Safety and Etiquette
Stinging nettle is a common plant at Point Reyes National Seashore. Horses can react strongly if they are stung by this plant's small needle-like hairs. In extreme cases, horses have died after extensive exposure to this plant. Some trails may be overgrown at certain times of the year with nettle. Both horse and rider should avoid this plant. The best way to do this is to stay on the trail.

Horse riding etiquette and rules for safety at Point Reyes National Seashore are much the same as at other parks:

• To help control the spread of non-native plants, please feed horses weed-free feed for a few days before visiting the park. Please do not shovel manure out of horse trailers in parking lots or elsewhere within the National Seashore. For more information on this issue, read Invasive Plant Species in Horse Manure (230 KB PDF).
• Carry plenty of water!
• Always take a trail map with you. Free maps are available at visitor centers. Study the map carefully before beginning your trip so that you will know the names and locations of trails. In the event of an accident, this will assist rangers in locating the injured party quicker.
• It is best not to ride alone. In case of an accident, send someone to the nearest visitor center or ranger station or call 911. Give a good description of your location and the nature of injury to both horse and rider.
• Allow plenty of time for your ride. Trails over Inverness Ridge can be steep and physically stressful for your horse. Plan adequate rest stops.
• Please share the trail. Horses have the right of way: hikers yield to horses and are asked to stand on the downhill side of slopes, and bicyclists yield to both horses and hikers.
• Remain alert. Remember that interactions can occur with little warning on curves and hills. Slow your horse to a walk when encountering other trail users.
• To control erosion and lessen impact, short-cutting trails or switchbacks is prohibited.
• Do not leave pack animals unattended for extended periods of time in campground areas, unless you are camping at the site and have obtained a permit for overnight use.
• Horses may only be tied to hitching rails, not to trees, faucets, picnic tables, etc.

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Areas Closed to Horses and Pack Animals

On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the following trails (Map) are closed to horses and pack animals:

• Bear Valley Trail between the Mt. Wittenberg Trail and Glen Trail junctions
• Meadow Trail and Old Pine Trail

Horses and pack animals are not allowed in the following areas at any time:

• Drakes Beach
• Self-guided interpretive trails such as the Earthquake Trail, the Woodpecker Trail, or Kule Loklo
• Dunes and vegetated areas on beaches.
• Off trail in campgrounds, picnic areas or vicinity.

The following areas have seasonal closures:

• Dunes and areas above the high tide line on the Great Beach are closed June 15 - September 15 to protect the nests of the endangered snowy plovers.
• Elephant seals occur on the southern portion of South Beach during winter and spring seasons. This area is closed when seals are present. The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires that you stay at least 90 meters (100 yards) away from any marine mammal you encounter.

Llamas are prohibited from all areas that are inhabited by tule elk. Map

Trail conditions vary throughout the year. Visit our Trail Guide page for current trail closures. Check with the Bear Valley Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 before your ride for current trail information and special closures.

Bolinas Ridge Trail Advisory

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Camping with Horses and Pack Animals
Camping is by permit only in three established campgrounds. Permits must be obtained at the Bear Valley Visitor Center before starting your trip. Reservations are recommended and can be made in person at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Phone reservations are taken from 9am-2pm on Mondays through Fridays at 415-663-8054.

The maximum number of horses or pack animals permitted overnight at Sky, Coast and Wildcat Campgrounds is six. Horses are not permitted over-night at Glen Camp. Llamas are not permitted at Coast Campground.

Pack animals and horses must be tied to hitching rails. Do not hitch animals to water supply faucets or picnic tables.

Grazing in the wilderness areas is prohibited. All feed for the animals must be packed in with you. In order to control the spread of non-native plants, please bring in only weed-free feed.

There is usually potable water available at each of the camps from faucets. Sky and Wildcat Campgrounds also have a water trough for horses and pack animals.

Special Use Permits are required for commercial horseback riding or pack trains into the backcountry. Call 415-464-5111 for more information.

Overnight camping is also available at Stewart's Horse Camp. This is a privately managed camp located on Highway 1, 0.4 kilometer (1/4 mile) north of Five Brooks Trailhead. 415-663-1362

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