Sometimes you don’t want to have to worry about training, competitions and schooling, and would rather simply spend some time in nature with your favorite animal. Seeing the country on the back of a horse is one of the most magical experiences an equine-lover can have. There’s just something about taking it all of Mother Nature’s glory while you’re sitting steady in a trail or pleasure saddle from brands like Dakota and Royal King.
Everyone’s got a dream vacation, but if you love nothing more than a good trail ride then we’d bet that you’ve got your own list of places you’d like to see while on the back of a horse. We thought we’d share with you our Top Ten Dream Trail Rides in the United States.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona— The most well-known canyon in America. The Grand Canyon offers a variety of different rides, from 1 hour trail rides to ones that span over multiple days. Most of the riding will be done on mules, as they’re chosen for their endurance and sure footing on the rocky and steep canyon trails. The views of the canyon also vary depending on what trail you take, but no matter which way you choose to go you’ll be sure to see some of the most magnificent sights only available to those in the saddle.
- Seward, Alaska— Beautiful sights of the Alaskan harbor, lots of wildlife, forests, rivers and mountain views– what more could you ask for? There are parts of beautiful Seward that can only be accessed by horseback, so you’ll be seeing things that not just anyone is privy to.
- Asheville, North Carolina— We know what you’re thinking…isn’t Asheville a city? There are plenty of great places to go trail riding that are only minutes outside the main drag and offer scenic views of the beautiful Smokey Mountains. Afterward there are lots of things to do in the area after the trail ride.
- Haleakala National Park, Hawaii— The island of Maui boasts tropical scenery and volcanic rock, two very different yet beautiful sights. Trail rides are offered both in the park and in the surrounding areas, over varying time periods.
- Napa Valley, California— Known for their delicious crushed grapes, it’s probably not a great idea to go for one of these rides after a trip to a winery (though rides to a vineyard are an option). Trail rides in the Napa Valley offer views of beautiful meadows, tree-covered mountains and San Francisco can even be seen from Bald Mountain on a clear day.
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah— Riding through a canyon is a fantastic experience. See unique rock formations like towering spires up close while learning about the history and geology of the park.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming— Perhaps the most well-known national park in America, these trail rides will take you through sagebush flats, through streams and even canyons. Wildlife, views of the mountains, and forests– Yellowstone has got it all.
- Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota— Discover winding rivers, dense forests, and big sky. Do trail riding or overnight horse camping to really get the full experience. Ride through areas like Black Elk Wilderness, and the Northern Hills where the sights will take your breath away.
- White River National Forest, Colorado— Ride through Aspen forests, and open fields with views of the mountains. Seeing Colorado on horseback is a unique experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
- Sonoran Desert, Arizona— See breathtaking desert scenery and mountain views. Get up close in personal with magnificent cacti, see some local wildlife, or learn some history at the Hohokam ruins. Throw on a cowboy hat and saddle up!
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We dream of getting to see all that the wilds of America offers, but these are just a few of the place we dream about getting to see from the saddle. Where is your fantasy trail ride?