Horses and Pack Animals

Horses and other pack animals (mules, burros, and llamas) are welcome in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. When planning a horseback riding or pack trip, please keep the following regulations in mind.

Horses and pack animals are prohibited on paved roads, in campgrounds and developed areas, on self-guided interpretive trails, and in day use zones. Horses and pack animals are not allowed on or within 1/4 mile of the following trails: Bald Mountain Cutoff Trail, Alpine Lakes Loop, Bristlecone/Glacier Trail, Wheeler Peak Trail, Baker to Johnson Lake Cutoff Trail, Osceola Ditch Trail, and Lexington Arch Trail. Portions of trails may be closed to horse and/or pack animal use for safety or environmental reasons.

Manure piles dropped at trailheads or in overnight backcountry camping areas must be scattered. Please remember to usel weed-free feed for a week prior to your visit. This helps to reduce the spread of noxious weeds in the park.

Do not tie your animal to trees or other vegetation for more than 60 minutes or i a manner that causes damge to park resources.

Do not picket, hobble, or allow your animal to graze within 100 yards of any lake, stream, or spring.

Certified Weed-free Hay Is Required!
Noxious weed free hay is now required! As of January 1, 2003, all hay and straw entering the National Forest and National Park must be Certified Noxious Weed Free. What does this mean to you? It means, that you will be required to show proof of certification for any hay or straw you use while visiting the Forest or Park. Visitors using uncertified hay or straw will be fined. This program is intended to reduce the spread of noxious weeds that invade natural habitats. It's estimated that noxious weeds cost agriculture, industry, recreation and the environment an average of $23 billion a year nationally.

The following websites have information and lists of weed-free hay providers in Nevada and Utah:

State of Nevada Information on Weed-Free Hay
Where to Buy Weed-Free Hay in Nevada
State of Utah Information on Weed-Free Hay
Where to Buy Weed-Free Hay in Utah
Weedfreefeed.com

For more information, contact:
Ben Roberts at Great Basin National Park at (775) 234-7331
Lucas Phillips at the Forest Service at (775) 289-3031
Bob Wilson at the County Extension Office at (775) 289-4459
Dawn Rafferty at Nevada Department of Agriculture at (775) 688-1182.

 

GBA is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the interpretive, educational, cultural, and research activities of the park. Visit this site to learn more about the GBA or to browse their on-line bookstore.
Visit this site to learn about places to stay, eat, and shop in and near Baker and the park.
The Great Basin National Park Foundation's mission is to promote and support projects that enhance the values of the park. Visit this site to learn about current Foundation projects.