Many of the national park's trails are open to horses and pack animals, including mules, ponies, llamas, and burros. There should be no more than 20 animals in a string, and their feed must be brought with you because grazing is not permitted. Generally, campgrounds and picnic areas are off-limits to riders; however, there are several designated "stock camps" in the backcountry (permit required). There are four sites posted for llama use only, and other sites are limited to 5 to 20 horses or other stock. Animals must be tied securely to the hitch rack provided at the site.
Cross-country travel is not permitted, and you must stay on maintained trails to prevent damage to vegetation. Horses do have the right-of-way, but it is your responsibility when overtaking hikers to make your presence known to them so that they have time to yield. Galloping is not allowed, and equestrians should slow to a walk when nearing or passing others.
Several outfitters provide guided rides inside and outside the park, ranging from 1 hour ($25-$35) to all day (about $100), plus breakfast and dinner rides and multiday pack trips. Recommended companies include S.K. Horses (www.cowpokecornercorral.com), which operates National Park Gateway Stables, at the Fall River entrance of the national park on U.S. 34 (tel. 970/586-5269), and the Cowpoke Corner Corral, at Glacier Lodge, 3 miles west of town, 2166 Colo. 66 (tel. 970/586-9272). Hi Country Stables (www.colorado-horses.com/hicountrystables) operates two stables inside the park: Glacier Creek Stables (tel. 970/586-3244) and Moraine Park Stables (tel. 970/586-2327).
