Ride the Region!

Idaho is one of the wilder states in the Western United States, and Eastern Idaho is one of its iconic regions. At the heart of Idaho’s “wild west” is the horse, a living legacy that embodies the spirit of the frontier.

Riding the many trails throughout the region is the classic way to explore Eastern Idaho. Whether you trailer your horse or take a guided tour, head for the mountains on horseback! 

Saddle up with Dry Ridge Outfitters at Harriman State Park in Island Park, ID. Open from Memorial Day Weekend through October. Dry Ridge Outfitters offers half-day horseback trips through the Teton Basin, full-day extended rides into the Targhee National Forest and the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness, or 3- to 7-day camping/pack trips deep into the Tetons or into Yellowstone National Park. Family-owned and operated for 70 years, Dry Ridge Outfitters promises sure-footed and reliable horses for all experience levels.

Outside of Harriman, Eagle Ridge Ranch offers family-fun guided horseback packages. The itinerary includes Morning Half-Day Trips, Afternoon Family Special Trips, an Evening Two-Hour Ride, and a Western Cookout Ride. Lodging and camping are available onsite.

Did you trailer your own horses? From the Harriman State Park Visitors’ Center, head to Sage Flat Parking. From here, you can ride to the John Muir Trail, which leads to a network of trails that meander throughout the park. Most trails are level and great for wildlife watching. Because the trails are multi-use, be mindful of bikers and hikers if you decide to move faster than a trot. Trail maps and markers are placed regularly throughout the trail system so you won’t lose your way.

The Targhee Creek Trail is a horseback rider’s favorite, just outside of Island Park. Approximately 14 miles round trip, this trail offers special attractions such as five alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, wildflowers, and stunning scenic views of the mountains and valley floor. This is set in a grizzly bear habitat, where overnight campers should use the provided bear-proof storage containers or hang food properly. Oh yeah … don’t forget your bear spray!

Ride the Dunes, Baby! The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are 10,000 acres of rolling white sand hills, perfect for a leisurely ride or a thrilling race over open terrain. While guided horseback riding services are not available, if you are traveling with your own equines, you CANNOT miss this great riding experience. However,  make sure your horses are comfortable around ATVs and dirtbikes, which share all dune space and most of the trails in the area. While there is a lot of all-terrain motorized action in the area, drivers respectfully keep their distance from horses, giving them the right of way.

If you plan to stay the night, Egin Lakes Campground accommodates horses, but you must bring your own feed. There is no grazing in the area. Nearby Egin Lakes are the perfect place to water your horses. 

The Hidden Lake to Conant Basin Trail runs between Ashton and Tetonia, ID . If you are exploring the region with your horse, ride this trail! The trailhead is located in Coyote Meadows, and the ride is approximately a 15-mile loop. Pack a lunch and a bathing suit! After four miles of gentle elevation through an aspen forest, you reach Hidden Lake. This is a cool place for a midday meal and a swim with your horse. If you planned for a shorter ride, you can turn back down the trail, returning to the trailhead the way you came. However, if you want a longer ride, continue on. From Hidden Lake, you pass through dense forest (bring bear spray!), open meadows, and switchbacks up the mountain to Conant Basin. Along the way are campsites, if you plan to spend the night. Overall, this is an amazing riding experience and well worth the bumpy travel on the dirt road to and from the trailhead!

Do you want a Western horse experience with creature comforts? Stay at Linn Canyon Ranch in Victor, ID, where you will enjoy gourmet meals, an elevated glamping experience, and fantastic guided horseback riding into the Teton Mountain foothills. Expect to see gorgeous views overlooking Teton Valley and the Big Hole Mountain Range, as well as wildlife along the way. Children as young as 8 can ride (with a maximum weight of 250 lbs), while younger kids can enjoy lead rides around the corral and visit the gardens. Private rides are available upon request.

Swan Valley, ID, may look like a three-way stop on the way to Idaho Falls or Teton Valley, but it is one of Yellowstone Teton Territory’s most diverse areas for outdoor adventure, especially horseback riding.

For the best-guided horseback experience, Swan Valley Outfitters offers trail-riding excursions along the banks of West Pine Creek. The experienced guides at Swan Valley Outfitters will match you with a horse suitable for your riding level. Watch for deer, moose, elk, black bear, and various bird species. After the ride, savor a "campfire lunch" at Swan Valley Outfitters' Lower Camp and a relaxing 30-minute nature hike. Binoculars, lunch, and extra water are provided, making it easy to enjoy a perfect day outdoors!

Rainey Creek Trail is a great ride for all experience levels if you are trailering your horses. Just outside Swan Valley’s main strip, take Rainey Creek Rd, which deadends at the trailhead. Along the way, there are stock-friendly campsites with easy access to water for thirsty horses. (These sites are first come, first serve, so if you would like to reserve horse-friendly accommodations ahead of time, plan to stay at Hansen Guest Ranch )

Other great trails in the area include the Palisades Creek Trail to Upper Palisades Lakes. This 13.8-mile out-and-back trail takes you to a crystalline blue glacial lake where you can swim with your horse. Another first-come, first-serve campground nearby is the Palisades Creek Campground in the Palisades Backcountry. This is a “no motor” campsite, so ATVs are prohibited.