Green Valley Family Horse Camp
Cuyamaca, California


Reservations available May 1 - November 30, 2013) 

Fans of the former Rancho Cuyamaca State Park Los Caballos family horse camp will be delighted with the new Green Valley family horse camp which opened back in April 2011.  Located 6 miles south of the burned out campsite off of Hwy 79, it boasts everything of the former plus a delightful water fall area for afternoon sunbathing and relaxation equal to any deluxe spa! Well, not really a deluxe spa, but after a day in the saddle it's a luxurious way to enjoy nature in a natural setting while cooling off in a mild stream.

Green Valley Horse Camp is open for reservations through November.  This new individual horse camp area has 15 camp sites to choose from.  Two campsites are for handicapped only, so take note of this when reserving your site.  It has restroom facilities with hot pay-showers, and wi-fi service, maps, firewood, and ice are available for sale too. 

Armed with a map and excellent posted trail signs, you can ride north on the West Side Trail to Azalea Springs where potable water is available, down towards Lake Cuyamaca, visit the Los Vaqueros group camp for a break, and ride back to your campsite going south on the Cold Springs Trail. This ride will take most of the day at a walk.  There is also the Harvey Moore Trail to Granite Springs primitive camp where an outhouse and non-potable water is available. There are unlimited options of 2 - 6 hour rides for your trail riding adventures with plenty of water crossings and grass for your trusty steed's refreshment!

Before riding out of camp, plan your ride by consulting the trail map and trail condition notice. This will give you a heads-up about damage and/or conditions to any trail you might choose to ride and will avoid backtracking or entering an area beyond your riding skills.

Lush meadows, multiple water crossings, sweeping vistas from hilltops, fire roads, single track trails, wildlife sightings, it's all there! The area is in recovery from a severe fire several years ago and it's damage to the tall trees is still very evident, but hope and new growth has covered the landscape!

* Dogs are ok in camp, must be on leash at all times. No dogs on trails
* Water bibs through out the camp ground with potable water
* Wheel barrows & rakes available for manure clean up
* Showers are 25 cents for 2 1/2 minutes - bring quarters
* Wi-fi service is available, but verify first
* Verizon cell phone service seems to work - AT&T depending on where you are
* Only two horses per camp site but there are overflow corrals, first come first served
* Good eats, fuel, and groceries in Descanso, 6.5 miles south of the camp ground
* The easiest route for San Bernardino & Riverside County residents to travel, especially
  those with larger rigs, is: south on the 15 to the 8 and head east. Take the 79 north to
  Green Valley Horse Camp.  

Check out photos and descriptions of each site at https://cuyamacaequestrian.org/?p=211. Cuyamaca Equestrial Association (CEA) is constantly working with the park to increase and improve trail access from the camp and plans to develop a map showing trail connections from the camp. CEA has purchased and donated two 100-gallon stock tanks with floats, 2 wheelbarrows, and ramps for the manure trailer. Thanks to all who have contributed to the Green Valley Horse Camp Fund.

 

Web Sites to visit to help plan your trip:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25890

https://cuyamacaequestrian.org/?p=260

www.reserveamerica.com   800-444-7275

SADDLE UP AND HAVE FUN!!!