Greatest Horseback Riding Vacations In The USA

Resort swimming pools and metropolitan shopping are great and all, but you'll want to look elsewhere if you want to escape the fast-pace and hustle of the city.

Thanks to the resurgence in urban dwellings, more and more American vacationers are turning towards outdoorsy vacations that involve everything from mountain biking to primitive camping.

Horseback riding has also become one of the most sought after vacation experiences these days. Such experiences give vacationers time to relax in nature and enjoy the view from the back of a splendid animal.

Consider it a bonus that trail rides can be a family-friendly activity, and many liveries offer tours for children as young as six.

If you're ready to give horseback riding a try, there are many great locations in the US that offer horses for hire and guided tours. Here's a list of some of the most popular:

Triple Creek Horse Outfit (Napa Valley, CA)

Ride through sprawling mountainside meadows and enjoy the view from Bald Mountain. If the weather cooperates, you may even spot the Golden Gate Bridge from the summit! Tours are available for riders of all skill levels, but be sure to make a reservation.

Rapp Corral (Durango, CO)

You may have recognized the location of this stable right away, and for good reason. Durango is a fairly well known Old West town, and that may be all the reason you need to choose Rapp Corral as your horseback-riding destination.

Tour the mountains and trails of the San Juan National Forest and, if you're really adventurous, embark on the daylong Engineer Mountain ride.

Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC)

The Biltmore Estate is known as America's largest home, and a residence of such a grand scale should offer a riding experience of equal measure. Biltmore Estate delivers, offering over 80 miles of equestrian trails that cut through the surrounding Appalachian Forest.

This is a recommended destination for travelers who have non-riders in their group, as there are plenty of other activities in the Asheville area for those not comfortable getting on horseback.

Na'alapa Stables (Big Island, HI)

You probably don't picture vast, grassy plains when imagining Hawaii but you'll be surprised by the amazing countryside away from the beaches. The rides available from Na'alapa take some steep and mountainous twists. In fact, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle just to get down to the valley where the stable is located!

From there you will ride horseback through lush green jungles and plains while enjoying Hawaii from a different perspective.

Marriott Ranch (Hume, VA)

If you're planning on sticking to the East Coast, but you want to experience a Western-style ranch and trail ride, then look no further than Marriott. This ranch is owned by the Marriott family of hotel fame and is situated near the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.

The horseback riding is fun and exciting as your trek some of the most stunning countryside in Virginia.

The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg, MT)

Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, you'll find The Ranch at Rock Creek. This luxury ranch offers upscale accommodations, and plenty of outdoor activities in addition to horseback riding (including fly fishing, archery, and even geocaching.)

This ranch is fun for the whole family, as you spend most of the vacation exploring the outdoors, and trying new activities.

With the massive diversity of landscapes in America it is no surprise that there are some many wonderful places to go horseback riding. It is a fun vacation for the whole family that adds an element of adventure and is an irreplaceable ways to experience the greatness of the America landscape.

Have you gone horseback riding while on a trip? Where was it?

Don't let delays or mishaps ruin your getaway, be sure to get the right travel insurance policy for you!

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.