Last updated: April 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Horse Riding in Point Reyes National Seashore
NPS / A. Kopshever
If you are travelling to Point Reyes National Seashore with your own horses or other pack animals, please continue reading below. If you do not have your own horses, but are interested in horseback riding in Point Reyes, please contact Five Brooks Ranch (415-663-1570). They are a full service riding stable with a concession to operate within the National Seashore, and offer a variety of activities, including guided trail rides.
Know Where You Can Go
Horses and other pack animals are permitted on most established trails and beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore. Many visitors choose to start their trail rides at the Bear Valley Trailhead or the Five Brooks Trailhead, due to the ease and availability of trailer parking. Visit our Horse Riding page for a list of popular trail rides and suggestions. You can download maps indicating which trails are designated for horse travel, or stop by one of the park's visitor centers to pick up a trail map and obtain more information.
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the following trails are closed to horses and pack animals:
- Bear Valley Trail between the Mt. Wittenberg Trail and Glen Trail junctions
- Meadow Trail
- 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
- As of May 30, 2023, llamas are prohibited from all areas within Point Reyes National Seashore.
Safety and Etiquette
Trail conditions vary throughout the year. Visit our current conditions webpage or call 415-464-5100 before your ride for current advisories and special closures. Stinging nettle is a common plant at Point Reyes and some trails may be overgrown with nettle in the spring and summer. Horses can react strongly if they are stung by this plant. Riders should also pay attention to signs at trailheads warning about yellow jackets. Know your horse's temperament before bringing them to this dynamic environment.
Horse riding etiquette and rules at Point Reyes National Seashore are much the same as at other parks:
- To help control the spread of non-native plants, feed horses weed-free feed for a few days before visiting the park. Do not unload manure or hay from your trailer within the national seashore.
- Grazing is prohibited.
- Allow plenty of time for your ride. Trails over Inverness Ridge can be physically strenuous for your horse.
- Horses have the right of way, but please be courteous to other users like beachgoers, hikers and bicyclists.
- Slow your horse to a walk on hills, curves, and when encountering other trail users.
- Short-cutting trails or switchbacks is prohibited.
- Do not leave pack animals unattended.
- Horses may only be tied to hitching rails, not to trees, picnic tables, etc.
Camping with Horses and Pack Animals
Backcountry camping with horses and other pack animals is allowed with a permit in three established backcountry campgrounds—Wildcat, Coast, and Sky Camp. Permits must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Visit the park's Backcountry Camping page for more information and specific regulations.
Overnight front-country camping is also available during the summer and fall at the Five Brooks Horse Camp. This is a concession-managed camp located along Highway 1, 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of Five Brooks Trailhead access road. Please call Five Brooks Ranch for reservations at 415-390-6040.
Details
Duration
1-8 Hours
Activity
Horseback Riding
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are prohibited on all but one of the trails within Point Reyes National Seashore. While pets are permitted on a six-foot-long or shorter leash on many of the trails within the section of Golden Gate National Recreation Area east of Point Reyes National Seashore, it would be hazardous to the dog, horse, and rider to attempt to ride a horse while also keeping a hold of a six-foot-long leash attached to a dog. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station, California
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Winter
The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and cool. To help better preserve park trails, please avoid riding horses when the ground is wet and trails are muddy.
Spring
Most spring days are windy. Expect cool temperatures in March. By late May and early June, temperatures can be quite pleasant.
Summer
Although there is very little rain during summer months, there is often dense fog, which tends to burn off by mid-day. Afternoons are often sunny and warm to hot with a light breeze.
Fall
Point Reyes experience some of the clearest days in late September, October, and early November. The occasional storm will start rolling through in late October, bringing clouds, wind, and rain. The strongest winds occur in November and December during occasional southerly gales. To help better preserve park trails, please avoid riding horses when the ground is wet and trails are muddy.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day use from 6 am to midnight.
Accessibility Information
Visitors with their own horses should evaluate accessibility needs prior to arrival in Point Reyes. A mounting block is available at the Bear Valley trailhead. Stop by a visitor center or call 415-464-5100 to speak with a ranger about site-specific accessibility questions. For information about accessibility accomodations on guided trail rides, please call Five Brooks Ranch directly at 415-663-1570 or visit their website.