If you have a horse, you're more than welcome to explore the backcountry of Petrified Forest National Park, though you'll need to come prepared.
The park offers diverse riding and packing opportunities in the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area. Park officials have established the following rules for horse use in the park:
- Do not leave horses unattended.
- Horses are prohibited on paved trails and paved roads, with the exception of park service horses on patrol.
- Feed must be certified weed-free.
- Clean up after horses when in developed areas.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trash behind.
- Collection of plants, rocks, petrified wood, fossils, archeological objects, or other materials is illegal anywhere in the park.
- No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area.
- Be aware that elevations average 5,800 feet (1,768 m). Temperatures vary greatly from extreme heat to bitter cold.
- Take all water necessary. One gallon per person per day is recommended during the summer months. For overnight trips, take enough water for your horses, too.
The trail down to the northern unit of the wilderness area can be very steep with an unstable surface. While there are no maintained trails in the wilderness areas, there is very little grade change and riding is easy.
Petrified wood is sharp and can cause damage to stock hooves. Take care of yourself, your stock, and your park.
Click here for more information about horseback riding in the park.
