Horse Riding and Camping
The San Juan National Forests offer many trails suitable for horseback riding. Horses are allowed on hiking trails unless a trail is designated for foot travel only. Horses are not allowed in developed campgrounds.
For more information on horseback riding opportunities, check out the following links.
- San Juan National Forest Outfitters and Guides
- Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen
- Mesa Verde Backcountry Horsemen
- San Juan Backcountry Horsemen
Only certified weed-free hay or processed feed may be brought onto National Forest System lands. Only processed feed may be used in wilderness areas. Tree-saver straps for picket lines and portable corrals are recommended.
Check out the some tips and regulations: SJNF Packing with Livestock.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Animas River Trail
The Animas River Trail is an excellent trail for day hikers, backpackers, and stock riders. The Animas River Trail is an alternative to taking the train to get to Chicago Basin by connecting…
Beri ATV Trail
Beri ATV Trail #812 begins and ends at Middle Mountain Road, Forest Road 724. Middle Mountain road heads north of Vallecito Reservoir. The trail is popular with Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs).Distance…
Buckles Lake Trailhead
The Buckles Lake Trailhead leads to both Buckles Lake Trail (688) and V Rock Trail (578).Buckles Lake Trail is 3 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 663m - Buckles Lake Road, continues past…
Bull Creek Trail
Bull Creek Trail #682 is a two-track road that begins at Forest Road 613, Fossett Gulch Road and ends at the boundary with Southern Ute Agency. The trail begins in ponderosa pine and gambel oak…
Burnt Timber Trail
The Burnt Timer Trail was named for a fire that swept through the area years ago. Large stands of aspen now flank the trail. You gain 1,000' in elevation the first mile. The trail continues climbing…
Burro Bridge Campground
Site Open
Two miles northeast of Dunton, Burro Bridge is one of three campgrounds along the West Dolores Road (Forest Rd. 535). The campground has 14 sites with a few shade trees on a sloping hillside above…
Cascade Creek Trail
Cascade Creek Trail passes by several beautiful views and waterfalls. There are two trails, on either side of the creek. The trail on the east is a stock driveway that is steep and muddy in spots.…
Cave Basin Trail
Cave Basin Trail starts off wide and well defined but soon disappears, and the majority of the hike is bushwhacking. The trail is distinctive from a distance, but once you are on the trail it is hard…
Chris Park / Haviland Lake Trail System
Chris Park / Haviland Lake Trail System includes a series of interconnected trails that meander through the Haviland and Chris Park area. The trails are good for hiking and horseback riding in the…
Chris Park Group Campground
Site Open
The Chris Park Group Campground, one mile south of Haviland Lake on Forest Rd. 166, has 3 group campsites. Two group sites accommodate 75 campers each. A third group site accommodates up to 150…