Horseback Riding

 

Horses have been part of the Valles Caldera landscape for more than 100 years. To ride a horse inside Valles Caldera National Preserve, owners/riders must have an equestrian permit issued by the park.

 

Equestrian Permit

Apply for a single-day permit for Valles Caldera.

Apply now

 

Next Steps

1. Application Processing
   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 the permitting office or emailing [e-mail].
2. Sign Permit
   Once the application has been processed, we will send you a permit to sign. Please sign and return the signed copy to [e-mail].
3. Receive Issued Permit
   After the signed permit is returned, we will issue you the special use permit.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

 

Using your Equestrian 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.

 

Horse Trailer Parking

There are three locations within Valles Caldera where horse trailers are allowed to park. The first two options are available to everyone with an equestrian permit and do NOT require a backcountry vehicle pass.

1. The parking lot at the Welcome Station can handle up to 2 horse trailers, so long as they are parked in a manner that does not impair the majority of the parking area from being used by other visitors.
2. The parking area at the Horse Barn. Permitees with a valid equestrian permit can drive and park their horse trailer beyond the backcountry vehicle barricades in the Cabin District.

The third location does require you to obtain a backountry vehicle pass to access.

3. Parking at the San Antonio Corrals.

After November 15, the only horse trailer parking available is at the Welcome Station.

 

Rules of the Trail

• Each individual riding a horse is required to have a separate permit. A group of riders may not exceed twelve (12) persons/horses in any one party under this permit. Groups of thirteen (13) 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. Passes 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 not to exceed 12 animals.
• 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 preserve. 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 will be removed from the preserve. Animals may not be stabled or corralled on preserve property and must be removed from the preserve 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 on the preserve. You're helping to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and keep the preserve worth riding in. All animals must be fed weed-free feed for 24 hours in advance of entering the preserve.
• 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 preserve 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 preserve 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 preserve is over 8,000 feet in elevation. Acclimation of stock is advisable.
• Remember, you are the best safety for your animals and yourself!
• Information EVERY visitor needs to know.