29 Jun 2026

Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, life-long Mammoth Lakes local

Even though most people associate summer in Mammoth with hiking, fishing, and paddle boarding, our area offers some of the best horseback riding trails in California! And if you haven’t thought about exploring the Eastern Sierra on horseback, we’re hoping that this article will change your mind!

We’re talking all about the benefits of horseback riding and what makes Mammoth Lakes such a great place to get back on the saddle.

Those Eastern Sierra views look even better on horseback

When hiking in Mammoth, you might find yourself looking more at your own hiking boots than the sights around you. Only when you remember to stop and look up every once in a while are you able to fully take in the views around you.

But, when you explore those same trails on horseback, it gives you a whole different perspective. Sure, you’ll still have some of your attention trained on your horse, but trust us that they know these trails like the back of their…well, hooves. And they’ll be happy to focus on the walking part so that you can turn your attention to the world around you.

Whether you go horseback riding in the Lakes Basin, Convict Lake, or McGee Creek, you’ll enjoy some truly breathtaking landscapes.

Horseback riding offers an impressive list of health benefits

Many people come up to Mammoth as a way to reap all the benefits of being in nature. And as it turns out, horseback riding has even more ways for you to feel the health glow-up:

The workout

There is so much to be said about the physical health benefits of horseback riding.

On the one hand, there’s the cardio element. In fact, the American Heart Association has found that regular horseback riding has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.

And, even though you might find that your first ride feels bumpy, horseback riding is considered a low-impact cardio activity. That means that you can reap the benefits of burning calories without having to worry about the kind of joint strain associated with running or contact sports.

Another physical health benefit of being in the saddle? The strength training element! Staying upright and steady on horseback requires core strength, leg strength, and to a lesser but still significant degree upper body strength. In other words, it’s a full body workout that will leave you feeling like you’ve just finished a pilates class.

Stress reduction

Many regular riders will tell you that horseback riding is like a form of meditation. And there are a few different reasons for that.

For one thing, being on horseback requires you to be in the present moment. You need to make sure you’re responding to the animal, keeping yourself upright, and taking in the gorgeous views around you. This kind of mindfulness allows the brain to switch from active thinking to calm presence.

And, there’s something to be said about the physical presence of horses. In young riders, studies have shown that there’s something soothing about the vibrations of horseback riding. Riders will also tell you that the repetitive movement of a horse’s stride creates a sense of peace and calm.

Emotional and social connection

For the animal lovers out there, it makes total sense that horseback riding would have a positive impact on mood and wellbeing. When you spend time with a horse, it can create a sense of connection, communication, and empathy.

The social element of horseback riding is also a huge benefit to mental wellness. Exploring nature with not only your close loved ones but a larger group of people leads to a sense of community-building and appreciation!

Horseback riding can be a good way to break up your itinerary

We’re not saying that horseback riding is easy, by any means. But, because it uses a different set of muscles than hiking, it can be a good way to shake up your routine and prevent repetitive use injuries.

If, for instance, you spent the first day of your trip fly fishing, scheduling a horseback riding session the next day can be a good way to rest those arms and shoulders.

Mammoth Lakes: a wealth of options for horseback riding

Because our area is so rich with rideable trails, there’s no shortage of pack stations to choose from. And no matter which pack you join, you’ll get a completely unique and unforgettable experience:

Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit. Located in the Lakes Basin, this is Mammoth’s go-to horseback riding hub. There are some truly remarkable trails to explore, including the Panorama Dome, historic mining area, or the lakes loop. This is one of the most conveniently located pack stations for our guests staying at Mammoth Mountain Reservation condos!
Rock Creek Pack Station. Located off the 395 just 10 miles south of Mammoth, Convict Lake is one of the most picturesque areas in the Eastern Sierra. We especially recommend riding here in the fall, as the area is full of aspens, willows, and cottonwoods that put on quite a color show.
McGee Creek Pack Station. Located near Crowley Lake, this equestrian team offers daily rides exploring the McGee Canyon area. It’s some of the quietest and most pristine riding you’ll find in the Eastern Sierra, so if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this is the riding experience for you.
Frontier Pack Train. Located about 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop is a gorgeous area to explore, with plenty of lakes and a charming town center. The foliage in this part of Mono County is lush and green, which makes for a magical riding experience.

Frequently asked questions abo ut horseback riding in Mammoth Lakes

What time of year is best for horseback riding in Mammoth Lakes?

Pack stations in the area generally open in mid-June and close in October, but this will depend on the weather and location of the pack station. The best time of year is July and August when the weather is pleasant and sunny.

How challenging is horseback riding in Mammoth Lakes?

Any kind of physical exercise is going to be more challenging at high elevation. If you’ve never tried horseback riding and are worried about the physical strain, consider booking a short riding session on easy terrain.

What can you expect from horseback riding in the Eastern Sierra?

Horseback riding in the Eastern Sierra is all about slow, enjoyable exploration. The terrain here is rocky and technical, so you can expect a steady, leisurely ride that invites you to take in the sights.

Does Mammoth Lakes Have Good Horseback Riding?

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