Yosemite Trails Horseback Riding: Epic Adventures in the Sierra
Hi friends! This week I’m so excited to share a truly unique Yosemite adventure unlike any other. There’s something magical about experiencing the Sierra Nevada from horseback, and Yosemite Trails offers an unforgettable opportunity to do just that. This family-owned, multi-generational ranch just south of Yosemite National Park delivers an experience that’s as authentic as it gets, and whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, Yosemite Trails makes it easy to feel confident in the saddle while soaking in breathtaking mountain views. Join me below as we set out on an epic ride with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures.
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Yosemite 2-4 Day Summer Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Yosemite road trip during the summer months, make sure to download my complete Yosemite 2-4 Day Summer Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, activities outside the park, and more! Download it today and make your Yosemite planning easy!
Ticket Office at Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Location
Nestled in Fish Camp, CA behind Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures sits just 4 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance. This makes it an ideal stop for travelers heading into or out of the park. The ranch is tucked among whispering pines and rolling meadows at 5,000 feet elevation—high enough to feel the cool mountain air but easily accessible from nearby towns like Oakhurst and Bass Lake. Located off Jackson/Big Sandy Road, visitors will need to drive about a mile on a dirt gravel road, but it’s well maintained and accessible by most vehicles. Once on horseback, the rides take you into Sierra National Forest, and even into Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias if you take the 5 hour Grizzly Giant Trail Ride.
Yosemite Trails quarter horses
History
Yosemite Trails has deep roots in the Sierra. The story began in 1900, when Newton “Newt” Phillips homesteaded in the area. By the 1920s, he was leading rugged pack trips out of Fish Camp into Yosemite’s backcountry—a tradition continued by Fred Wass in the mid 1930s.
In 1966, Mike and Sherry Knapp acquired the ranch, raising horses and cattle while sharing their love for the land with visitors. Generations later, the Knapps continues the family legacy today, breeding and raising American Quarter Horses on site, which are known for their strength, intelligence, and gentle temperament. Many of the horses you’ll ride were born and trained right here on the ranch, making them steady and sure-footed companions for riders of all levels.
Creek crossing along Yosemite Trails Vista Pass Ride
Sierra Nevada views along Yosemite Trails Vista Pass Ride
Trail Rides
Whether you’re seeking a short introduction to horseback riding or a full-day wilderness trek, Yosemite Trails offers something for everyone. No matter which ride you book, the expert guides will thoroughly prepare you for the experience ahead. Before our ride, we were treated with Hillary, Reghan, and Jonas, who were all extremely kind, patient, and knowledgeable as they introduced us to our horses (Sparkles and Bingo), helped us mount, and walked us through an easy hands-on training. Both Sparkles and Bingo were calm, confident, and seemed to know the trail by heart—perfect for folks with limited riding experience. Here’s what you can expect on each ride:
Big Creek 1‑Hour Ride: Perfect for beginners, families with kids, or anyone short on time, this 1-hour ride takes you along Big Creek, a sparkling mountain stream that meanders through lower meadows and a pine forest. As you cross gentle terrain, you’ll get comfortable in the saddle, practice basic riding skills, and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by towering sugar pines. The ride is relaxing yet scenic—ideal for first-timers looking for a taste of the High Sierra on horseback.
Vista Pass 2‑Hour Ride: If you’re craving more adventure, the Vista Pass 2-hour ride delivers. The trail winds through shady groves, splashes through several creek crossings, and climbs to Vista Pass, where jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada open up. This ride is suited for all skill levels but gives you enough time in the saddle to really relax and connect with your horse and surroundings.
Grizzly Giant 5‑Hour Ride: For the ultimate Yosemite horseback experience, book the Grizzly Giant 5-hour ride, which leads you deep into Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The ride includes creek crossings, lush meadows, and lunch in the shade of 2,000-year-old giants. This option requires a bit more stamina, but it’s a bucket-list ride for those seeking a full-day wild adventure.
Deer at the base of Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Above & Beyond Customer Service
During our time with Yosemite Trails, there were several folks that went above and beyond to make our experience truly special, and I’m confident you’ll be greeted with the same high level of customer service on your adventure. I’d like to give a huge thank you to Michelle, Noah, Hillary, Reghan, and Jonas for making our ride truly memorable. If you happen to come across any of these individuals during your visit, I hope you’ll say hi and show them your appreciation too.
Riding Bingo at Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
I’d like to give a special thank you to Visit Yosemite | Madera County, an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and the surrounding regions. Stop at the Oakhurst Visitor Center for expert advice, access to maps, and insider tips. Here you’ll discover the many hidden gems of Madera County, and make sure to download your free visitor guide at YosemiteThisYear.com for answers to all your questions about visiting California's Southern Gateway to Yosemite.
Starting our ride at Yosemite Trails
Know Before You Go
• Reservations can be booked in advance online at YosemiteTrails.com.
• Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled ride.
• The minimum rider age is 7 years, and no double-riding is allowed.
• Make sure to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmets are provided and required for all riders. Bandanas are also provided as the trail can get dusty in spots.
• No prior experience is necessary...however, first-timers should expect to be saddle-sore on the longer rides, especially the 5 hour ride.
• No Yosemite National Park reservations are needed, which includes the 5 hour ride to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
• In order to provide a safe experience for you and your horse, all riders must not exceed 250 lbs (fully clothed) and maintain a BMI under 32. Click here for more information on this, as well as a BMI calculator.
• Cell service is unreliable in many parts of Yosemite and the surrounding regions, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. I love using Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices.
• Always visit the Travel Alerts page at YosemiteThisYear.com and the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit, as well as information on Yosemite National Park reservation requirements.
• Many areas in and around Yosemite are home to black bears. Always view wildlife from a safe distance, never feed or approach wild animals, and make sure to not leave any food or scented items in your vehicle, especially when visiting Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest.
Top 10 Activities Near Yosemite
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
Yosemite VR Experience
Yosemite Axe Throwing
Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park
Yosemite Gateway Art Center
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Riding Sparkles at Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week just outside of Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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