Cimarron National Grassland / Conestoga Trailhead

Highlights

A wide-open high-plains ride with genuine trail history, Conestoga is for riders who want Kansas to feel expansive, remote, and unforgettable.

Riding

The riding experience is about openness, history, and perspective. The Companion Trail and historic-trail access let you move through a landscape that feels genuinely connected to western travel routes of the past. The terrain is not about tight technical turns or forest cover; it is about distance, sky, and the pleasure of a long line ahead. The signature feel here comes from high plains, dry drainages, sweeping horizon lines, and a trail experience tied directly to Santa Fe Trail history, and that keeps the ride from becoming repetitive even when you are simply settling into a comfortable pace. For riders building a destination roundup, this is a strong example of a place where practical public access still turns into a ride with real personality.

Rideable terrain

19 miles

Trailer parking

Conestoga Trailhead has dedicated parking and an accessible horse-mounting facility, making it the clear place to begin a horseback visit.

Horse regulations

The trails here are for nonmotorized travel only. Follow Forest Service rules, note that commercial outfitter use requires special permitting, and be prepared to pack in and out responsibly in a drier, more exposed environment. Horses are not provided here, so riders need to arrive fully self-contained with their own mounts, tack, and trailer setup. As with most public-land rides, checking current office notes or posted alerts before departure is part of riding this place well.

Getting here

The feeling on arrival is spacious and stripped back in the best possible way. Instead of pulling into a busy recreation complex, you arrive at a trailhead built for access, interpretation, and room to breathe. It feels less like checking into a park and more like setting out across country. Use 242 East Highway 56, Elkhart, KS as your planning reference, then follow on-site signs toward the equestrian access area or primary trailhead. Conestoga Trailhead has dedicated parking and an accessible horse-mounting facility, making it the clear place to begin a horseback visit. That makes the first hour of the visit feel smoother, which matters when you are arriving with horses, gear, and a trailer and want the day to start calmly instead of hurriedly.

Planning your visit

Conestoga is best for prepared riders. Bring more water than you think you need, watch wind and weather, and plan with the mindset of a high-plains trail day. If that sounds appealing, this can be one of the most memorable horseback experiences in Kansas. In editorial terms, this is the kind of destination that works because the logistics and the mood line up: you can imagine the arrival, the saddle time, and the end of the day all fitting together naturally. That is what makes it feel less like a list item and more like a ride riders would actually want to bookmark.

Where to stay

There is no dedicated horse-camp setup at the trailhead itself, so this works best as a day ride or as part of a broader southwest Kansas trip built around outside lodging or camping. That lighter infrastructure suits riders who prize the trail more than the campground scene. You are not booking this for polished resort service or guided horses; you are choosing it because the destination supports the rider’s day well and makes the overall trip feel more cohesive. When a horse location combines usable staging, sensible overnight options, and enough surrounding scenery to justify the drive, it earns a much stronger place in a travel-style guide.