Sunny California contains an abundance of trails for horseback riding. If you are looking to leave the stable to take advantage of the beautiful weather, California is one of the best places to do just that. To make it an even more thrilling adventure, take your trusty steed on a ride through one of California’s national parks, Here are the best parks for horseback riding.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is exceptionally welcoming to horses and pack animals. This is the place to be if you want to release your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Unless otherwise posted, all of its trails are open to equestrian use. In the warmer months, there are guided horseback riding trips available, and there are a few campgrounds in the park that allow equestrian camping. One major rule of thumb to keep in mind when visiting, though, is that pack animals are prohibited off-trail.

Redwood National and State Parks

There are a handful of trails accessible for pack animals — this includes horses, ponies, mules, llamas, and burros — in Redwood National Park and surrounding Redwood State Park. There are quite a few beaches that are available for riding as well. If you fancy, you can also set up camp at one of the designated campsites accessible for equestrians. The parks’ official guide and map will point you in the right direction.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

In addition to many of the roads and trails that are open to horseback riding throughout the meadows and forests of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you can ride off-trail in many areas as well. If you decide to go off-trail, make sure you familiarize yourself with the guidelines. If you plan to stay overnight, you’ll want to obtain the appropriate Wilderness Permit.

Point Reyes National Seashore

The point of interest at Point Reyes National Seashore is, of course, the beaches. Many of the beaches welcome horses, as do a good amount of the trails. There are maps available both online and at the visitors center to help you stick to the areas horses are permitted. There is also a privately owned stable that offers rentals and guided trips within the park.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

With over 500 miles of trails for horseback riding, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the hotspots in the Los Angeles area for riding. In addition to rugged mountain landscape ideal for riding, there are horse rentals available, as well as camping and guided horseback trips.

This article was originally published at https://medium.com/@lacyhawkins