Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in Joshua Tree National Park is popular for those who bring their own horses; however, the sometimes severe environment must be taken into consideration.
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Horseback Riding Details
Horseback riding within Joshua Tree National Park is popular for those who bring their own horses; however, the sometimes severe environment must be taken into consideration. There is little available drinking water, placing limits on the extent of a horseback journey in the park. The Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan designates 253 miles of equestrian trails and trail corridors, which cover open lands, canyon bottoms and dry washes. Many of the trails are already open and clearly marked; others are in various states of development. Trail maps are available for the west entrance area and for the Black Rock Canyon area. Ryan and Black Rock campgrounds have designated areas for horses and stock animals, with a $20 per night fee at Black Rock. Make reservations for Black Rock horse camp by calling 1-877-444-6777. Ryan campground charges $15 per night; water is not available. Call 760-367-5545, Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make reservations for camping at Ryan. Reservations are not required for day use. If you intend to camp with your horses or stock in the backcountry, you'll need a permit. You can arrange for one by calling 760-367-5545. Grazing is not permitted in the park. Stock animals are restricted to pellet feed, and manure must be removed from campgrounds and trailheads. Stock use is limited to horses and mules and you must remain on designated equestrian trails and corridors, open dirt roads, and shoulders of paved roads. Travel single file to minimize damage to soil and vegetation. Stock animals are not permitted within .25 mile of any natural or constructed water source. You may park your horse trailer at one of the following locations: Boy Scout trailhead in Indian Cove, Lower Covington Flats picnic area, Twin Tanks, Geology Tour Road, the North Entrance, Black Rock and Ryan horse camps, and other pullouts along park roads near horse-accessible trails, as long the trailers do not obstruct traffic. Near the west entrance, mounted riders may enter the park at Quail Wash, Cactus Cove View and Burro Access. Near Black Rock, riders may come into the park at the High View/West Side Loop cutoff, Machris Wash, Little Long Canyon and Long Canyon.
Difficulty
Open
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N/A
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Region
What to Do
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