San Bernardino National Forest

Horseback Riding

One of the most pleasurable ways to see the San Bernardino National Forest is on horseback. Horseback riding is permitted on all National Forest roads and trails, except for nature trails. The Spitler Peak and Fobes trails in the San Jacinto area connect with the Pacific Crest trail and have spectacular views of the desert floor below. The nearby McCall Equestrian Park and Ribbonwood Equestrian campgrounds offer overnight camping. The San Gorgonio Wilderness trails are very popular and the Forest Service maintains the Heart Bar Equestrian Group Camp and Wildhorse Equestrian Campground nearby. Big Bear has a series of gentler trails which also connect with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Interested in overnight camping with your horse?  Visit our campground page.

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 Ranger Station. 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 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.

There are several hundred abandoned mines on the forest. The public is prohibited from entering any of these openings. If any of these of openings are causing a clear and present danger to the public, report the location to the local Ranger Station for signing or fencing.

Are you prepared for a change in weather conditions?  In case of emergency do you have a flashlight, cell phone, GPS and spare batteries?

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.