The only thing better than a great outdoors vacation is having your best four-hoofed friend come along. Many recreational parks have designated trails for horseback riding. Flaming Gorge National Recreation area, stretching from northeastern Utah to southeastern Wyoming, encompasses over 200,000 acres and allows horses on most trails. Add the beautiful landscape, abundant wildlife, and intriguing history and you have the makings of a trip you'll never forget.
    
Not ready to hitch the trailer? Check the local visitors centers or Chamber of Commerce for information on privately owned tour services. There are many ranches nearby that provide a guide and seasoned mount for almost every outing. Choose a one day ride for sight-seeing, or take a week and travel one of the lengthy trails through the open wilderness. Every trail has it's own unique history, making each and every step an adventure. You can't help but feel as if you've traveled back to the 1800's as your horse makes his way along the path. Be sure to keep a camera handy, for those unexpected glimpses of coyotes, bull elk, or even a big-horned sheep.

Every evening after cooling the horses (perhaps with fresh water from the Green River) and unrolling your bed, relax and enjoy the sun as it sets, shining light upon the deep red cliffs for which Flaming Gorge was named.  Fall asleep to the sounds of the wind in the canyon, crickets chirping, and horses grazing. There is simply no better way to experience this vast and colorful countryside.