Horseback Riding

 

Whether you're looking for a guided horseback tour or planning to explore with your own stock, Yellowstone offers a variety of ways to experience its backcountry on horseback. All stock users must follow park regulations, including those related to weed prevention, disease control, and trail etiquette. Choose well-trained animals familiar with your handling methods, bring only as many animals (horses, burros, mules, or llamas only) as necessary, keep stock under control when passing others, and be courteous to fellow trail users.

Prepare for changing weather, biting insects, and emergencies by carrying appropriate gear and checking current Backcountry Conditions and Bear Management Areas. During insect season, don’t forget to bring and use stock insect repellent.

 

Invasive yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris).

Exotic Plants

Nonnative, invasive plants are spreading rapidly in Yellowstone—threatening native ecosystems and wildlife. Nearly 200 nonnative plant species have been identified in the park, with aggressive invaders such as spotted knapweed, oxeye daisy, yellow and dalmatian toadflax, St. Johnswort, and leafy spurge posing the most serious threats.

Prevention & Control

Invasive plant seeds spread easily via dirty vehicles, disturbed roadsides and trails, and contaminated hay or straw—often reaching deep into the backcountry. Help stop the spread of invasive plants by following these simple steps:

• Clean your vehicle & equipment: Wash all vehicles, trailers, and gear before arriving. Check for and remove plant material.
• Use certified weed-free feed: Only transport and use certified weed-free hay, hay pellets, cubes, or grain. Wrap or cover hay or straw during transport.
• Clean your stock: Brush animals and clean hooves before transport.
• Report infestations: Notify park personnel if you spot invasive plants.

Coggins Test

To prevent the spread of equine infectious anemia, ALL stock animals (horses, burros, and mules) entering Yellowstone, even if you are driving through without stopping, must have proof of a negative Coggins test within the past 12 months. You must carry proof of a negative Coggins test for each animal at all times. Photocopies are acceptable in the backcountry. Documentation must include:

• Date blood was drawn (within 12 months of current date)
• Laboratory name and negative test results
• Identifying details of each animal (name, brand, markings, or scars)
• All information must be legible

 

Courtesy / Sherrie & Ron White

Day Rides & Overnight Use

Before day riding in Yellowstone, private stock users must obtain a free day ride permit. Only one permit is needed per group per day, but a separate permit is required for each day. Group size is limited to 20 people and 20 stock animals, but there are no limits on the number of permits issued for a given area.

Overnight stock use is not permitted before July 1 due to trail conditions and range readiness. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips and must be obtained before entering the backcountry. Each backcountry campsite has a limit on the number of people and stock allowed, so reserve campsites in advance for overnight stock trips. Some sites do not allow stock, so use the backcountry trail map to check individual campsite details, including stock limits.

At The Trailhead

Please park in a way that doesn’t block others—trailheads can get busy during the summer. Manure at the trailhead must be removed. Keep stock off roadways, except at designated trail crossings. All feed must be processed to eliminate weeds and weed seeds. Securely wrapped, certified weed-free hay is allowed in the frontcountry but no hay is allowed in the backcountry. Horses and other stock may not be kept overnight at trailheads or front-country campgrounds in the park. For a list of campgrounds outside the park that allow overnight stock stays, contact the Central Backcountry Office.

On The Trail

When riding in Yellowstone, always travel in single file on established trails, avoiding shortcuts or cutting switchbacks. Pack strings must stay on designated trails. All pack stock must be led—free trailing or loose herding is prohibited. Exercise caution when approaching other parties on the trail. Anticipate problems and have your animals under control. If backpackers seem unsure of what to do, courteously offer instructions to permit safe passage.

 

In Camp

When managing stock, use retention methods (hobbles, pickets, electric fences) that prevent resource damage. Select grazing areas at least 100 feet from streams, trails, and campsites, and rotate grazing sites to avoid overgrazing. Keep stock in the core camp area only for packing or unpacking, and remove all manure from the core camp. In grazing areas, scatter manure to help it break down and reduce parasites.

No permanent structures, including corrals, are allowed. Tying stock to trees or highlines is permitted for short periods, but avoid damage by using tree saver straps and ensuring trees are at least six inches in diameter. Only dead and down wood may be used for picket pins, and any pins should be removed before leaving. Do not leave stock unaccompanied in camp for long periods.

If there are no current fire restrictions and fires are allowed in your site, only use wrist-sized dead and down wood and the established fire ring; creating new ones is prohibited. Extinguish your campfire thoroughly and pack out all trash, including foil and glass.

Stock Prohibitions

• The following are prohibited in the backcountry: hay, pets, weapons (other than legally permitted firearms), food or equipment caches, and motorized equipment (including chainsaws).
• Game animals or animal parts may not be transported through backcountry areas or on backcountry trails, except for Mountain Creek and certain portions of the Sky Rim trails when a game transport permit has been issued.
• Trails not suitable for stock: All thermal areas, Artist Point, Avalanche Peak Trail, Beaver Ponds Trail, Canyon Trails, Harlequin Lake Trail, Osprey Falls Trail, Monument Geyser Basin, Seven Mile Hole Trail, Sheepeater Trail, Shoshone Geyser Basin, Storm Point Trails, Tower Falls Trail, Trout Lake Trail, Upper Terraces, West Thumb Overlook, and Wraith Falls Trail.

Bear Safety

• Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.
• All food, cooking utensils, food panniers, horse feed, garbage, and other smelly items must be properly stored at night and anytime when unattended.
• Nose bags or ground cloths are recommended for supplemental feed. Wasted feed can become a bear attractant.
• Notify a park ranger immediately of any dead saddle or pack stock. Dead stock must be moved well away from any campsite, trail, or water.
• Never approach a carcass. Riders should detour around carcasses and any bears they encounter, or turn around and return the way they came.
• Report any carcasses, bear sightings, and activity to a park ranger, backcountry office, or visitor center.
• Learn more about Backcountry Safety or contact the Central Backcountry Office.

 

More Information

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  Day Ride Permits

  Prior to riding in Yellowstone, you must obtain a free Day Ride Permit.

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  Backcountry Camping

  Enjoy the solitude of more than 300 backcountry campsites.

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  Guided Tours

  Professional guides can help you make the most of your visit.

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  Backcountry Conditions Report

  Current conditions for trails and backcountry campsites.

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  Backcountry Safety

  Stay safe in Yellowstone’s backcountry! Carry bear spray, store food properly, check weather, and be prepared for changing conditions.

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  Current Fire Activity

  A list of active fires in the park.