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Horseback Riding

Submitted by bog on Tue, 03/01/2016 - 21:03
Wild horses- Wikipedia Commons

Wild horses- Wikipedia Commons

Horses and pack animals, including mules, burros, and llamas, are welcome in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park.

  • Horses are not allowed in developed campgrounds.
  • Camping at trailheads is prohibited.
  • Horses and pack animals are prohibited on paved roads, in campgrounds and developed areas (picnic areas, visitor center areas), on self-guided interpretive trails, and in day use zones.
  • Horses and pack animals are allowed on all trails except: Wheeler Peak Day Use Area trails, Osceola Ditch trail, Lexington Arch trail, and Baker to Johnson Lake Cutoff trail. Portions of trails may close to horse and pack animal use for safety or environmental concerns.
  • Up to 6 horses or pack animals are allowed per group for day or overnight use. Larger groups may request an exception to these limits from the Superintendent under the terms of a Special Use Permit.
  • Manure piles dropped at trailheads or in overnight backcountry camping areas must be scattered.
  • All feed must be certified "weed free." Please remember to use weed-free feed for one week prior to arrival. This helps to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.
  • Do not tie animals to trees or other vegetation for more than 60 minutes or in a manner that causes damage to park resources.
  • Do not picket, hobble, or allow animals to graze within 100 feet of any lake, stream, spring, or riparian area.
  • Horses or pack animals may not be tied to or secured within historic structures such as cabins, mills or corrals.
  • Horse trailers may not be cleaned out in the park.

Pack trips must follow the Backcountry Guidelines.

Certified Weed-Free Hay is Required

All hay and straw entering national parks and national forests must be Certified Noxious Weed-Free. Animals must be fed Certified Noxious Weed-Free hay for one week prior to arrival. Visitors will be required to show proof of certification for all hay or straw used while in the park. Visitors using uncertified hay or straw will be fined. The intent is to reduce the spread of non-native, invasive weeds on Federal land.

Weed-Free Hay Information and Sources

For more information, contact:

  • Ben Roberts at Great Basin National Park: 775-234-7331
  • Dave Palmer or Chandler Mundy at the Forest Service: 775-289-3031
  • Bob Wilson at the County Extension Office: 775-289-4459
  • Dawn Rafferty at Nevada Department of Agriculture: 775-688-1182