Trails
We ask that you ride light on the land by staying on marked trails, respecting private property and non-equestrian trails, minimize wildlife impacts, and preserve the integrity of wilderness, front coutnry, and backcountry land and trails.
Every rider represents all equestrians. BCHA works to counter anti-equestrian sentiment by following the Light on the Land principles outlined by BCH of America.
The Kenai Peninsula and Mat-Su Chapters have highlighted the best equestiran trails in their regions below. More trails in other areas of the state will be added soon!
Kenai Peninsula
The Kasilof Equestrian Trails are the product of the relationship between the Kenai Peninsula BCHA chapter and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Just over 14 miles of inter-looping trails on borough land. It's got hills, a lake, picnic spots, and memorial benches, and even obstacles in the works. These trails are a great place to leg up your horses! A large parking lot recently built by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge allows plenty of space to park and turn your trailer.
Parking Lot Directions:
Navigate to Yukon Road, Kasilof, AK
Drive 2.2 miles down Yukon Rd and turn LEFT into parking lot driveway (Look for a horse trail sign)
Driveway located at the end of the driveway
The Kasilof Equestrian Trail map is also available FREE on the Avenza app!
Kasilof Equestrian Trails
These trails consist of over 14 miles of interlooping trails, including the Doc Pollard Horse Trail.
Nurse's Cabin
Nurses Cabin is a historic 12’ x 14’ log cabin located on the north shore of Tustumena Lake. Reserve the cabin from Recreation.gov
Doc Pollard Horse Trail
The Doc Pollard Historic Horse Trail is a 7.2 mile ride to Nurse's Cabin.
Johnson Pass Trail
This is a 23-mile multi-use non-motorized trail on US Forest Service Land from mile 64 Seward Highway in the north to mile 32.5 Seward Highway in the south. There is a horse-friendly camp spot close to the summit, including bear proof boxes for storing food while camping. Horses and other stock are only allowed on the trail after July 1.
Resurrection Trail
This is a 22 mile multi-use non-motorized trail on US Forest Service Land. The trail climbs from 500 to 2600 feet and visitors can reserve one or all of eight public use cabins along the route. Access from Hope. Horses and stock are only allowed on the trail after July 1.
Beach Riding
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Matanuska-Sustina Borough
The Mat-Su Valley is home to many trails, but many of them are motorized and damaged by ATV use. Below are trails that we have found to be good for horses and mules. You can also download a PDF of most of the below trails for printing. This is designed as booklet for double sided printing - flip on short edge!
Matanuska Greenbelt Trails
These non-motorized trails can be accessed from several locations. There is a lot of space for trailers at both the Kin-Win Trailhead and the lower gravel parking lot of Valley Pathways High School. Neither require parking permits. There are more than 10 miles of trails that are on Mat-Su Borough and University of Alaska Land. Please kick horse poop off of narrow trails.
Morgan Horse Trail
This 2 mile (one-way) trail connects Maud Road and Huntley Road in the Butte outside Palmer. Ground is soft and hoof protection is generally not needed in the summer. Can be accessed from Maud Road or Huntley Road, but more parking is available at Huntley Road at the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area.
Plumley Maud Trail
This 3 mile (one-way) trail can be accessed from Plumley Road or Maud Road. Parking is limited, but with more parking on Plumley Road. This can also be connected with the Morgan Horse Trail for a longer ride.
Eklutna Lakeside Trail
The 12.9 mile (one-way) trail is an old road that follows the shore of Eklutna Lake and continues past Eklutna Lake along the river to the moraines of Eklutna Glacier. The trail is wide, and hoof protection is strongly recommended because the trail is mostly gravel. In the summer, ATVs are only allowed Sunday through Wednesday.
Rippy Trail
This 5.6 mile round-trip trail starts off E. Maud Road outside Palmer. Parking at trailhead is limited and at the bottom of a steep hill. You can alternately park at the Mud Lake pull off before the downhill and ride the road to the trailhead. The trail is mostly gravel so hoof protection is recommended.
Jim Creek Equestrian Trail
This 1.5 mile non-motorized trail starts in the Jim Creek Campground. To access, follow the trail that parallels the campground to the west of the parking lot. Turn south at the end of this trail and follow until you see the sign for equestrian users. There are many other motorized trails in the area, and this trail will help you avoid the heavy ATV traffic coming in and out of the parking lot on weekends and holidays. You can ride along the river or connect to other trails in the Knik River Public Use Area.