Yellowstone National Park offers a unique and immersive way to experience its natural beauty – through guided horseback riding tours. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, the park’s scenic trails and stunning landscapes provide an unforgettable adventure.
Guided Horseback Riding Trips
Yellowstone National Park Lodges
Yellowstone National Park Lodges, the official concessioner of the National Park Service, offers one and two-hour horseback rides from the Roosevelt Corrals. These rides are available throughout the summer season, typically from June to September.
The one-hour ride takes you through sagebrush flats, meadows, and wooded areas, offering scenic views of Pleasant Valley and Hellroaring Mountain. The two-hour ride heads up a wooded hillside, through sagebrush flats and meadows, along Lost Canyon and over Lost Creek, and around Lost Lake, providing stunning views of Pleasant Valley on the way back.
Private Horseback Riding Trips
Bringing Your Own Horses
Visitors can bring their own horses into the park, but they must follow all stock packing regulations, including carrying proof of a negative Coggins Test for each animal. Private stock users must obtain a free day ride permit, and group size is limited to 20 people and 20 stock.
Tour Dates and Rates
Roosevelt 1 Hour Ride
- Dates: June 7 – September 2, 2024
- Check-in Time: 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm (until August 7), 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm (from August 8)
- Length of Ride: 1 hour
- Adult Rate: $93.67 (includes taxes and fees)
Roosevelt 2 Hour Ride
- Dates: June 8 – September 2, 2024
- Check-in Time: 9:15 am
- Length of Ride: 2 hours
- Adult Rate: $142.08 (includes taxes and fees)
Routes and Views
Roosevelt 1 Hour Ride
The one-hour ride goes through sagebrush flats along Garnet Hill, up a hill, across a stream, and offers views of Pleasant Valley and Hellroaring Mountain.
Roosevelt 2 Hour Ride
The two-hour ride heads up a wooded hillside, through sagebrush flats and meadows, along Lost Canyon and over Lost Creek, and around Lost Lake, offering views of Pleasant Valley on the way back.
Safety and Regulations
- Age and Height Requirements: Riders must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and all riders must understand English.
- Weight Limit: Riders must weigh under 240 lbs.
- Closed-toed Shoes: Required for all riders. No flip flops or sandals.
- Long Pants: Recommended for comfort and safety.
- Bear Safety: All food, garbage, or other odorous items must be secured from bears.
Other Horseback Riding Resources
Yellowstone Roughriders
Yellowstone Roughriders offers half-day and full-day horseback rides, guided Lamar Valley Tours, and limited overnight pack trips throughout Yellowstone’s backcountry.
Wild West Whitewater Rafting
Wild West Whitewater Rafting offers horseback riding near Yellowstone’s North Entrance, featuring open valleys and thick forests.
Flying Pig Rafting Co.
Flying Pig Rafting Co. partners with a stable near Yellowstone’s North Entrance, offering small group rides led by real Montana cowboys.
References
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/horseride.htm
- https://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/summer_recreation/horseback_riding.php
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventure/wild-west-adventures/saddle-up/
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/horseback-riding/ride-a-horse/
- https://yellowstoneroughriders.com