Alvarado Campground

Alvarado Campground is a great horse camp that feels like it was designed by people who actually ride. There are four equestrian sites total — three clustered in the main equestrian loop and one additional site down toward the lower entrance. Up near the loop are two permanent corrals, which are a nice bonus, though we set up our own portable panels and a hot wire for more flexibility. There are water spigots in the campground, so you’ll be hauling water to the horses, but it’s very doable. The riding is demanding, and we always boot up our horses due to the very rocky terrain. The trails heading up into the mountains are challenging, with serious elevation gains that can take you up toward 12,000 feet. It’s not casual riding, but the effort is worth it. The views are spectacular, and once you’re up high, it feels wild, open, and unforgettable.