Horseback Riding

Horses and and pack animals, including burros and mules, are allowed in Capitol Reef National Park backcountry.

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Horseback Riding Details

Horses and and pack animals, including burros and mules, are allowed in the Capitol Reef National Park backcountry. There are no developed overnight facilities for stock users except the Equestrian Staging Area at the Post Corral in the Waterpocket District. Riders may camp overnight within the Post Corral with advance reservations. All camping units and horse trailers must be contained within the west side of the corral, with horses kept in the adjacent pens or tied. There is no water available at the corral site. Anyone exploring the backcountry with their horse must keep a long list of regulations in mind, including obtaining a free permit at the visitor center before embarking. Backcountry camping is prohibited within 1/2-mile of a road or trailhead or within sight or sound of other campers. Parties must move to another area each night, and manure must be scattered before leaving or dealt with immediately if dropped in or near any spring or non-flowing water source. Parties are limited to 12 people and horses or fewer. There are a number of recommended routes in the park, including South Draw, which offers access to Tantalus Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek; Old Wagon Trail, with access to Miners Mountain and good views of the Waterpocket Fold; Halls Creek, with access from The Post south through Halls Creek drainage; and the South Desert, with access from the Upper or Lower South Desert Overlooks.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

Activities