About 20 miles west of livermore, horseback riders have a choice to make. Turn left and explore the Lady Moon trail or turn right and explore the Mount Margaret area.
The Mount Margaret parking lot is well maintained with ample room for trailers. The trailer parking area has pull through spots and easy access to the restroom facilities. The trail heads north though a gate out of the parking lot. The trail is wide and meanders though open pine forests and meadows.
About a mile from the gate, the trail crosses south lone pine creek. The crossing is friendly and wide, and should be easy for any horse, even those unfamiliar with water. The trail continues through meadows and open forest areas to a rickety old gate.
Shortly after the gate, the trail branches, the dowdy lake trail heads off to the left, while the Mount Margaret trail heads straight. As the trail continues, there are several trails that branch off giving riders the opportunity to make their ride as long or short as they want.
The main trail is well marked and easy to follow, but doesn’t have a well marked end at the summit. There is very little altitude gain on the trail, but toward the end of the trail, riders a treated to a gorgeous view of the canyon carved by the north lone pine creek.
Along the trail are 9 campsites available for back country camping. Each site comes with a bench and enclosed fire pit. While not equipped with horse stalls, camping with hobbles or high lining is possible at the sites.
This area is a gorgeous place to ride for any level of horse and rider and definitely worth the drive.
For more information about the trail, and other trails in this area, check out the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website.
Happy Trails!
