moderate
1–2 hours
Basic physical fitness recommended to handle mounting, riding, and uneven trail terrain.
Venture beyond Idaho’s famous hot springs on a horseback ride with Lava Horseback Adventures. Calm horses, expert guides, and steep, scenic trails promise a true taste of southern Idaho’s wild side.
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, is known for its natural geothermal pools, but another way to connect with the landscape lies a little off the beaten path — on horseback. Lava Horseback Adventures LLC offers guided horseback trail rides through some of the region’s rugged and scenic terrain, offering a fresh perspective on southern Idaho’s foothills. With options for one- and two-hour rides, the outfitter caters to everyone from beginners to riders with some experience, providing calm, well-trained horses and guides familiar with the area’s rhythms and geology.
The trail routes wind through steep inclines, descents, and quiet forests, revealing wildflower-dotted meadows and wide views of the surrounding mountains. Riders often note the juxtaposition of raw natural beauty with the softened pace of a horseback pace, making the ride feel both adventurous and accessible. Guides like Jessica and Amber provide not only expert handling but also insight into the local flora, wildlife, and history.
Horse connections here run deep — each horse is well cared for and selected to match a rider’s skill level, helping even riders new to horseback riding feel secure on challenging cliffs and steep switchbacks. The ride can be customized to fit the group’s mood and fitness, making it a popular choice for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a memorable outdoor experience distinct from the town’s hot springs.
Lava Horseback Adventures has earned praise for its friendly, knowledgeable guides who balance safety with genuine enthusiasm. After a ride, visitors often linger to enjoy the hot springs nearby, rounding out a perfect day outdoors. For those in the greater Yellowstone and Jackson Hole corridor looking to break from the usual and take in Idaho’s rugged beauty from a saddle, this local operation offers a standout way to do exactly that.
Give yourself time to get familiar with the horses and safety instructions before the ride starts.
Protect your feet with boots or hiking shoes to handle horse stirrups and rocky terrain.
Steep inclines and narrow trails require focused attention and horse-handling to ensure safety.
The longer ride covers more ground and offers greater variety of landscapes and photo opportunities.
Lava Hot Springs has been a natural gathering spot for centuries, with indigenous peoples valuing its hot mineral waters.
Lava Horseback Adventures practices sustainable trail use to minimize impact on delicate plant life and wildlife habitats.
Provide ankle support and protect feet during saddle mounting and trail riding.
Allows comfort across varying temperatures and protects against sun or wind.
all specific
Protects skin during extended periods outdoors, especially on open trail sections.
spring|summer|fall specific
Staying hydrated is critical during horseback rides, especially in summer heat.
all specific