wyoming consists of nearly a million square miles of land but less than half a million residents, resulting in a massive amount of open land to traverse. The vast quantity of wilderness makes Wyoming home to some of the best horseback riding spots in the country. Whether you’re a horse owner looking to be immersed in nature or a novice looking to gain experience while surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, this list has something for you.

Bighorn National Forest

Sitting on nearly 1 million acres, Bighorn National Forest sits in the northern part of the state. A must-see area of the forest is a section named Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Wilderness is a nearly 200,000-acre plot of land that is only accessible by foot and on horseback, offering a full-on wild country experience. The forest is free to the public, but specific campgrounds do have a small charge. Overnight camping with horses is allowed, but the forest does require that all horse feed be seed-free.

Grand Teton National Park

Over 300,000 acres of pure Mother Nature can be found at Grand Teton National Park. The park sets up in the northwest corner of the state, just south of Yellowstone. The onsite lodge offers trail rides for riders of every level of experience, including entry levels, making it a perfect option for anyone that doesn’t own their own horse or those that have very little experience riding trails. They do require that children be at least eight years old and no shorter than four feet tall. There is also a maximum weight limit of 225 pounds because they provide the horses. Wagon rides are offered as well.

The tours can be scheduled for as a little as one hour and up to three hours, and the prices range from $40 to $75 depending on the trail selection you choose. Different trail rides offer the chance to view different landmarks like Heron Pond, Emma Matilda Lake and Jackson Lake Overlook. The rides are offered May to September.

Jackson

A very small town that sits in the valley known as Jackson Hole, Jackson has a rich history that continues today. Before the mid 19th century, Native American tribes were the only inhabitants in the area, but it eventually brought in fur trappers from the colonies in the east because of the rich wildlife. The area is even referred to as the “Last of the Old West.” Local riding options offer one and two hour rides along with half-day or full day riding trips through the areas right around the town. Horses are provided.

Targhee National Forest

If you prefer a more intense journey in the Jackson Hole area, then the four-day guided ride through the Targhee National Forest may be a better option. Provided by Teton Wagon Train and Horse Adventures, the ride winds through Wyoming backcountry and offers three nights under the stars. Food is provided and meals are cooked similar to that of the pioneers of past — Dutch Ovens over a fire. The riding trips are offered weekly from June to August.

Curt Gowdy State Park

This state park doesn’t offer guided horse riding services, but they do allow overnight camping with the horses, including a free horse corral near the Aspen Grove Campground. Wyoming residents are required to pay a $4 per day fee and $10 fee for camping. Out of state visitors must pay a $6 per day fee and $17 for camping. The park is open year-round, but horse riding is best suited for the months of May through September. Riding is restricted to a specific area termed Area 17.

Outlaw Trail Ride

The outlaw trail ride offers views of the backcountry not seen from other rides as the majority of event occurs on private land. The ride is a four-day journey that covers 100 miles of wilderness through hills, canyon and forests, including areas that were once touched by Butch Cassidy. This trip costs around $1000.

Medicine Lodge Archeological Site

Medicine Lodge is one of the most history-rich sites in the US, displaying signs of life that go back 10,000 years. There is a public corral for overnight campers and nearly endless trails over the 12,000 acres that pass through grasslands, meadows and arid areas. Be sure to check out the Paint Rock Canyon and Dry Fork Canyon trails.

Bitterroot Ranch

This dude ranch, located in Dubois, has been owned by the same family since the 1970s. Bitterroot Ranch offers a very private, week-long experience. Instead of a long, multi-day ride, the ranch provides daily activities like riding lessons, jumping courses and cattle drives. The riders return to their private cabins nightly.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park offers guided tours on horseback through Xanterra Parks and Resorts, but visitors can also bring their own horses and camp out overnight from May to July. It’s important to keep in mind that the weather changes constantly, so be prepared for snow, rain and heat within the same day.

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