Horse riding · NATIONAL PARKS

Where to Ride a National Park: the 15 Best Horseback Days

35 rides  ·  from $40 a rider

Bryce, the Tetons, Arikok and the rest, where a permit and a guide are the only way in on horseback. The 15 below cover price, distance and how early the permit groups leave.

Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park - Into Arikok National Park on horseback
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Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park

1.Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,147 reviews · from $155Our pick

Rancho Loco Aruba takes you on a three-hour horseback ride through Arikok National Park to Conchi Natural Pool. You receive a horse matched to your ability, riding instruction, park access, bottled water, and hotel or port transport. Guides including Patrick and Jackson help beginners feel at ease, while the rugged route, ocean views, and optional swim add real adventure.

“This was an amazing way to experience Arikok National Park without renting a 4x4! We loved getting to swim in the natural pool and see the beautiful landscape. Even though we had minimal prior experience with riding horses, they made us feel very comfortable the entire time, and the horses seemed very well taken care of. Highly recommend!”

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Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride - Checking in at the red stables
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Banff National Park: 1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

2.1-Hour Bow River Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 518 reviews · 1 hour · from $78

Ride a calm horse beside the Bow River and past Cave and Basin, the birthplace of Banff National Park. Guides provide basic instruction, lead and tail support, and local stories. The ride suits beginners age 8 and up, but you need long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, fluent English, and the ability to control your horse.

“Very enjoyable. It rained lightly the first 15 minutes but then the rain stopped. Although the trail was a bit sludgy the ride was still worth it. The horses were gentle and our guide gave interesting history along the way.”

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Banff National Park: 1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride - Along the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
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Banff National Park: 1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

3.1-Hour Spray River Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 315 reviews · 1 hour · from $83

Ride a calm, well-trained horse through Banff’s Spray River with lead and tail guides, basic instruction, and views of Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. You’ll cross the water, follow wooded paths, and make a short climb toward Sulphur Mountain. Guides such as Samantha, Summer, and Kate have been praised for friendly help and local stories.

“Wonderful tour with wonderful guides and wonderful horses, felt safe and secure the entire time even when encountering a bear along the trail. Would recommend to any and all people that are interested”

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Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park - Into Knockreer Estate on horseback
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Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

4.Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 226 reviews · from $115

Ride into Killarney National Park from stables near town, following a guide through Knockreer Estate and past Lough Leane. Calm horses, riding hats, boots, and support for beginners are included. Tell the stables your height, weight, and riding level so they can choose a suitable horse. Natalie and other guides keep a close eye on the group.

“Loved my ride! It was so much fun, beautiful, and the horse I rode was lovely. Would absolutely do it again!”

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Madrid: Horse Riding in Sierra del Guadarrama National Park - Getting settled with Mariano and the horses
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Madrid: Horse Riding in Sierra del Guadarrama National Park

5.Horse Riding in Sierra del Guadarrama National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 202 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $88

Meet north of Madrid for a short jeep transfer to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Mariano leads a two-hour mountain ride for up to six people, using calm horses and clear instructions for beginners as well as experienced riders. Expect steep scenery, fresh air, and views toward El Escorial, Segovia, or La Granja. Long pants are required.

“I recently had a wonderful horse riding experience with my friend, who had absolutely no prior experience. From start to finish, everything was smooth, enjoyable, and memorable thanks in large part to Mariano! Mariano was incredibly attentive, kind, and helpful throughout the entire experience. He made us feel comfortable and confident, especially my friend, who was a bit nervous at first. His calm and friendly approach truly made all the difference and helped us fully enjoy the ride. It was such a lovely experience, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced. We’re definitely hoping to see Mariano again in the future…”

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Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet - The horses and the riding instruction
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Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet

6.Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $96

Ride with Avenira and Avi through Permet’s hills, old village trails and the Lengarica Canyon. The 4-hour outing suits beginners and experienced riders, with calm horses, a small group, fruit, snacks, drinks and a short break along the way. Thermal baths near Benja make a fine add-on after the ride.

“Very kind, helpful, and informative experience for beginners and those more experienced in horseback riding. Would definitely go again and would recommend others to try.”

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Banff National Park: 2-Hour Sundance Loop Horseback Ride - Getting comfortable with your horse
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Banff National Park: 2-Hour Sundance Loop Horseback Ride

7.2-Hour Sundance Loop Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 128 reviews · 2 hours · from $152

Ride from Warner Stables along the Bow River, past Cave and Basin and hot springs, through marsh and forest, then up Sulphur Mountain to Windy Knoll. Guides teach first-time riders, explain local plants and wildlife, and help you get comfortable with your horse. Plan on long pants, closed shoes, and arriving 30 minutes early.

“Sometimes, you can have too much time to think about a trip to the point the idea of it is better than the actually experience. This is not the case with the operators of Banff Trail riders. the staff were exceptional, easily one of the best experiences of my life. it was so good we chose to come back the next day to try the 1 hour Bow river route which was just as exceptional. the highlight of our trip to Banff by far. you will not be disappointed and the staff will steal your hearts”

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From Barcelona: Horseback Tour in Montserrat National Park - One focused hour at Montserrat Abbey
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From Barcelona: Horseback Tour in Montserrat National Park

8.Horseback Tour in Montserrat National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 112 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $116

Leave Barcelona with a small group of up to eight and visit Montserrat Abbey before riding calm, well-trained horses through the national park. Guides such as Frank and Jesus add lively history, while the ranch guides handle the riding. Expect a full 6.5-hour day, a scenic drive, basic riding instruction, and a walk-only route suited to beginners.

“I loved it! Super nice Guide and also the horse ranch people super lovely! Haf a lot of fun :)”

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Horseback riding around Doñana National Park - Choosing your horse and finding your balance
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Horseback riding around Doñana National Park

9.Horseback riding around Doñana National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $102

Leave Seville for Centro Ecuestre El Acebuche, about 20 minutes away, and ride an Andalusian horse through olive, almond, orange, and pine country. Dani, Marta, or Noelia match each rider with a suitable horse, give you time in the ring, then lead a relaxed countryside ride. Transport from Seville can be arranged separately.

“Amazing experience. The team makes a maximum effort to ensure you are comfortable with the horse before taking you out. The €50 pick up fee is worth it!”

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Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 1 hour. - One hour through Killarney National Park
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Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 1 hour.

10.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 1 hour.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $129

Ride for one hour through Killarney National Park from Ballydowny, guided by experienced ride leaders and matched with a suitable horse. The pace favors walking, with some groups getting a chance to trot. Expect forest paths, mountain and lake views, possible red deer sightings, provided boots and helmet, and a small group of up to 16 riders.

“My favorite experience in Ireland! Gorgeous scenery, friendly guides, and beautiful horces. We were beginners and had no trouble with the ride. Must do!”

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Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours. - The trail through Knockreer Estate
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Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

11.Killarney National Park Horseback Ride. Co Kerry. Guided. 2 hours.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $213

Ride into Knockreer Estate in Killarney National Park for about two hours, guided by a team that matches each rider with a suitable horse. You’ll follow forest trails near Lough Lein, with chances to see red deer, sika deer, Kerry cows, and park scenery. Beginners are welcome, though the ride is mainly at a walk.

“Nice ride through the Killarney National Park. Did two hours. The scenery is incredible. Guides were informative and helpful.”

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Terelj National Park: Tour with horse riding and hiking - Turtle Rock and Aryabala Meditation Temple
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Terelj National Park: Tour with horse riding and hiking

12.Terelj National Park: Tour with horse riding and hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 2 days · from $299

Leave Ulaanbaatar for a two-day private-car trip through Terelj National Park. With guides such as Batmaa, Togi, or Baataara, you’ll visit Turtle Rock, Aryabala Meditation Temple, a nomadic family, and the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex. The tour includes a 40-minute horse ride, eagle photos, organic meals, and a ger guesthouse stay.

“Batmaa and her husband the driver were great hosts. The tour was over two days, while it probably would be possible to see most of the sights of Terelj in a day, doing it over two days was much better, staying over at a guesthouse in the park even allowed me to hike to a nearby hill and see the sunrise. Batmaa also answered the many questions I kept asking and was able to give a lot of background info on various sites. Overall, I would highly recommend this tour especially if you are only in Mongolia for a short time but still want to see the countryside.”

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ZipLine, Horseback Riding, Tubing, Hot Springs & Lunch @ Volcano National Park - Horseback riding through uneven rainforest trails
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ZipLine, Horseback Riding, Tubing, Hot Springs & Lunch @ Volcano National Park

13.ZipLine, Horseback Riding, Tubing, Hot Springs & Lunch @ Volcano National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $230

Leave Playa Flamingo at 6:00 am for Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a bilingual guide such as Ronny. Ride horses through the rainforest, tackle river rapids by tube, eat a Costa Rican buffet, zip across the canopy, then relax in hot springs and volcanic mud. Hotel transport, park fees, lunch, fruit, and drinks are included.

“Great day long adventure. The day will proceed as follows: 1. Horse back riding 2. Tubing in the rapids 3. Lunch 4. Zip lining the canopy 5. Hot springs and mud Some hints. You don't need your phone to capture images because they provide photographers for $45. If you deem it truly necessary, bring a waterproof case to carry your phone. Also, try carrying some extra cash with you to give tips into the tip box at the end of each portion. Fun, long day. But, well worth the day away from the beach.”

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Horseback Riding and Cotopaxi National Park Day Trip - El Pedregal and the Chagra tradition
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Horseback Riding and Cotopaxi National Park Day Trip

14.Horseback Riding and Cotopaxi National Park Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $188

Leave Quito at 7:10 a.m. for El Pedregal, where you’ll dress as an Ecuadorian Chagra, sip canelazo, and ride for two hours near Cotopaxi. Your English-speaking guide, such as Miriam or Luis, then takes you into Cotopaxi National Park for a box lunch, volcano views, a lagoon walk, and high-altitude wildlife before returning around 5 p.m.

“An expensive excursion but so unique that it is worth it! We truly loved the horseback ride and hospitality of the hacienda staff. They provided us with warm drinks, warm clothes, and a great ride to view Cotapaxi. Our drive to the lagoon and hike was refreshing with beautiful views. It’s always nice to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Our tour guide, Ivan was very pleasant, calm, informative, and a pleasure to be around. He was knowledgeable and took great care of us for the day.”

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El Rocío: Doñana National Park Horseback Riding Tour - Riding into Doñana’s interior
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El Rocío: Doñana National Park Horseback Riding Tour

15.El Rocío: Doñana National Park Horseback Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 35 reviews · from $51

Join a Spanish or English-speaking guide for a two-hour horseback ride from Doñana Horse near La Aldea campsite. You’ll cross Doñana’s interior, visit coastal dunes and sea viewpoints, pass through sandy El Rocío, and stop by its famous hermitage. The group is limited to four, and helmets are included.

“Perfect! The horseback ride in Doñana National Park was very peaceful! The horses were in good shape and well cared for. We followed the carriage, which allowed us to discover the surroundings. I recommend it.”

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