Equestrian Area

Horseback riding at Lake Poway is a very popular pastime.  To accommodate our equestrian visitors there is a staging area in the uppermost area of the Lake Poway Recreation Area.  The long wide parking spaces will accommodate a vehicle towing a horse trailer and the configuration of the area is set-up for easy loading and unloading.  A small covered area with a bench is perfect for relaxing before or after a ride or while waiting for a friend or family member.  A water source and hose is also located in this area.  The Equestrian Staging Area provides easy access to the upper trailhead at Lake Poway and is a convenient starting point for an enjoyable ride around the Lake.

Click to download the Poway Trails Guide
Click to download the Poway Trails Guide Legend

There are a few simple rules that Equestrians should follow to make their ride enjoyable and to preserve the beauty of the trail system.

• The primary use of Lake Poway is as a domestic water supply reservoir, which is also used for recreation.  As such, it is governed by strict health and sanitation requirements.  Therefore, please keep your horse at least 100 feet away from the water.
  
• You are responsible for the clean up and disposal of all animal waste.
  
• Please do not hitch your horse to any tree or shrub or structure in a manner that may cause damage to the local environment or City property.
  
• Please do not hitch any horse within Lake Poway except for the duration of the visit to Lake Poway or pursuant to a special permit issued by the Director of Community Services. Please only hitch your horse to hitching posts.
  
• Please do not ride your horse on the turf grass.