|
HORSE AND PACK ANIMAL USE
 Horse
and pack stock use is considered a valid means of viewing and
experiencing Capitol Reef National Park. Animals designated as
"pack animals" are limited to horses, burros, and mules. Stock
use in any part of the park may be prohibited when, at the discretion
of the superintendent, such action is necessary to protect park
resources or visitors.
Regulations and Concerns
The park has no developed overnight facilities for stock users,
with the execption of the Equestrian Staging
Area in the Waterpocket District. Guidelines for backcountry
camping with stock are described below. Stock animals may not
be ridden or kept overnight in any campground, picnic area, orchard,
or roadside pullout.
A free backcountry use permit, available at the visitor
center, is required for each party with horses or pack animals
staying overnight in the park. Backcountry camping is prohibited
within one half mile of roads or trailheads. Camping is also
prohibited within sight of established roads or trails, or within
sight or sound of other campers. Campsites and tethering areas
must be a minimum of 300 feet from non-flowing water or archeological
sites and at least 100 feet from flowing water. Parties camping
with stock must camp in a new location each night. Manure must
be scattered before vacating the area.
Manure must be removed immediately if dropped in or near any
spring or non-flowing water source.
When picketed, select locations where horses and stock animals
will cause little or no vegetation damage. Grazing and loose
herding are not permitted. All feed must be carried in and must
be certified weed-free feed.
Stock use in the park's backcountry is limited to 12 people
and no more than 12 head of riding or pack stock.
Riders will slow to a walk when passing hikers. All trash,
including toilet paper, must be carried out. Human waste must
be buried 6 inches deep in soil and at least 100 feet from non-flowing
water and 200 feet from flowing water. Burning or burying toilet
paper is prohibited. Fires are not permitted in the backcountry.
Dogs may not accompany stock trips.
Report all accidents or injuries to a park ranger, or at the
visitor center, as soon as possible.
All commercially guided horse or pack animal trips must be
provided by an outfitter that is authorized and permitted to
operate under the commercial use procedures of the park.
CLOSED AREAS
Horses and pack animals are prohibited on the following trails
and hiking routes:
- Brimhall Bridge
- Cassidy Arch
- Castle
- Cathedral
- Cathedral Valley Overlook
- Chimney Rock
- Cohab Canyon
- Fremont Gorge Viewpoint
- Fremont River Overlook
- Fruita Campground to the Visitor Center
- Frying Pan Trail
- Golden Throne
- Goosenecks
- Grand Wash
- Gypsum Sinkhole
- Halls Creek Narrows
- Headquarters Canyon
- Hickman Bridge
- Navajo Knobs
- Red Canyon
- Rim Overlook
- Saddle
- Spring Canyon (upper & lower)
- Strike Valley Overlook
- Sulphur Creek
- Sunset Point
- Surprise Canyon
- Tanks
Recommended Rides
The following are recommended rides in the park:
- SOUTH DRAW: Access to Tantalus
Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek.
- OLD WAGON TRAIL: Access to Miners Mountain with good views
of the Waterpocket Fold.
- HALLS CREEK: Access from The Post south through Halls Creek
drainage.
- THE SOUTH DESERT: Access from the Upper or Lower South Desert
Overlook, or from Utah Hwy 24.
Many other rides of varying length and duration are possible.
The availability of water is a limiting factor in the use of
horses and pack animals. Please talk with a ranger at the visitor
center for information on rides, water, current conditions,
to obtain a backcountry use permit, or if you have any questions
regarding stock use in the park.
The Superintendent of Capitol Reef National Park has authorized
the use of a staging area for horse users departing on overnight
or dayuse trips into the Waterpocket District of the park. The
equestrian staging area is sited at the Post Corral (see
map), which is located on the Notom-Bullfrog Road, about one-half
mile south of the Burr Trail/Notom Road junction. Use of the site
has been approved for a two year experimental period, commencing
on April 10, 1998, during which time park officials will examine
horse use withing the district and its impacts to resources. All
use is subject to the existing regulations outlined in the park
horse use policy and the park Compendium. Use of the camp is limited
to non-commercial groups.
Overnight camping will be permitted for horse users within
the Post Corral on an advanced reservation basis only. Reservations
are free of charge and must be made at least two weeks prior
to planned use. In the future an administrative fee may be charged.
For reservations or further information contact park Range Conservationist
Keith Durfey at (435) 425-3791, ext. 143.
Regulations governing the staging site include:
- There is a limit of 12 riders and 12 horses, and each person
must intend to ride (one rider, one horse). A maximum of 2
camp tenders may also accompany the group and remain in camp
as needed.
- All camping units and horse trailers must be contained within
the large (west) side of the corral, with horses kept in the
adjacent pens or tied.
- Use of camp stoves is strongly encouraged; no ground fires
will be permitted unless contained with a fire pan or grill.
Ashes must be removed and no wood gathering is allowed.
- There is no water available at the corral site. Users must
bring water for themselves and their horses.
- Horses must be fed certified weed-free feed (hay or pellets),
and grazing and loose herding are not permitted either outside
the corral or in the backcountry.
- No dogs or pets may accompany stock trips.
- Generators are not permitted.
A backcountry use permit is currently available at no charge and
is required for each party with horses staying overnight in the
backcountry, other than in the Equestrian Staging Area. Backcountry
regulations include:
- Backcountry camping is prohibited within one half mile of
roads or trailheads or within sight or sound of other campers.
- Campsites and tethering areas must be a minimum of 300 feet
from non-flowing water or archeological sites and at least
100 feet from flowing water.
- Backcountry parties camping with stock must camp in a new
location each night.
- Manure must be scattered before vacating overnight camping
areas and must be removed immediately if dropped in or near
any spring or non-flowing water source.
- Horses should be picketed in areas where they will cause
little or no vegetation damage.
Equestrian day use will remain the same, with parking of vehicles
permitted in the marked area adjacent to the Post Corral. All
users should take care not to block the entrance to the corral.
|
