 On The Beach, by Bonnie DavisBefore loading up and heading out to the ocean for a
beach ride. one should always CONTACT the jurisdiction that the area belongs to, Some
areas are closed at certain times of the week to horsemen and for others, parking is tight
on weekends but easily accessible on weekdays. All such information on parking, trails,
restrictions (remember some trails that are open during winter months are closed for bird
nesting spring and summer months) and weather conditions can be obtained by calling that
local State, county or city jurisdictions.
A couple of my own ‘favorites’ are
first, Rancho del Oso off Highway 1 just south of Half Moon Bay. del Oso not only offers
beach riding over on Wadell Beach but one can ‘ride north’ and into Big Basin
State Park. (Both Rancho del Oso and Big Basin have horsecamps for overnight stays.)
For a redwoods to sand ride, plan an
overnight stay in Big Basin. (If its a large group, those members that don’t ride can
act as drivers for those riding.) Once over the ridge and out of Big Basin, continue down
to Rancho del Oso. The second day can he spent riding on the beach.
One place I think just about every horseowner
has been to is Point P.eyes National Seashore. Camping is at Stewart Horsecarnp if one
wants to spend a night, a week or longer. But parking lots are big at Point Reyes so just
a day ride can be planned. Although there aren’t many sites to get down to the beach
and onto the sand, the views are magnificent! And if you catch the spring months,
blackberries are bountiful for snacks and packing back home for pies and cobblers.
One thing that should be remembered about
Point Reyes is that certain trails are only open on certain days of the week. So always
call ahead to find out what day one can ride on what trail.
Once in Point Reyes, don’t miss the
opportunity to ride (or hike) aver to the Morgans. Point Reyes breeds and trains Morgan
horses for the National Park Service. There’s always a few horses (and foals) in the
barn and someone giving demonstrations on training, shoeing, care. The site is located at
the main ranger station. (Call Point Reyes at (415) 663—1092 or check their website,
www.nps.gov/pore, far trail information.)
If you have a couple friends you want to take
riding, Max Vista Stables in Daly City has rental horses. To get to Mar Vista, take John
Daly Blvd. west to Skyline. On Skyline IMMEDIATELY get in the left land and turn into Mar
Vista. One can unload an the street going into the stable and they will allow private
horses with stable horses, Riding is on the beach hut remember there are OTHER users too!
Moss Landing south of Santa Cruz on Highway 1
is another horsemen’s favorite. It’s on the beach but I’ve found the
parking tight with all the cars plus there are those beach restrictions far nesting birds
beginning to pop up at some riding locations.
Now that you know a couple of my favorites,
tell us about yours. I’m always looking for MORE trails to ride on and horsecamps to
overnight in. |
