Horseback Riding Vacations in Alaska

Horseback Riding Vacations in Alaska
Photo Credit Horses at Alaska Basin Wyoming image by Zevaroon from Fotolia.com

Rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife and endless opportunity for adventure: These are just some of the reasons that Alaska is one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States. What better way to explore the Alaskan countryside than on horseback? Numerous options are available for Alaskan horseback riding vacations, all of which offer plenty of opportunity for exploration and adventure.

Advantages

Exploring the Alaskan countryside on horseback offers many advantages over other forms of tourism. Horses can go to many places that four-wheelers, buses, cars and even bicycles are prohibited, offering a unique opportunity to explore Alaska's back country. Traveling on horseback also allows better viewing of wildlife because other animals are less disturbed by the presence of horses than by a bus full of tourists.

Types

Several options exist for planning a horseback vacation in Alaska, allowing for significant flexibility in budget and time commitments. Trail rides can be booked for just a few hours or several days or even weeks. Other options allow for activities such as hunting while traveling on horseback or extended pack trips. Regardless of your budget, desired activity or level of expertise, an option is right for you.

Location

Alaska is a full 1/3 the size of the continental United States, and so it is important to decide which part of Alaska to visit. Horseback vacations are available in most parts of the state, from the city of Anchorage to the wilds of Denali National Park, with each place offering different landscapes to explore.

Time Frame

Alaska's winters are beautiful but also harsh. Most trail-riding companies in Alaska are open only from May through September, though some companies are open as late as October. Because of this, timing is important to consider when booking a horseback vacation in Alaska.

Considerations

Other factors to consider when booking a horseback riding vacation in Alaska include level of riding expertise, fitness level and age. Some trips may not be suitable for beginner riders, the unfit or the very young or elderly. Therefore, it important to be honest about your abilities when booking your trip. Luckily, most horseback vacation companies offer options to accommodate almost everyone. So no matter what, you will be able to experience the wilds of Alaska on horseback.

References

Article reviewed by Debra Fox Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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