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Horse Riding and Camping

Traveling by horse is a great way to explore Mendocino National Forest's diverse landscapes. Most trails are suitable for both horse and foot travel, although early in the season there may be downfall and wet areas on some trails.

Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.

Keeping horses in non-designated forest campgrounds and picnic grounds is prohibited.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Mendocino National Forest provides a mix of scenery and mountain trail riding. Ride through ancient Douglas fir tree stands to high vistas with views across deep river valleys and barren ridge tops.

Horse Camping

Whether it be overnight camping or an extended trail ride by horseback, the Mendocino National Forest will provide you with unique experience. Overnight camping by horseback is a great way to introduce young and old alike to the pleasures of the great outdoors.

Keeping horses in non-designated forest campgrounds and picnic grounds is prohibited.

Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities

Showing: 21 - 30 of 34 results

Sanhedrin Wilderness

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
The 10, 571 acre Sanhedrin Wilderness was established in 2006 by Public Law 109-362, the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act. The Great Sanhedrin was the supreme council of the…

Snow Mountain Wilderness

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
The Wilderness Act of 1984 established 23 new wilderness areas including the 60,000-acre Snow Mountain Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest. The Snow Mountain Wilderness straddles the summit…

Stonyford Recreation Area

Picnicking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
The south end of the Grindstone Ranger District offers over 200 miles of some of the most enjoyable and challenging OHV routes in the nation. The "Mendocino OHV Corridor" is a designated 40 mile,…

Thomes Gorge Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
This trail starts from the Thomes Gorge trail head on Forest Road M4 and is named for the people indigenous to this locale. The trail begins in arid chaparral, with extensive views of the foothill…

Travelers Home Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The first three miles of this trail are passable. Beyond that the conditions are unknown. This trail starts about 12 miles out of Covelo at a logging landing trailhead on Road 24N21 signed…

Upper Lake Recreation Area

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping
The Upper Lake Ranger District's OHV area (south) offers more than 135 miles of system trails and roads traversing through beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. The riding area varies in…

Last updated March 3rd, 2025

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