A man standing next to a horse looking over a desert plain at sunset

Horseback riding is only allowed on maintained roads and horse trails. Horses are not allowed on any of the hiking trails including the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail.


Camping with horses is only allowed in Bear Creek and Horse Camps. Horses cannot be tied directly to trees. Horses in campgrounds must be confined by hitch rails, tied to a high picket line or confined in portable corrals that are at least 100 feet from streams or bodies of water.

Visitors must provide food for their horses. Remove all trash, garbage, horse manure and excess straw and hay - do not burn it in your campfire. A special permit is required for all activities involving groups exceeding 25 persons or 10 horses. Special use permits can be obtained by contacting refuge headquarters.