Yellowstone National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the American West. One of the best ways to experience the park’s stunning landscapes is through horseback riding. In this blog post, we’ll explore the recommended horseback riding trails in Yellowstone, the different packages available, and the key details and regulations you need to know before saddling up.
Recommended Horseback Riding Trails in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park boasts a variety of horseback riding trails, each offering its own unique charm and scenery. Here are some of the top-rated trails:
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Beaver Ponds Loop Trail: This 8.9 km trail with an elevation gain of 233 m is a popular choice among visitors, with a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews on AllTrails.com. The trail takes riders through sagebrush flats, up a hill, and across a stream, offering stunning views of Pleasant Valley and Hellroaring Mountain.
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Lamar Valley Trail: Another highly rated trail, the Lamar Valley Trail has a 4.6-star rating from 910 reviews. This scenic route offers breathtaking vistas of the Lamar Valley, one of the park’s most iconic landscapes.
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Elephant Back Mountain Trail: Known for its moderate difficulty and scenic views, the Elephant Back Mountain Trail is a favorite among experienced riders. With a 4.6-star rating, this trail takes riders through wooded areas and meadows, providing a unique perspective of the park.
Horseback Riding Packages in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers two distinct horseback riding packages for visitors:
| Package | Duration | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Ride | 1 hour | $93.67 |
| 2-Hour Ride | 2 hours | $142.08 |
The 1-hour ride takes riders through sagebrush flats, up a hill, and across a stream, while the 2-hour ride heads up a wooded hillside, through sagebrush flats and meadows, and around Lost Lake. Both packages include taxes and fees.
Key Details and Regulations
Before embarking on your horseback riding adventure in Yellowstone, it’s important to be aware of the following details and regulations:
- Age and Height Requirements: Riders must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall. Those under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Weight Limit: Riders must weigh under 240 lbs.
- Private Stock: Visitors can bring their own horses into the park but must follow all stock packing regulations, including carrying proof of a negative Coggins Test.
- Day Ride Permits: Free day ride permits are required for private stock users, with no limits on the number of permits in an area.
- Overnight Use: Overnight stock use is not permitted prior to July 1, and a backcountry permit is required.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in exploring Yellowstone’s horse trails, there are a few additional resources to consider:
- Wild West Whitewater Rafting: Offers horseback riding near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
- Flying Pig Rafting Co.: Partners with a stable near the North Entrance, offering small group rides with real Montana cowboys.
- Grand Teton Lodge Company: Offers guided horseback rides inside Grand Teton National Park, which is adjacent to Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park’s horse trails offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience the park’s natural wonders. Whether you choose a 1-hour or 2-hour ride, you’re sure to be captivated by the stunning landscapes and the thrill of exploring this iconic American wilderness on horseback.
References
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/horseback-riding/ride-a-horse/
- https://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/summer_recreation/horseback_riding.php
- https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventure/wild-west-adventures/saddle-up/
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/wyoming/yellowstone-national-park/horseback-riding
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/horseride.htm