Horseback rider on a trail managed by BLM, with open landscape in the background

Equestrian and Pack Stock Use on BLM Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers a variety of opportunities for horseback riding and pack stock trips across America’s public lands. Whether you’re planning a scenic day ride or a multi-day wilderness adventure, BLM lands provide something for everyone. 

Trailhead sign for a BLM-managed equestrian trail with surrounding forest.

Where You Can Ride

Explore BLM-managed trails, Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, and other BLM lands open to equestrian use. Tip: Always check local trail conditions and regulations before your trip.

575 Results

Bighorn Mountain Wilderness

Overview The north-central portion of this Wilderness area holds the rugged Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It presents a rare transition zone between the yucca- and Joshua tree-covered desert floor and stands of Jeffrey...
Birch Creek Ranch
Birch Creek Ranch

Birch Creek Historic Ranch

Nestled among cream and chocolate colored hills, barren red cliffs, and towering rock spires lays a secret oasis: the Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Established in the early 1900s, the ingenuity and determination of a Basque sheepherder and a West Virginia...
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

A remote badlands wilderness with striking hoodoos, petrified wood, and fossil-rich formations from the Late Cretaceous—ideal for hiking, photography, and solitude.
Bizz Johnson Rail Trail
Bizz Johnson Rail Trail

Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Overview The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Non-Motorized Trail follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville, California to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows...

Black Brush Trail

Recommended Users: Equestrians, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 3.4 miles in length. Difficulty: Moderate/More. Black Brush Trail offers a short outing through dry desert wash country. These are not your average sandy washes, but rocky, rattlesnake hiding in the brush kind of...

Camping with Stock

BLM lands offer dispersed camping options for equines and llamas. Dogs are welcome on most trails—verify leash policies on the trail’s webpage or contact your local BLM field office.

Responsible Recreation

Follow the principles of the Backcountry Horsemen of America utilizing Light on the Land to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. 

Backcountry Horsemen of America Light on the Land Guidelines

Trip Planning Tips

  • Condition your stock for the terrain and distance.
  • Pack essential gear for humans and animals, including first-aid supplies.
  • Bring insect repellent for you and your stock.

Prevent the Spread of Invasive Plants

Help protect public lands by following these steps:

  • Clean vehicles and gear: Wash trailers and equipment before arrival; remove plant material.
  • Use certified weed-free feed: Transport only certified hay, pellets, cubes, or grain. Cover hay during transport.
  • Clean your stock: Brush animals and clean hooves before travel.

Contact Us

For trail conditions, regulations, and additional resources, contact your local BLM Office.