Equestrian

Whether exploring sections of the trail on day rides, or adventuring out on multi- trips, the same stunning scenery of the CDT can be experienced via horse packing. It is possible to ride most of the CDT on horseback.

Extensive pre-planning is needed to ensure you and your horse(s) remain happy and healthy. We have compiled some helpful tips and considerations for planning a successful horse packing trip on the Continental Divide Trail.

Preparation before Hitting the Trail

• Practice rides help prepare you and your horses for what you may encounter while on the CDT. Users should practice setting up camp ahead of time and practice their horse containment strategy prior to going on overnight horse packing trips. This will help limit frustrations and issues while on the trail. Horse containment strategies may include using hobbles, picketing, or highlining.
• Be aware of the various land use regulations along your route of travel and if horse health certificates are required.

Horse Preparation

• Horses should be well shod.
• Horse experience level and ability is important to consider before heading to the trail.
• In tough terrain, tack equipment should be secured with appropriate items such as breast collar.

Trail Etiquette

• Horses have the right of way on trails; however, you may encounter non-equestrian users who are unaware of this. It is advisable to communicate with other users as you encounter them along the trail to ensure safe passing and sharing of the trail.
• In the event you encounter other equestrian users, the horse group with the shorter string should yield to the group with longer pack strings, unless trail conditions dictate otherwise.
• While camping, give horses more space by staying away from established hiker campsites.

Safety and Health Considerations While on the Trail:

Many of the same safety considerations (link) of hiking apply to horse packing. When traveling with stock, trail users should be aware of where proper veterinarian care is available along the trail. Additionally, there are two known sections in Montana to be aware of as an equestrian user:

• Piegan Pass and other parts of Glacier National Park require experience and advanced horse maneuvering skill.
• Bob Marshall Wilderness – parts of the trail have limited grass feeding opportunities.

Grazing and Water Opportunities

• Pick camping locations with ample grazing options when available.
• Preplan resting and grazing locations and meadows to ensure there are sufficient resources for your horse. There may be limited forage and water opportunities near the trail in some areas, especially in areas above the tree line.

Overnight Camping

In addition to choosing camping spots with grazing opportunities, there are several other things to consider when camping with your horse. First, it is polite to spread horse manure after camping. Second, in Southwest Montana "Weed Free Feed" is required along the trail as part of an effort to prevent the introduction of invasive species and noxious weeds. Visit the Forest Service website for additional information. Also, depending on your horse containment strategy, you may consider bringing bells for the horse to wear overnight in case it gets scared by an animal or runs off.

Additionally, you will need to adhere to permitting and regulations set by the various public land entities you will be traveling through along the Continental Divide.

In Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, camping permits must be obtained in advance as there are stock specific campsites. These fill up quickly so pre-planning and getting the permits when they first become available is key! Additionally, both parks have specific stock related rules. In Glacier, grazing at campsites is not allowed and horses must be tied to rails overnight. In Yellowstone, stock cannot be on a highline overnight. Equestrian users should be aware that campsites can be closed due to bear activity.

Further permitting information regarding human trail use should also be reviewed and can be found on our Planning and Preparation for Thru-Hikers page.

Special CDT Trail Considerations, Sharing the Trail

• You may encounter sections that are unpassable due to fences, cattle guards, terrain, and other conditions. Additionally, there are several known and unknown points that do not have proper stock bypass gates installed.
• You may encounter mountain bikers who may be traveling fast and leave limited time to adjust trail position.

CDT Trailheads that accommodate Horse Trailers in Montana

Some trailheads along the CDT do not have enough space for horse trailer parking or to turn around. It is advisable to contact the local land manager’s office for more information. To the best of our knowledge, the following trailheads along the CDT in Montana have space for horse trailer parking:

While these trailheads and access points are listed as trailer-friendly, if your trailer is longer than 24 ft you may experience difficulty accessing due to road conditions and tight switchbacks.

Special Items to Pack

• Pack light and only bring what you need.
• It is recommended to bring a saw for clearing trails early season and a collapsible water bucket for watering your horse.
• Carry weed free feed into wilderness areas with appropriate certification information. Only certified weed-free hay is allowed on Forest Service lands, Wilderness Areas and National Parks.

Llamas

The above equestrian information generally applies to hiking with pack llamas. Typically, llamas are used in situations where you are hauling lots of gear, or used on hunting trips where they help carry the harvested animal back out. When llamas and used, they will usually walk behind you and you will be leading them with a lead rope. The pace will be more similar to a walking pace and be slower than traveling by horseback.

Resources

The CDT Coalition has prepared more in-depth resources for equestrian users. Please visit their website at https://continentaldividetrail.org/equestrian/

Another important partner is the Backcountry Horsemen of America (BCHA). You can find out more at www.bcha.org

For information about packing with llamas, please visit https://www.packllama.org/programs