Kansas horseback riding
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Best Equestrain Trails in Kansas

Imagine traveling on horseback where native tribes once watered their horses and bison grazed the hillsides. In Kansas, terrain varies from sand hills to surprising rocky canyons, flat prairie vistas and rolling Flint Hills. Following are some of the most scenic and lengthy Kansas trails that accommodate horses (listed east to west). Don’t own a horse? Visit the outfitter guide.

Wyandotte County Lake (Kansas City, KS)
In the Glacial Hills Region, this Kansas trail climbs surprisingly high, descends unexpectedly low, twisting and turning through oak and hickory forest. Eight miles of riding trail circumnavigate the park road sometimes with switchbacks, occasionally bringing you to clearings along the edge of the woods where you may get a peak at the rolling hills or sparkling coves across the park road. Although it’s near Kansas City, some describe the park as an Ozark-like setting. (No camping.)

Hillsdale Lake (Paola/Hillsdale)
There are nearly 50 miles of equestrian trail on the eastern shores of Hillsdale Lake along with the Saddle Ridge Horse Camp area. Observe native plants, intermittent views of the lake and even some native wildlife. There are four different color-coded loops making up the heavily wooded trail system: NW blue trail, SE red trail, SW red trail, and the Outlet blut loop. If you don't own a horse, contact S&S Stables or see www.ssstables.com.

Big Hill Lake (Parsons, KS)
In southeast Kansas, a 17-mile bridle trail surrounds three-quarters of Big Hill Lake hugging the shoreline offering varied terrain for riders of all ages. Parking lots can be found in the Timber Hill and Cherryvale areas and also on the south side of Hwy 160. Trail riders can camp overnight with horses.

El Dorado State Park (Wichita, KS)
The Boulder Bluff Trail traverses an old rock quarry and follows the lake shoreline through prairie grasses and back making a 12-mile loop. Lake views abound with little to no shade on the relatively flat mowed trail east of Wichita. Wildflowers will delight the observant rider late spring through early fall. Equestrian campgrounds are provided.

Eisenhower State Park (Emporia, KS)
The Crooked Knee Bridle Trail offers 3 trailheads, lake views, wooded areas and some rocky terrain for you and your horse. Designed as two connecting loops an 11-mile outer loop skirts the lakeshore with views from numerous coves, crosses prairie, woods and some minor creeks. An additional 6 miles of trail crosses creeks traversing hills on higher ground. Horse camps with utilities and corrals are provided.

Tuttle Creek Reservoir (Manhattan, KS)
Carnahan Creek Park offers stellar Flint Hills scenery in a delightfully remote area (think primitive). When Carnahan Creek is low enough to cross, riders may access miles of rugged and challenging lakeside trails for as much as 10 miles (one-way.) When the lake is high, crossing the creek is not safe. Instead, ride 5 miles of trail that wind around the Rec. Area, climbing above the cove with panoramic views of the shore and Flint Hills.

Another 15 miles of trail can be ridden at Randolph (north of Carnahan). Rated moderate to difficult, there are lots of rocks and tight switchbacks. Horseshoes are recommended for equestrian mounts. Expect some spectacular lake views and plenty of amenities for those camping with horses.

Milford Lake & State Park (Junction City, KS)
The Eagle Ridge Trail is the most scenic at Milford offering brief panoramic views above the lake. Although half of the easy, 8-mile loop follows the shoreline, cedar trees form a blind limiting lake views. Fun for riders, the trail periodically ducks into cedar tunnels descending to and climbing from ravines created by intermittent streams. There are limited walk-in campsites on the trail.

Sand Hills State Park (Hutchinson, KS)
Sand deposits create dunes ranging from 10 to 40 feet high and provide interesting terrain to ride. Singing birds, tall waving grasses, yucca and wildflowers delight the rider on about 10 miles of sand-covered prairie. Neutral colors like tan, gold, bronze, celery and lavender tint your photos in the spring. Grasses green up and wildflowers add a pop of color in the summer. Horse camping facilities are under construction.

Kanopolis State Park (Salina, KS)
Beside the red sandy trails are rolling hills with sandstone outcrops. Pillars and arches, balanced boulders and mini-caves are some of the features that hang over the Horsethief Trail. The extended 25-mile trail system breaks down into shorter color-coded loops. Equestrian campsites can be reserved in advance. Don’t have a horse? Rent one near the general store for a guided ride through Red Rock Canyon.

For more information on equestrian trails in Kansas, order Kansas Outdoor Treasures (Trails Books, a division of Big Earth Publishing)