Best horseback riding trails in Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada

Steep switchbacks and the altitude will test your endurance on this hike. Views of surrounding peaks and valleys should make it worth while. If the views don't impress you, perhaps the magical feeling of walking underneath the Bristlecone Pines will. If you travel quietly (sunrise or sunset), you could see deer, and perhaps mountain lion tracks. If there has been snow, the trail may be impassable, even through May. The trail is extremely well marked and easy to follow -- just keep climbing. Downhill is a breeze. Once you're at Raintree, it's only 1/3 mile to Mummy Springs (trailhead/sign at Raintree). Show more

There is a $15 parking fee at Mono Village. Aspen groves and distant snow-capped peaks. This is a nice hike that takes you from the bustling "city" of the Mono Village Resort to semi-solitude in roughly four easy miles. There is a small stream to cross early in the hike, but nothing that can't usually be jumped across. Half way to the lake you will pass through some Aspen groves just outside the Hoover Wilderness. The final climb to the lake can seem tedious, but the rewards are well worth effort.Show more

There is a $15 parking fee at Mono Village.Show more

Fun to explore, old horse trail through unusual cliff formations, canyon The road noise fades away as you enter the narrow slot canyon (30" wide in places), which is always cool and shady with the towering cliffs above. Leaving the slots, there is one solitary utility line strung overhead, then you're all alone except for the critters who live in this canyon. Open range for many years, the canyon is now littered with rusted barrels, buckets, old car parts and other debris left by humans -- partially buried in the sand and gravel washbed. The walls of slot canyon are now marred with graffiti and charred by many careless & illegal campfires. The illegal off-roaders & plinkers have discovered this canyon-- now motorcycle & bicycle tracks are mixed with hoof prints. During the week, it's still isolated and quiet -- a perfect way to enjoy the lush canyon filled with junipers, pinions, Joshua trees, wildflowers and blooming shrubs (April - June). Popular trail for horse riders who make it a longer loop. Keep your stirrups in at the slot! Show more

Instead of riding/hiking from the lower ponds (crowded on weekends), try Willow Springs, Wheeler Pass, Mud Springs, Buck Naked trail, or Bonanza Trail. Heavily frequented by wild horses, elk and deer; it is extremely important to respect these animals and their precious habitat. You must be a self-sufficient desert hiker, prepared for emergencies -- it could easily be days or weeks before you see another hiker. The hills up to Bonanza Peak are covered with either wildflowers or pine trees. There are supposedly 80 switchbacks on this trail. This climb is less strenuous than either the North or South Loop trails in Mt. Charleston; but it's not a beginner's hike. There is a log book to sign at the peak, which is off a "hidden path" from the main trail. Dry hike, pack lots of water.Show more