Photo Credit: pexels.com
Outdoor enthusiasts can’t pick a better vacation destination than Bear Lake , which is split between Utah and Idaho. While this area has an abundance of activities to offer, horseback riding is an unmissable experience!
A stay in one of our vacation rental cabins puts you right in the middle of one of the most gorgeous natural areas in the country, where outdoor activities are available year-round.
For a unique vacation experience, cowboy up and go horseback riding during your time around the lake! We’ve rounded up the best on both guided and unguided riding, as well as how to prepare for your next trip to Bear Lake.
About Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a stunning natural lake located along the border of Idaho and Utah. Sometimes referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its bright blue water, the lake is popular for hiking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding.
This part of the country is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for fun year-round. During your vacation here, you will have no issue finding new ways to enjoy the great outdoors!
Horseback Riding in Bear Lake
A wonderful way to get outside and explore the beauty of Bear Lake is by booking a half-day or full-day horseback ride. Whether new to riding or an accomplished equestrian, riding in this region is a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are numerous riding trails for those with their own horses, and all are well worth a visit. If you are interested in guided horse rides with a company that provides the horses and equipment, check out some of the top stables in the area and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Guided Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the great group activities that abound in Bear Lake . If you are a new rider, don’t own a horse, or aren’t able to bring your horses on vacation, a guided ride booked through a trail riding operator is your best bet. They will provide an experienced guide who knows the area, safe and gentle horses, and all the required tack and equipment.
Beaver Creek Lodge
Photo Credit: beavercreeklodge
- Website: beavercreeklodge.com
- Location: Garden City, UT
Beaver Creek Lodge is located on the Utah side of Bear Lake and offers six different rides to suit every rider. From short introductory rides perfect for families and beginners to all-day rides in remote areas, you will find the ideal adventure at Beaver Creek Lodge.
What to Expect
The 1-hour beginner-friendly ride is perfect for those new to horses, families with young children, or anyone on a tight schedule. Available in all seasons, this fun ride takes you through beautiful vistas featuring rolling meadows and beautiful aspen and pine forests.
For a longer ride, consider their 1.5-hour ride with the option to take a more advanced trail up the mountain, the 2.5-hour ride with lunch included, or the three-hour ride to a stunning alpine lake.
Specialty Rides
Specialty rides for groups of four or more can be booked with Beaver Creek Lodge. They have options for off-site rides overlooking Bear Lake or at White Pine and Steam Mill Canyon. These rides range from 3-6 hours long, and a packed lunch is included.
Pony Express Horseback Rides
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management via Flickr CC2.0
- Website: bearlakehorsebackrides.com
- Location: Fish Haven, ID
Join local cowgirl Montana as she takes you on a memorable Western trail ride in the Fish Haven area of Bear Lake. Her goal is to make the ride fun, relaxing, and safe for both riders and horses.
What to Expect
New riders will enjoy the classic horseback ride Pony Express offers. This one-hour relaxed excursion is a great way to learn some riding basics and enjoy the lovely nature surrounding you.
Enjoy an afternoon on the shores of Bear Lake with the beach ride, a one-hour ride that is kid-friendly and relaxed. This is a wonderful option for those looking to have a unique experience at the lake.
Feel like a real cowboy with the cowboy dinner ride. Available in the summer months, this ride includes a campfire dinner with hot dogs, potatoes, beans, and plenty of entertainment from your guide.
MW Quarter Horses
Photo Credit: mwquarterhorsesbearlake
- Website: mwquarterhorsesbearlake.com
- Location: Laketown, UT
Enjoy a trail ride, have a group party, host an event, or take riding lessons with MW Quarter Horses. Not only are they respected breeders of Quarter Horses, a true all-American breed, but this ranch is also a wonderful option for riding in the Bear Lake area.
What to Expect
MW Quarter Horses have a one-hour and two-hour option for their trail rides, and both rides can be modified depending on the group’s experience level. Beginner riders will enjoy a relaxing walk through rolling hills and beautiful forests, while more experienced riders can have fun trotting and loping down the trail.
Great for Beginners
For anyone looking to gain some riding experience during their vacation, a riding lesson is a great option. They offer half-hour and full-hour riding lessons, and you can choose Western or English style. This is open to guests of all ages and experience levels.
Bring the whole family and spend a day horsing around when you choose the group party option. This is available to groups of all sizes and allows guests to learn how to catch, groom, and ride these beautiful horses.
Self-Guided Rides
For the lucky folks with their own horses, there are lovely trail riding opportunities in Bear Lake, making it easy to schedule your own sunrise or sunset rides.
Head over to Logan Canyon to ride winding trails high above the lake, providing amazing views and great wildlife spotting.
In addition, the nearby Cache National Forest and Caribou National Forest have multi-use trails that allow horseback riding, and you will have no problem finding many trails with scenery that takes your breath away.
Preparing for Your Ride
Horseback riding in Bear Lake is an unforgettable experience. Still, you want to ensure you are properly prepared so that your ride is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Wear Suitable Clothing
While you don’t need a full set of expensive riding clothes for a day on the trail, there are a few things to wear that will keep you comfortable and safe.
Long Pants
First, you will want to wear long pants. Jeans are suitable, but some people find stretchy material, such as leggings, to be more comfortable. Some saddles can pinch your legs, so choosing long pants over shorts is generally preferred.
Proper Footwear
Proper footwear is a requirement to keep you safe. Closed-toe shoes are always a must when spending time with horses, even if you aren’t riding, because having a horse stand on your bare foot does not feel good!
If possible, boots with a small heel are preferable to tennis shoes as the heel can help prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. However, for shorter rides, most operators allow tennis shoes.
Pack Essentials
Any time you are spending time outdoors, there are a few items you will want to pack to ensure comfort. Don’t forget to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Snacks (see below)
Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a few snacks as well. Many operators offer saddlebags so that you can pack your snacks for the ride. Saddlebags are also the perfect place to store your phone or camera.
Listen to Your Guide
For the safety of yourself, your group, and your horse, listening to your guide’s instructions is the most important thing to remember during your ride.
Before you hit the trail, they will instruct you on the basics, such as steering, stopping, and moving faster. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask; you don’t want to be confused later on!
As you are riding, you will be amazed by the gorgeous landscapes surrounding you, but don’t let them distract you from instructions from your guide.
If there are any hazards along the trail, they will call it down the line, and you want to ensure you hear and can pass the message along to fellow riders.
Stay and Ride in Bear Lake
Level up your Bear Lake cabin getaway with an exciting horseback riding experience. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful area is from the back of a horse, and the memories made will last a lifetime. Don’t wait; plan your dream equestrian getaway in Bear Lake today.
