How to Ride Cowboy Trails

The cowboys of the Old West represent a distinct era in American culture. Individuals who want to reconnect with historic events and the unique lifestyle of the Old West may want to take the time to ride the old cowboy trails of the West. There are a variety of dude ranches and businesses that will take riders on guided tours of historic landmarks and trails, or enterprising and experienced horse people can create their own trip out of these old trails.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what trails you want to travel. Some historic cowboy trails are on public land, others are on private land and ranches and require special reservations and permissions in order to access them. Consider your group's riding level, fitness level (horses and riders), time and budget when planning a trip.

    • 2

      Obtain a map of the trail or trails you want to ride and plan your trip. Remember to make reservations for your group at horse-friendly campsites. Make sure you plan your trip realistically and can reasonably reach each campsite before nightfall if you are planning to be on the trails for more than a day. If you are only planning a day trip, make sure there will be enough parking for your horse trailers. Do not forget to plan how you are going to feed, water and contain your horses during the ride and while camping.

    • 3

      Obtain all necessary permits and permissions for your ride. Do not ride on land upon which you do not have permission to travel. Once you have your permits, you are ready to ride the historic cowboy trails of the Old West.