Getaways

10 Top Riding Destinations

Seasoned equestrian travelers share their favorite places to camp and ride.

Article and Photos by Kent & Charlene Krone

Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

We’ve had the good fortune to explore many regions of our country via horseback. We’ve seen incredible places, had fantastic adventures, and met many terrific people. Here, we share 10 of our favorite places to camp and ride. These aren’t arduous adventures; they are easy places to get to with your horse—and they offer wonderful camps and great trails. (Destinations are listed roughly from west to east for ease of planning.)

1. Kettle Crest Country, Washington

Kettle Crest Country, located in the Colville National Forest in north-central Washington State, is home to 1.9 million acres of national forest land and more than 430 miles of trails. Camp at the U.S. Forest Service Jungle Hill Horse Campground and ride the fabulous Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail with views stretching across the mountains. For a bit of luxury, visit the K Diamond K Guest Ranch, located on the edge of the Kettle Crest country, just south of the town of Republic. The ranch will allow you to bring your own horse. The best time to ride in this area is from the end of May through October. >>

2. Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

In Deschutes National Forest, you can explore dormant volcanoes wrapped in snow, mountain lakes, and ancient lava flows.

Deschutes National Forest in the Cascade Range near Bend, Oregon, provides fabulous riding. Explore dormant volcanoes wrapped in snow, mountain lakes, and ancient lava flows. You can access many popular trails from the Todd Creek Forest Service Horse Camp. One of our favorite trails in the area is to Todd Lake, then to the Upper Todd Trail #34. A ride to the Wickiup Plains brings you faceto-face with the 10,358-foot-elevation South Sister Mountain, an extinct volcano. A gorgeous, over-the-top ride is to Green Lakes, where you’ll enjoy views of Broken Top, South Sister, and the evergreen-lined Green Lakes. Ride the short distance to Upper Green Lake for a great picnic spot. The best time to ride in this area is May to October; check weather in advance. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for its rugged canyons, lofty mountains, and wild, undisturbed open country.

In Southern California, a 600,000-acre desert gem awaits exploration by enthusiastic horsemen. Located east of San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers 1,000 square miles of wilderness known for its rugged canyons, lofty mountains, and wild, undisturbed open country. The wilderness portions encompass more than 110 miles of riding trails. You can camp with your horse at Stagecoach Trails Horse Camp & RV, which offers corrals, arenas, a wash rack, and direct access to state park trails. The best riding season is October to June; summers can be stifling hot. You’re welcome to bring your own horse to M Lazy C Ranch, which offers equestrian travelers living-quarters-trailer sites, horse pens, and other amenities.

Not far from Colorado Springs is the M Lazy C Ranch, a guest ranch that also offers equestrian travelers living-quarters-trailer sites, horse pens, picnic tables, and fire pits. Cozy log cabins are also available. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, which features thousands of acres of trails guaranteed to satisfy a wide range of riders. Trails range from easy to difficult in open or forested country. On one journey, we rode to a hilltop where we caught a distant view of the famed Pike’s Peak, which rises 14,115 feet above sea level. The best time to ride in this area is late May to October; check weather in advance.

Gila National Forest features miles of trails in four life zones. Here, Kent Krone rides Cowboy across the West Fork of the Gila River.

Gila National Forest features more than1,400 miles of trails, ancient cliff dwellings, hot springs, streams, and lakes. This national forest is located about 45 miles north of Silver City; note that the last five miles is down a winding, very steep road. You’ll find free horse camping at Woody’s Corral, located at the trailhead for Trail #160, near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Elevation ranges from 4,200 to 10,900 feet and covers four of the six life zones (habitats); you’ll find a variety of terrain and wildlife. The best time to ride in this area is May through November.

6. Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, Texas

Caprock Canyons State Park offers some serious trail-riding opportunities, but watch for rattlesnakes and falling rocks.

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is located in northern Texas, about 3.5 miles north of Quitaque on FM 1065. Consisting of 15,314 acres, this park— where bison roam—offers some serious trail-riding opportunities. The visitor center has superlative trail maps. Take plenty of water, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and falling rocks. The park’s Wild Horse camping area has everything an equestrian camper needs, except for electricity. More than 175 bird species live here, providing visual treats and exotic melodies. We rode right from camp and created our own loops and rides using a trail map. Early spring and late fall are usually the best times to ride. We rode here in late April, and temperatures were already soaring in the 90s. Fall is the best time to ride and camp in Robbers Cave State Park. Shown is the Krones’ fall camp.

Robbers Cave State Park is located in the beautiful San Bois Mountains, five miles north of Wilburton. This upscale state park has a well-designed equestrian campground, cabins, and a spacious lodge. It’s believed that at one time outlaws hid stolen cattle in the rock formations. The park’s fascinating history adds a layer of fun to this wonderland region dotted with giant boulders. Adjoining the state park is the Robbers Cave Wildlife Management Area. Together, these two areas offer about 60 miles of riding trails. We rode the Dogwood and Big John trails, which feature a kaleidoscope of color in the fall—the best time to visit.

The campground at Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. At Custer State Park, you’ll ride meandering trails through gentle mountains. Shown is Charlene Krone riding Scout out of the French Creek Horse Camp. Little Missouri State Park is a delightful area to explore with your equine partner. Shown is Kent Krone aboard Buddy.

Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort is located in the eastern Ozark Mountains, in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. This tidy, picturesque lodge has much to offer horsemen, including an excellent lodge and restaurant, cabins, a lovely RV/camping area, horsemanship clinics, organized rides, and endless trails to explore on your own. A favorite local trek is the 6½-hour round-trip ride to Sutton Bluff. The lodge is open year-round; organized trail rides are offered in the spring and fall. Miles of meandering trails, winding through gentle mountains splashed with evergreens and deciduous trees, are yours to enjoy in Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Riders may ride cross-country or on trails. Only a few clearly marked areas are closed to horses. Wandering bison, elk, and deer are commonplace. French Creek Horse Camp is an excellent base camp. You’ll find 26 campsites, each with its own corresponding corral. Four trails lead out from camp. The best time to visit is October through April. Located in western North Dakota, Little Missouri State Park is a trail rider’s paradise. Wind, water, and sand have sculpted this rugged Badlands area into a work of art that’s delightful to explore with your equine partner. Top-notch equine/camping facilities feature corrals, electrical hookups, and picnic shelters. Most sites have terrific views over the canyon edge into the contorted Badlands below. Trails vary in degree of difficulty and steepness; they’re rated accordingly on a color-coded trail map. The park is open from May to October. USR

Seasoned equestrian travelers Kent and Charlene Krone combine their interest in photojournalism with a passion for horses. They enjoy sharing their horseback adventures and equestrian-travel tips with fellow enthusiasts.