Cypress Hills Provincial Park has incredible equestrian opportunities from trails through forest, in creek valleys or across native prairie. We have more than 140 km of trails and Fire and Resource trails to explore. See astounding vistas, sweeping views and wildlife. If you don't have your own horse, you can go on a trail ride with Historic Reesor Ranch.

Bring Your Own Horse

• No permit application is required as a camping permit is taken care of through shop.albertaparks.ca.
• Fee is $27 (+ booking fee on shop.albertaparks.ca) per site and includes 2 corrals (16'x16'). Additional corral requirements can only be met through an additional campsite booking.
• No permit is required for day use but corrals are not included.

Recommended Rides

See the map in our Equestrian Trail Guide.

Spring Creek Ski Trail

Ride out right from Spring Creek Equestrian Campground on this short, two hour loop (approximately 6.0 km). It offers an easy, shaded ride on hot summer days. You can also continue riding across open grasslands to the west and enjoy a lunch break while enjoying vistas from Head of The Mountain.

Spruce Coulee Trail

This ride can range from 3 km to a 16 km loop, or longer. Choose a shorter shaded ride in mature forests, or a longer ride along the valley edges while enjoying some spectacular views of surrounding countryside.

Nine Mile Area

Take off into one of the backcountry areas of the park. Choose your own adventure - riding the open plains or finding your own trail through the coulees while exploring the area. Take a lunch and make it an all-day trip.

Know Before You Go

• Horse use is not permitted in the areas around the Elkwater townsite, or within Spruce Coulee, Reesor Lake and Battle Creek Campgrounds. These areas are shown in grey on the Equestrian Trail Guide map.
• When setting out on a trail ride, please ensure that your vehicles and horse trailers are parked on the side of the road or on a pullout. Park in such a way that emergency vehicles are still able to access the area, if required. To prevent rutting and destruction of the native grasses, do not drive off-road.
• Remember that all equestrian use trails are also multi-use. You may encounter hikers and mountain bikers on the trails.
• If you bring a pet to the park, please ensure that it's kept on a leash at all times, including at the campground.
• Cattle grazing occurs throughout the park. Ensure that gates are closed immediately behind you. DO NOT chase or harass cattle or wildlife while riding.
• Cobblestone is present in most areas of the park. You may prefer to have your horses shod before riding here.
• Contact your local veterinarian to inquire about recommended vaccinations.
• You should bring insect repellent for you and your animals.
• Open fires are not permitted except in facilities provided. Be extremely cautious with cigarettes while on the trail.
• When around water, stay on hard ground surfaces to prevent bank erosion.
• Permission must be obtained from adjacent landowners to ride on lands surrounding the park.

Keep Safe

• Inform family or friends of your route and your expected time of return.
• Check weather conditions before you ride out. Be prepared for weather changes and carry appropriate clothing.
• If someone in your party is injured or lost, call for help immediately. DO NOT DELAY. In an emergency, Conservation Officers can be reached at 310-LAND (5263). Cell phone reception varies in the park. The best area to receive a strong signal is on the plateau but this varies with weather conditions. Don't rely on your cell phone to always work.
• Know where you are at all times. Keep track of your location by carrying a map and compass, GPS or both. Know how to use these items. Carry extra batteries.
• Be alert for other park users and wildlife on the trail.

Be aware that cougars live in Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Watch for signs that cougars are in the immediate area (i.e. covered kills). If you encounter a cougar on the trail

• Stop. Don’t panic. The animal may leave the area on its own.
• If the cat remains, back up your horse.   Maintain eye contact with the animal.
• Make yourself as large as possible. Raise your arms and make noise.
• Stay calm for the sake of your horse. Your actions and body language will affect the horse more than the cougar will.
• If a cougar attacks, FIGHT BACK with anything at hand.

Report cougar sightings to Conservation Officers by calling calling 310-LAND (5263).

Remember that other wildlife, such as moose, can also be dangerous. Stay alert and aware to avoid dangerous close encounters. Check our safety tips for more info.

On the Saskatchewan Side

The West Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park-Saskatchewan offers an equestrian campground and trail system.