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Discover towering ancient trees and lush forest trails on horseback in Redwood National and State Park. Experience this majestic landscape with expert guides and well-trained horses for an adventure you won't forget.
Discover towering ancient trees and lush forest trails on horseback in Redwood National and State Park. Experience this majestic landscape with expert guides and well-trained horses for an adventure you won't forget.
Book with Crescent Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
501 ratings
Operated by Crescent Trail Rides · Crescent City, California
Redwood National and State Park, located near Crescent City, California, is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth and offers an awe-inspiring outdoor adventure. The Redwood Forest Ride with Crescent Trail Rides invites riders of almost any age to experience this primeval forest from the unique vantage point of horseback. This journey takes you beneath centuries-old coastal redwoods rising high above, their massive trunks and delicate canopy creating an almost cathedral-like environment. The forest floor is alive with ferns, wildflowers, and moss-covered logs, creating a vivid contrast to the towering giants overhead.
Guests can choose from a 1 hour 45-minute or a longer 3-hour ride option offered seasonally from October through February. The outfitter provides comfortable, well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides who share expert insights about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Riders may glimpse Roosevelt elk grazing in clearings, hear red-tailed hawks overhead, or even spot the elusive banana slug—an iconic California forest dweller. The experience provides a rare chance to connect with an ancient and delicate ecosystem that has stood for over a millennium.
Crescent Trail Rides prides itself on a personalized, small-group experience, capping rides at eight guests for a peaceful, intimate adventure. Safety is paramount, with helmets provided for riders under 18 and a thorough safety briefing before mounting. The ride is suitable for beginners and seasoned equestrians alike, making this opportunity accessible to a broad range of visitors. The horses, calm and sure-footed, make navigating the forest trails a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Located just off Bertsch Avenue in Crescent City, this trailhead provides easy access with parking and restrooms onsite. The coastal climate is cool and can be damp; layering clothing is recommended for comfort. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, ensuring safety and warmth during the ride. Whether you’re visiting Northern California for the towering redwoods or the Pacific coastline, this horseback tour offers an unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most impressive natural environments.
Beyond the physical ride, this adventure connects visitors to the historical and cultural significance of Redwood National and State Parks, established in 1968 to protect these primeval forests. Conservation efforts continue to preserve these ancient giants, ensuring future generations can witness their grandeur. The Redwood Forest Ride enhances this connection through education and immersive natural encounters, distinguishing Crescent Trail Rides as a standout local outfitter in California's vast outdoor recreation scene.
moderate.
1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Basic fitness recommended; ability to mount and sit comfortably on horseback for up to three hours.
No previous experience is necessary. Our guides ensure beginners feel comfortable and confident throughout the ride.
Riders under 18 must wear helmets, which we provide. Adults may wear helmets at their discretion.
If rain or adverse weather occurs, you will be contacted ahead of time, and a full refund will be issued if the ride is canceled.
For safety reasons, every rider must have their own horse; no double riding is allowed.
Yes, the weight limit is 280 pounds to ensure the safety and well-being of both the horse and rider.
Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the ride receive a full refund. Additional cancellation options may be available with trip protection.
Redwood National and State Park was established in 1968 to help protect the dwindling old-growth coastal redwoods and their ecosystem.
The park focuses on sustainable visitor impact management to preserve ancient trees and native wildlife habitats for future generations.
Crescent Trail Rides operates guided horseback excursions through protected coastal and forest landscapes. The outfitter offers two primary experiences: the Tolowa Beach Ride through Tolowa Dunes State Park and the Redwood Forest Ride through Redwood National and State Park. Each ride is led by knowledgeable guides or staff who share information about local ecology, scenic highlights, and cultural context. Riders traverse a variety of landscapes, from coastal forests and rolling sand dunes to stands of towering ancient redwoods. The Tolowa Beach Ride includes interpretation related to the Indigenous Tolowa culture as part of the guided experience. The Redwood Forest Ride focuses on the park’s old-growth trees, lush ferns, and opportunities to observe local wildlife from horseback. Crescent Trail Rides emphasizes guided, interpretive tours that connect riders to natural and cultural features at each site. The business offers scheduled trips that accommodate riders seeking a scenic, educational horseback experience in these protected park settings. Guides are responsible for leading groups through established routes within Tolowa Dunes State Park and Redwood National and State Park, providing context about the landscapes encountered. Crescent Trail Rides presents options for visitors who want a structured way to explore coastal and redwood environments on horseback, guided by staff familiar with the areas’ natural and cultural characteristics.
Book with Crescent Trail Rides