Horseback Riding

Horses and riders at Valles Caldera.

Horses have been part of the Valles Caldera landscape for over 100 years. Recreational horseback riding is balanced with other recreational uses such as hiking and biking. The use of horses, mules, burros, alpacas, and llamas is permitted subject to specific authorization, provided that humane treatment is accorded the animal(s) at all times and all regulations related to animal use are strictly observed.

To ride inside the preserve, equestrians must have an equestrian permit issued by the preserve. Due to COVID-19, we now offer an electronic annual equestrian special use permit that will be valid through October 31, 2020.

Instructions on obtaining and filling out the permit:
1. Click on the link to DOWNLOAD the fillable Annual Equestrian Special Use Permit (SUP). You must DOWNLOAD it to your computer to be able to fill in your information and save it. You CANNOT fill it out online because your information will not save.
2. Open Adobe Reader on your computer and then, from within Adobe Reader, open the file that you have downloaded onto your computer.
3. Electronically fill in the required information. (The Preserve will fill in the Permit # and will sign as the Authorizing NPS Official)
4. Read and understand the "Rules and Regulations".
5. Electronically sign the SUP. (Click on the signature block and a window will pop up and lead you through the signing process.)
6. Save a copy on your computer- Change the name of the SUP file by adding your initials at the end.
7. Send an e-mail to [e-mail] and attach the file that you just saved.
8. Allow up to 5-7 business days for preserve staff to process your request.
9. When you receive a return confirmation e-mail, there will be two attachments containing the SUP (signed by the Preserve), a vehicle dash permit, and a wallet permit card.
10. Print the vehicle dash permit and the wallet permit card. Sign the wallet permit card and carry it with you while you’re riding. The vehicle dash permit is to be put on your vehicles’s dash while you are riding.

For questions and concerns, please contact us at [e-mail] or 575-829-4100 ext 3

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

Rules of the Trail

• A backcountry vehicle permit 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.
• Access to the trails at the Banco Bonito area are available through the special use permit process.
• Environmental and safety conditions (snowpack, erosion, flooding) can close certain trails to stock use.
• Maximum stock per party is one animal per person, plus one pack animal, not to exceed 10 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 preserve. Loose herding is not permitted.
• Stock users are prohibited from establishing new trails and from the short cutting of trails and switchbacks.
• 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 to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. All animals must be fed weed-free feed for 48 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 you will encounter wranglers working the livestock.
• Much of the preserve is over 8,000 feet in elevation. Acclimation of stock is advisable.
• Remember, safety is your responsibility.
• Information EVERY visitor needs to know.