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Alpine wildflowers are blooming
NPS Photo/R.Williams

Information

Update on Transponders

Due to some unexpected technical issues that are impacting recent transponder sales and renewals, Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily pausing the sale and renewal of transponder devices. Updates will be posted on the park webpage.

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Park Closure

A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect

Due to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect, this means that all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires are not permitted anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, June 29, and will remain in effect until further notice.

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National ParkHorses provided

Rocky Mountain National Park

CO · Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Riding guide

Horses provided

Highlights

Rocky Mountain National Park delivers one of the most iconic high-country riding experiences in the United States.

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 260 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. More than 260 Miles of trails are open to horses, winding through spruce-fir forests, across open tundra valleys, and along clear mountain streams. Many of these routes follow historic paths once used by early explorers, ranchers, and pack trains moving supplies through the mountains.

Rideable terrain

260 miles

Trailer parking

Dunraven Trailhead Location: Near Glen Haven on the east side of the park. Why riders use it Large trailhead area suitable for trailers Access to backcountry routes through forests and high mountain terrain Popular starting point for longer rides. Finch Lake Trailhead (Wild Basin Area) Location: Wild Basin region south of Estes Park. Why riders use it One of the most commonly used equestrian trailheads Access to Finch Lake and Sandbeach Lake trails Large dirt lot that accommodates trailers. Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Location: Devils Gulch Road area near Estes Park. Why riders use it Good trailer maneuvering space Access to scenic forest and granite-ridge trails. Lawn Lake Trailhead Location: Endovalley Road area on the east side of the park. Why riders use it Quieter access point than some central park trailheads Connects to longer backcountry rides. McGraw Ranch / Cow Creek Trailhead Location: Off Devils Gulch Road. Why riders use it Dedicated parking area suitable for trailers Access to Cow Creek and backcountry routes. West Side Trailer Parking East Inlet Trailhead Location: Near Grand Lake on West Portal Road. Why riders use it One of the best west-side staging areas for horses Access to valley and mountain trails. Green Mountain Trailhead Location: Along Trail Ridge Road. Why riders use it Direct access to high-elevation riding terrain. Colorado River Trailhead Location: Trail Ridge Road area. Important note Trailer parking exists, but horses are not recommended on portions of the Colorado River Trail due to bridge conditions.

Horse regulations

Horseback riding is a long-standing tradition in Rocky Mountain National Park, but riders must follow specific regulations designed to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and ensure safe shared use of the park’s trail system. Horses Are Allowed Only on Designated Trails Horses and pack animals are permitted on designated trails and routes open to stock use. Riding off-trail is not allowed. Some trails that appear suitable may be closed to horses to protect sensitive habitat or prevent erosion. Riders should always confirm trail access before starting their trip. Stock Animals Allowed The park defines stock animals as: Horses Mules Burros Llamas Other animals are not permitted for riding or packing. Group Size Limits To reduce trail impacts: Maximum 12 people per group Maximum 20 head of stock per group Smaller groups are encouraged in sensitive backcountry areas. Grazing and Feed Rules Grazing is tightly regulated to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Grazing is not permitted in most areas. Riders must bring their own feed. Feed must be weed-free certified hay or processed feed. Many riders use pellets or feed bags to avoid spreading seeds. Manure and Campsite Practices Stock users must minimize environmental impact when traveling or camping. Key requirements include: Scatter manure at campsites before leaving Do not tie animals directly to trees where damage may occur Use hitch rails or highlines when available Avoid camping near water sources. Trail Etiquette Most trails are shared with hikers. Equestrian riders should: Maintain control of their horses at all times Pass other trail users at a slow walk Communicate with hikers when approaching or passing. Wildlife and Safety Riders must keep their horses under control around wildlife. Common wildlife encounters include: Elk Moose Mule deer Moose in particular can be unpredictable and should be given plenty of space. Permits for Overnight Trips Backcountry overnight trips with horses require a Backcountry Camping Permit, which must be reserved in advance. These permits help manage stock camping areas and limit environmental impacts.

Getting here

Use 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, Colorado as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Dunraven Trailhead Location: Near Glen Haven on the east side of the park. Why riders use it Large trailhead area suitable for trailers Access to backcountry routes through forests and high mountain terrain Popular starting point for longer rides. Finch Lake Trailhead (Wild Basin Area) Location: Wild Basin region south of Estes Park. Why riders use it One of the most commonly used equestrian trailheads Access to Finch Lake and Sandbeach Lake trails Large dirt lot that accommodates trailers. Lumpy Ridge Trailhead Location: Devils Gulch Road area near Estes Park. Why riders use it Good trailer maneuvering space Access to scenic forest and granite-ridge trails. Lawn Lake Trailhead Location: Endovalley Road area on the east side of the park. Why riders use it Quieter access point than some central park trailheads Connects to longer backcountry rides. McGraw Ranch / Cow Creek Trailhead Location: Off Devils Gulch Road. Why riders use it Dedicated parking area suitable for trailers Access to Cow Creek and backcountry routes. West Side Trailer Parking East Inlet Trailhead Location: Near Grand Lake on West Portal Road. Why riders use it One of the best west-side staging areas for horses Access to valley and mountain trails. Green Mountain Trailhead Location: Along Trail Ridge Road. Why riders use it Direct access to high-elevation riding terrain. Colorado River Trailhead Location: Trail Ridge Road area. Important note Trailer parking exists, but horses are not recommended on portions of the Colorado River Trail due to bridge conditions.

Planning your visit

Elevation and Altitude Matter Much of the park sits above 8,000 feet, and some trails climb well over 10,000 feet. Riders and horses coming from lower elevations may need time to acclimate. Expect: Thinner air and quicker fatigue Slower travel times Cooler temperatures at higher elevations Plan shorter rides on your first day if you or your horses are not accustomed to altitude. Weather Changes Quickly Mountain weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can shift rapidly. Typical conditions include: Afternoon thunderstorms in summer Sudden temperature drops at higher elevations Strong winds along exposed ridgelines Lightning is common during summer storms, so early morning rides are often the safest. Moose and Elk Are Common The park supports large populations of elk and moose, especially in meadow areas. Important tips: Give wildlife plenty of space Avoid riding directly through grazing elk herds Moose can be aggressive and should never be approached Horses unfamiliar with wildlife may react strongly, so stay alert in meadow and riparian areas. Many Trails Are Rocky and Steep While some valley trails are gentle, many routes include: Rocky footing Steep switchbacks Narrow mountain trails Shoes or protective hoof gear are strongly recommended for horses traveling long distances in the park. Water Sources Can Be Limited Although streams are common in some valleys, water availability can vary depending on season and location. Riders should: Carry water when possible Plan rides around known water sources Expect streams to run lower later in summer. Backcountry Travel Requires Planning The park’s most scenic rides often extend into remote backcountry areas. Important considerations: Overnight trips require permits Campsites for stock are limited Some bridges or narrow trails may not be suitable for horses Always check trail conditions before heading out. Trailheads Fill Quickly Popular trailheads can fill early during summer and fall, especially near Estes Park. Arriving early in the morning greatly improves chances of finding horse-trailer parking and enjoying quieter trails.

Where to stay

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Guided or concession-based riding support is noted here, so riders who are not hauling their own horses may still find an access path into the experience. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Estes Park before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Park map

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Webcams

Hours of operation

Rocky Mountain National Park

While certain roads and facilities may be closed for the winter season, Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingFishingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlaySnowshoeingWildlife WatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet at the top of the tallest mountain peaks. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day. For detailed weather information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/all-about-weather.htm For the most up-to-date weather forecasts, visit the National Weather Service webpage for Rocky at https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp

Contact

Voice9705861206
TTY9705861319
Emailromo_information@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Rocky Mountain National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

List your property

Directions

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado. To visit the east side (near Estes Park, CO), follow U.S. I-25 to U.S. Hwy 34 or 36 west to Estes Park. To visit the west side of the park, follow I-70 to U.S Hwy 40 towards Granby, take US Hwy 34 east to Grand Lake, CO.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov