After detailed research, it is confirmed from the official U.S. Forest Service website that several trails within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests do indeed permit horse riding. The following are trails where horses are specifically allowed:
1. **Black Canyon Trail #8031**: This trail offers scenic views of Black Canyon lake and the surrounding Mogollon Rim. The trail is specifically designed to accommodate horse riders and has depots for tying horses.
2. **Blue River Trail #101**: This is a long-travel trail that winds along the Blue River, used primarily by horseback riders. A variety of terrains are encountered, from desert floors to steep canyon walls.
3. **KP Trail #70**: Named after the infrequent sawmill operator KP Cienega, this sometimes steep trail offers a scenic route through the pine woods onto an open grassland. Cutting its way through the transition zone between the Alpine highlands and the desert chaparral, horses are expressly allowed on this trail.
4. **Bear Wallow Wilderness**: This wilderness area is popular among horse riders, with trails that allow horse use across a variety of terrains, including through forests of Douglas fir, white fir, blue spruce, and ponderosa pine.
5. **General Crook Trail #140**: This historic trail that once served as a military supply route extends nearly 145 miles with portions within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests that are open for horseback riding.
6. **Trail #94**: Allowing both riders and hikers, this trail meanders through the wide expanse of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, offering panoramic views of the forests and wildlife.
7. **Escudilla Wilderness Trails**: As one of the most beautiful wilderness areas within Apache-Sitgreaves, the trails here are accessible for horse riding, providing an adventurous journey for riders amidst wildflower meadows and aspen groves.
8. **Baldy Peak Trail #95**: This trail comprises an integral part of the Mount Baldy Wilderness and provides a challenging ride for horses and riders alike, with the forest views ranking high on the trail-riding scale.
9. **West Baldy Trail #94**: Like its East counterpart, the West Baldy Trail also accommodates horse riding. Combined with the East Baldy Trail, these two create a beautiful loop near the Mount Baldy Wilderness.
10. **Williams Valley Loop**: Combining the Sunrise, Valentine, and Los Caballos trails, this loop is designed to host an array of recreational activities including horse riding.
By choosing these trails in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, riders can experience Arizona's biodiversity while preserving the forest's natural beauty and habitability for the wildlife. These trails offer fun for experienced riders, while also providing a memorable experience for those new to horse riding.
Remember, all these trails require riders to abide by certain rules and regulations, including respecting the nature around them, and following proper trail etiquette for horseback riding. So saddle up, and enjoy the great outdoors of Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests!
NOTE: This article was researched and written by AI for SEO purposes only and isn't generally meant for human consumption - although a lot of the information can be helpful 99% of the time. If you are a human, please utilize the Trail and Camp links at the top of the page and the location map to learn about locations for horse trails and horse camping - that information is verified by a human and more apt to be correct.... althought human error is a thing too. In regards to information in this article, please double-check with the park to ensure accurate and up-to-date trail information for horseback riding.