Horse Pack Trips
Yellowstone is filled with wilderness areas and taking a horse pack trip is a perfect way of getting to see things that normal tourists don’t see from the comfort of their cars.
- An extended Yellowstone pack trip allows you ample time to travel to the innermost areas of the Park not seen by those who travel through the park on roads, in cars.
- Well-trained guides provide narratives about the area, delicious meals, see to your comforts, and create a cozy camp atmosphere.
Overview
The best way to experience the backcountry of Yellowstone is on horseback. An extended horse pack trip allows you ample time to travel to the innermost areas of the Park. On the back of a horse, you can get to more places and see more of the most remote Yellowstone wonders.
With more than 3,740 square miles, Yellowstone is so vast that many of its greatest treasures remain unseen by all but a few individuals.
Best Places to go on a Horse Pack Trip
Yellowstone National Park is HUGE, so you can never run out of places to take a horse pack trip. Unless you are a very experienced backcountry horseman, it is recommended that you do not attempt to take an unguided trip through the Park. The natural features of the Park combined with the wide variety of large and potentially dangerous wildlife, makes taking an unguided trip perilous.
Outfitters and guides who are permitted to take guests through Yellowstone can be found in any of the neighboring and outlying communities.
You can also bring your own horse into the park after July 1st. Horses are permitted in designated backcountry campsites. If you plan to bring your own horse into the park, make sure to call the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160.
Rentals and Fees
The cost of a guided backcountry trip depends on the length of the trip and the equipment provided. We recommend that you check with several outfitters/guides to find the perfect tour for you and your family and/or friends.
You can go for 4 days or two weeks, the choice is yours!
Hire a Guide
With an experienced local horseback riding concession holder and guide, you will experience an incredible adventure inside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.
Gentle horses and mules will carry both you and your belongings to comfortable camps surrounded by the pristine scenery.
Well-trained guides provide delicious meals, see to your comforts, and create a cozy camp atmosphere.
Whether you're an expert horseman or a novice, experienced guides make sure everyone in your group gets the best horse for your size, weight and riding skill level.
Many guided tours provide everything except your clothing and personal items.
Safety Precautions
You guide is the ultimate authority while in the backcountry. Pay attention to his directions. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will adhere to the following safety rules:
- Ride with awareness. Know where problems might occur—such as water crossings, low-hanging trees, clumps of bushes, etc.
- Warn riders behind you of low branches, stumps, holes or other hazards.
- Keep two horse distances apart to avoid kicking.
- Go the speed of the least experienced horse or the most inexperienced rider.
- Walk up and down steep hills.
- Know the local wildlife.
- Avoid riding along roads if possible, especially at peak traffic times or in darkness.
- Go the same speed. Don’t trot or gallop past someone going a slower pace.
- Hand signals for horseback riders are the same as for cyclists. Use them to signal riders at the back of the pack and along roads.
- Ride well-known trails when the light is poor such as nightfall or very early morning.
- You might be on a horse, but “horse play” does not belong on the trail. Wait until you have camped to engage in any kind of rough-housing or rowdiness.
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