Great Basin National Park boasts alpine lakes, ancient bristlecones, a glacier, caves, and some of the darkest skies in the lower 48. Horses (and other pack animals) are allowed in the park but the reality is that like most National Parks, access is extremely limited so it’s important to plan before you go. There are three equestrian friendly trails in Great Basin.
Pole Canyon Trail
This lovely loop trail is roughly 7 miles. It leads through lush meadows, thick groves of aspens, pines, and firs, and climbs to incredible views from the mountain pass. The trail is easy to follow but is fairly technical for several bridges, water crossings, downed trees, step ups and step downs, and other obstacles. Pole Canyon Trail is not likely to be very crowded. Dogs and bikes are not allowed, but you may see the occasional hiker. Keep an eye open for turkeys, deer, and elk.
There is about 1,600 feet of elevation gain over the course of the Pole Canyon Trail, but the grade is not challenging. The terrain is not terribly rocky, but shoes and boots are recommended. For horseback riding, this trail is accessible from summer until it snows. You can do this loop in either direction, but we recommend riding clockwise to knock out the uphill sections at the beginning. To do so, you should park at the alternate parking area near Grey Cliffs (see Where to Park below).
Baker Lake Trail
This trail is roughly 5.5 miles each way, for an 11 mile out and back. It is quite steep, with 2,700+ feet of elevation gain on the uphill. The trail climbs through aspens and pines following a creek. It is rocky and moderately technical for switchbacks and grade. Baker Lake is one of the largest lakes in the park and is nestled in a glacial cirque with large pines.
Johnson Lake Trail
This trail is roughly 5.5 miles each way, for an 11 mile out and back. It is extremely steep, with 3,200+ feet of elevation gain on the uphill. The trail climbs through aspens and pines to alpine level exposed zones with big views. You can see historic buildings and mining equipment in the Johnson Lake Mining District.
There used to be one equestrian campground inside Great Basin National Park, but it closed after a fire several years ago and never reopened. Now there are no equestrian campgrounds within the park boundaries. The closest equestrian campground is Sacramento Pass, which is just outside the north end of the park.
The southeastern side of the park (Snake Creek, Big Wash, and Lexington Creek) could provide riding access, but there is limited parking and the roads are rough. Similarly, there could be access through the southwest side (Lincoln Canyon and Pole Canyon) but those are very rough roads.
No matter where you ride, remember weed-free hay is required inside the park and dogs are not allowed on any trail. Please pack out any manure at parking areas.
Getting Here
Where to Park:
The National Park Service’s preferred parking area for horse trailers is the Baker Lake Trailhead, located at the end of the road past the Baker Creek Campground. It can fit several rigs, but you need to arrive early as this parking lot does fill up with cars. There is a vault toilet and trashcans. From here you can access the Baker Lake Trail, Johnson Lake Trail, and Pole Canyon Trail.
Alternate Parking:
If the Baker Lake Trailhead lot is full, there is a day-use pull out area before the turnoff to Grey Cliffs Campground. A couple rigs could fit here. There is a vault toilet and trashcans. From here you can access the Pole Canyon Trail.
