Horseback Riding in Valles Caldera

Riding the Caldera Road through Valle Jaramillo.

NPS

To ride horses at Valles Caldera National Preserve, owners/riders must have an equestrian permit issued by the park. 

How To Get A Permit:

1. Digitally fill out the Special Use Permit application on our Horseback Riding webpage.
2. Please allow 7-10 days for us to process the application. If you do not hear back from us by then, please inquire about the status of your application by calling Brenda or emailing [e-mail].
3. Once the application has been processed, we will send you a permit to sign. Please sign and return the signed copy to [e-mail].
4. After the signed permit is returned, we will issue you the special use permit.

Using Your Permit:
When you receive your permit, it will also contain a vehicle dash permit and a wallet permit card.

1. Print the permit, the vehicle dash permit, and the wallet permit card.
2. Sign the wallet permit card and carry it with you while you’re riding.
3. Place the vehicle dash permit on your vehicle's dash while you are riding.
4. Read and keep your actual permit in the glovebox of your vehicle.

Riders will have to bring their own horses as the park does not have an equestrian concessionaire in operation. Conducting commercial activities requires a Commercial Use Authorization.

Rules of the Trail

• Each individual riding a horse is required to have a separate permit. A group of riders may not exceed four (4) persons/horses in any one party under this permit. Groups of five (5) or more must apply for a separate group special use permit by contacting the park's Special Park Use Coordinator.

• A permit only applies to one (1) vehicle and horse trailer.

• Riders are required to stay on trails specifically designated for equestrian use. Permittees are prohibited from establishing new trails, including by the short-cutting of trails and switchbacks. Clearing of vegetation and riding off-trail is prohibited.

• A backcountry vehicle pass is required if you wish to drive your vehicle and trailer into the backcountry before beginning your horseback ride. Permits are limited and available seasonally as conditions allow.

• Environmental and safety conditions (snowpack, erosion, flooding) can close certain trails to all public use.

• Maximum stock per party is one animal per person, plus one pack animal, not to exceed 8 animals in any one party.

• All animals must be under physical control at all times, must remain on roadways, trails, or permitted areas, and are prohibited from feeding/grazing on plant life within the park. Loose herding is not permitted.

• Riding of stock at a speed greater than a trot is not permitted.

• Any excrement from around trailers and haul homes must be removed from the park. Animals may not be stabled or corralled on park property and must be removed from the park at the end of the day (unless you are a hunter seeking permission for overnight stays). In places where horses and pack animals are tethered, manure must be scattered at least 300 feet from water sources.

• The use of USDA certified weed-free pelleted feed is required while in the park. You're helping to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and keep Valles Caldera worth riding in. All animals must be fed weed-free feed for 48 hours in advance of entering the park.

• Travel in single file.

• Horses and pack animals must be tethered at least 300 feet from water sources and in a manner to prevent damage to live trees or shrubs and away from vegetation, alcoves, and archaeological sites to prevent damage. Tying stock directly to trees or other sensitive park resources is prohibited.

• Riders shall not ride double except for an adult/child combination.

• Youth riders (16 years and under) are required to wear helmets.

• Riders must be prepared to cross paths with other recreational users or vehicles.

• The park does allow livestock grazing through a permit process, and chances are likely that in some areas you will encounter wranglers working livestock.

• Much of the park is over 8,000 feet in elevation. Acclimation of stock is advisable.

• Remember, you are the best safety for your animals and yourself!

Details

Activity

Horseback Riding

The caldera has miles of equestrian trails for riders to use.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Reservations

Yes

A special use permit is required in order to ride horses at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Please see our Horseback Riding webpage to apply.

If you wish to haul your trailer into Valles Caldera's backcountry, you will need a backcountry vehicle pass. Vehicular access to Valles Caldera's backcountry route is limited to 40 public vehicles per day. Passes can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to 3 months in advance.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The roads and trails inside the preserve are not wheelchair accesible.