How to Go Horseback Riding in Yosemite Mariposa County

Saddle Up: How to Horseback Ride Yosemite

Thanks to breathtaking terrain and experienced local hands, horseback riding in Yosemite is a giddy-up activity. Experience the grand “rodeo” of Yosemite Mariposa County as seen from high in the saddle, surrounded by forest, streams, and stone, is an epic way to discover the region.

Horseback riding in Yosemite has a historic legacy, from the dedicated work of the Buffalo Soldiers to John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt’s famous foray that laid the foundation for the National Park system.  Today, herds of visitors ask how they can follow in their footsteps. Whether you’re new to horseback riding or an avid equestrian,  we’re here to show you how to horseback ride Yosemite.

Wawona Stable

Exploring Yosemite National Park by guided horseback and mule-train tours is the domain of the Wawona Stable, located about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley in the town of Wawona. The Wawona Stable signature rides explore the wooded valley that surrounds this historic town and operates from May to September, conditions permitting.

The Two-Hour round-trip ride sets out from Wawona Stable along the Meadow Loop Trail and traces the foot- and hoof-prints of early pioneers along Yosemite’s historic Old Wagon Road.  Wawona was a Yosemite waystation for generations of inhabitants and travelers alike, from the indigenous Southern Sierra Miwuk to early tourists and entrepreneurs like the town-founding Washburn brothers. Along the verdant forest trail, riders come across the Wawona Hotel, Wawona Dome, and a former Miwuk tribal encampment. The Two-Hour ride covers relatively flat and gentle terrain, making this a perfect option for riders of all skill levels.

All-Day rides cover more ground, traveling from Wawona Stable to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Appreciation of this natural cathedral of tall trees is even better from the back of a horse. You’ll be closer to the massive branches that jut out from the trunks of these overgrown giants. Typically starting at 8 am and returning by 3 pm, this 15-mile or 24-kilometer round trip journey includes a trail lunch and is a more challenging trek for experienced riders in good physical condition.     

Reservations are handled by Travel Yosemite, and participants should plan to  arrive one hour ahead of time to watch a safety video and get situated.  Horseback riding with Wawona Stables is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, depending on seasonal snowfall. Visitors are also available to board their horses at Wawona Stables (see “B.Y.O.H.” lower in story).  

Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures

With a guided horseback adventure from Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures, aspiring cowpokes can take their vacation by the reins when visiting the Park. This esteemed family-run pack station offers one- and two-hour trail rides from its Fish Camp stables near Yosemite National Park’s South gate where Sierra National Forest surrounds the Tenaya at Yosemite resort.  Sure-footed, ranch-raised American Quarter Horses are Yosemite Trails’ exclusive riding stock on all trail rides, which are offered late May through early Fall (check with Yosemite Trails for their current availability).

Yosemite Trails offers three signature rides: Big Creek, Vista Pass, and Grizzly Giant. The perfect intro for first-timers, Big Creek is a one-hour trail ride between stands of towering sugar pines, across burbling mountain streams and through lush mountain meadows. Their experienced guides will show you how to horseback ride Yosemite right!

Vista Pass is a two-hour trail ride that winds up a river canyon before leveling out and clip-clopping through Rainier Creek at numerous crossings.  Before descending, riders will want to break out the cameras at Vista Pass.  This longer and slightly more challenging ride is open to all but perhaps best-suited for someone who has been on horseback before. 

The Grizzly Giant ride ventures up to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in the hoof-steps of John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt, who made this historic trek in 1903.  The trail includes numerous creek and meadow crossings before arriving at Mariposa Grove, where guests enjoy lunch in the shade of the Grizzly Giant Tree. Departing at 1 pm and returning at 6 pm, this is a lengthy ride and requires some stamina and flexibility; there will be some saddle soreness to come!  Perfect antidote: Tenaya at Yosemite’s Ascent Spa!

B.Y.O.H(orse): Personal Stock and Yosemite

Already have a horse, trailer, and riding tackle?  Come on up!  Yosemite National Park is studded with Wilderness Stock Camps  and unless otherwise posted, all Park trails outside of Yosemite Valley are open for personal stock use.  Within Yosemite Valley, trails open to horseback riders are signed as “Bridle Path.” Rules, regulations, and services available are detailed on the official Yosemite National Park Horseback Riding & Stock Use page, and Leave No Trace practices are vital for all Yosemite National Park visitors.

Wawona Horse Camp, Bridalveil Creek Campground, and Tuolumne Horse Camp are three general campground venues where overnighting with stock are permitted by reservation.  (Note: there are no stock camp sites in Yosemite Valley.)  Wawona Stables also offers horse boarding with prior reservations; call (209) 372-8326 for details.

Cowboy Up and Go!

Riding horseback through whispering pines and across snowmelt streams is as authentic of a Western wilderness experience as can be.  Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner ready to take the reins, the opportunity to hop on the back of a trusty steed and discover Yosemite from high in the saddle is truly unique.  And at the end of the trail, find the perfect place to rest your head with the official Yosemite Lodging Guide, where you’ll discover options ranging from resort hotels to vacation cabin rentals, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds.