Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Horseback Riding

One of the most pleasurable ways to see the Stanislaus National Forest is on horseback. Approximately 400 miles of trails are suitable for riding, with several areas available for base camps. Regulations regarding group size and stock handling in the Wilderness are available at Forest Service offices and at trailheads.

Lower elevation riding and camping is available on the Mi-Wok (lower Highway 108) and Groveland (Highway 120) Ranger Districts. Riding and camping areas on Mi-Wok include Thompson Meadow, Bourland Meadow, Reynolds Creek, Deer Creek, and Camp Clavey. On Groveland, you can ride and camp at Andersen Valley, and Kibbie Ridge. The area south of the Cherry Lake Dam is available for camping with horses.

Higher elevation riding and camping is available on the Summit (upper Highway 108) and Calaveras (Highway 4 area) Ranger Districts. On Summit, riders camp at the Clark Fork Horse Campground. Day rides into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness are possible from Clark Fork. On Calaveras, riders camp at Highland Lakes Campground and Pacific Valley Campground. Day rides into the Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wildernesses are possible.

A Wilderness Permit is required for overnight stays in the Carson-Iceberg, Mokelumne, and Emigrant Wildernesses. These permits are issued free of charge. Special livestock-use rules will be attached to your wilderness permit. Be familiar with wilderness regulations-whether for day or overnight use. Other areas suitable for traveling and camping with livestock include Eagle Meadow, Fence Creek, Herring Creek, and the Emigrant Wilderness. If your riding group is larger than 20 people, please apply for a special-use permit for non-wilderness large group use from the Ranger District office in the area where you plan to travel.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Have a good idea of where you're going before you get there. Know how to read a map. Plan your exact route. Know what landmarks to look for, how far you'll ride in one stretch, and schedule some rest stops. For planning your trip, Forest Maps can be purchased at any Forest Office. Topographic maps (showing elevations and terrain) are available and are especially helpful in unfamiliar areas.

Think about your horse's fitness level while planning your journey. Cinch sores, stone bruises, fatigue and dehydration can too easily spoil your trip. Valley animals are accustomed to an occasional lope around an area should not be exposed to a strenuous workout climbing steep, rocky slopes without proper pre-conditioning. That conditioning process could take weeks, depending on your animal's current physical condition.

Bring plenty of food for your animals. Depending on grassland is risky and often results in overgrazed areas, damaging the environment. Many people pack in hay pellets, cubes, and/or grain. Your livestock will be happier if you condition them to this feed before your trip. Please remember to use weed-free feed to avoid introducing weeds into the mountains.

Making sure your mount is properly shod will increase the pleasure of your Forest visit. You may want to consider special horseshoes if your trip takes you over lots of rocky areas. Insect repellent and/or fringed eye guards will increase your mount's comfort, too. You may even want to pack an equine first-aid kit.

ON THE TRAIL

Start your horse(s) at a walk to warm up. Travel one-horse-length apart. Warn riders behind you as you pass possible hazards (broken glass, cans, narrow trail). Be careful when crossing swampy areas, potential slide areas, deep snow drifts, steep, slippery trails, and streams or rivers. Spring and summer snowmelt makes many Forest river and stream crossings dangerous for horses; don't over-estimate your mount's ability. When in doubt, avoid the stream crossing. Trails are used more now than ever before. Please use defined trails where possible; cutting switchbacks damages valuable topsoil. Also be aware of Off-Highway Vehicles that may be sharing some of the trails outside of Wilderness.

• Carry a hitch line. When stopping always tie stock at least 100 feet from water and to hitch line. Do not tie directly to trees.
• Try not to drop even the smallest bit of trash. Remember the horseman's creed: "When I ride out of the mountains I'll leave only hoof prints, take only memories."
• If you encounter a hiker on a narrow steep trail, ask him to move on the lower side of the trail, until all riders have passed.

AT CAMP

Please remember not to use developed campgrounds if you're camping with livestock, unless otherwise posted. Animals also should be kept at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and campsites. Picking campsites that can withstand the impact of horses and people and don't have to be cleared of vegetation reduces damage. Durable sites, secluded from trails and other campers, are best. These areas usually get less use, and the woods offer protection from sun and wind. Do not tie livestock to trees; tying to horse trailers or on a "hitch" line between trees prevents irreparable tree damage. Introducing animals to hitch lines at home could avert problems at camp. Hemp or cotton rope is best for hitch or lead ropes. Plastic rope can cause hide burns and damage tree bark. Try to maintain a neat camp. Use available fire rings or consider taking a portable camp stove. It eases the cooking chore and eliminates the need to build campfires. Leave no signs of your presence. Pack out trash, even the smallest bottle tabs. Scatter horse manure and smooth over areas where animals have been tied.