Wyoming FAQ

Paintrock Lodge is Cross Country Equine’s remote basecamp for select Wyoming horseback riding vacations and backcountry riding camps. It is a quiet, lakeside mountain lodge that feels like a true Wyoming retreat, not a commercial dude ranch resort.

You will stay in comfortable indoor lodging, eat well, and spend your days riding. When you are not in the saddle, you can relax at the lodge, walk the lakeshore, and soak in the silence and mountain air.

Lakeside setting and wildlife

Paintrock Lodge sits beside a mountain lake where guests can step outside and fish for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. It is common to see our horses and mules grazing nearby. Wildlife is part of the experience, and moose are commonly seen in the area.

Lodge accommodations and amenities

• Remote lakeside mountain lodge in Wyoming
• Two large stone fireplaces for cozy mornings and evenings
• Main lodge: 7 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
• Separate cabin: 2 bedrooms with access to a shared full bathroom
• Beds are fully made with sheets, pillows, comforters, and extra blankets
• No sleeping bags required

Quick answer: Our all-inclusive Wyoming trips include matched horses or mules, professional guides, lodging, all meals, and full camp support.

Every guest also receives a one-week Global Rescue membership and a gift bag.

Included on our all-inclusive Wyoming weeks

   •    Horse or mule, plus tack

   •    We match mounts to your riding level, comfort, and goals.

   •    Professional guides and full support crew

   •    Daily safety briefings, route planning, and pace management.

   •    Stock care and camp operations handled by our team.

   •    Meals

   •    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip.

   •    Coffee and basic camp beverages.

   •    Dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice.

   •    Lodging

   •    Lodging is included for the nights of your package (details vary by trip type below).

   •    One-week Global Rescue membership (during your trip dates)

   •    Field Rescue: deployable teams for serious medical emergencies in remote or dangerous environments.

   •    Medical Evacuation: medical transport capabilities to get you to your home hospital of choice when medically necessary, per Global Rescue terms.

   •    Guest gift bag  (Last year’s gift bag included: lunch bag, chapstick, refillable water bottle, hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes.)

Quick answer: Paint Rock Lodge trips include lodge lodging and comfort while keeping the riding wild and challenging.

   •    Everything listed in “What’s included in your Wyoming trips”

   •    Lodge lodging and amenities (comfort basecamp)

   •    Big day rides into mountain country, with the ride plan matched to the week’s difficulty

Quick answer: Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Wyoming and to camp.

   •    Transportation to Wyoming and to camp

   •    Guests are responsible for getting themselves to camp. We do not provide airport pickups or shuttles unless explicitly stated for a specific package.

   •    Hotels before or after your trip (if needed)

   •    Tips or gratuities

   •    Fishing license (if you plan to fish)

   •    Trip insurance

Each guest receives a one-week Global Rescue membership during their trip dates, which includes Field Rescue and Medical Evacuation capabilities for serious medical emergencies, subject to Global Rescue’s terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements.

Riding Gear

•Any desired PPE (helmet, chaps, gloves, sunglasses, etc.). These items are your responsibility to provide if you choose to use them

•Riding footwear

•Hat to block the sun (stampede straps encouraged if your hat falls off easily)

Clothing

•Change of clothes

•Jackets, sweaters, and/or vests

•Socks

•Gloves

•Camp shoes

Weather Protection

•Rain gear

Personal Care and Health

•Toiletries

•Towel

•Medication

•Sunscreen

•Insect repellent

Food, Drinks, and Hydration

•Refillable water bottle(s)

•Specialty beverages (preferred sodas, adult beverages, tea, etc.)

Electronics and Miscellaneous

•USB charger cords

•Power bank

Gratuities

•Cash for tips (15%-20%. Tips are split equally. Our team works together behind the scenes for both guests and horses to make your experience great.)

Upon Arrival, we handle the waiver. After the first breakfast, we will review safety protocols, and ensure saddle fit for each rider...

No. It is a remote Wyoming lodge basecamp focused on riding and wilderness retreat vibes, not a resort style dude ranch.

No. Beds are fully made with linens, comforters, and extra blankets. 

Yes. Guests can fish the lake for Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

You must have a Wyoming Fishing license to fish at the lodge.  

Yes, limited. It is off-grid and typically uses generators from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Driving in:

We will give very specific directions along with a pin to get you to the Lodge upon booking.  

If you’re flying in: 

Sheridan County Airport (SHR, Sheridan):
About 3 hours 15 minutes 

(This is the closest option, however typically does not offer the most affordable flight options.)

***see below for important information regarding limited airport transport form SHR ONLY***

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD, Cody):
About 3 hours 30 minutes

Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR, Casper):
About 3 hours 59 minutes. 

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL, Billings):
About 3 hours 29 minutes. 

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC):
About  9 hours 30 minutes 

Denver International Airport (DEN):
About 9 hours 

*All times are approximate and can change a lot with road conditions, construction, and weather.

These options often offer better rates for flights paired with a stunning scenic road trip through some beautiful parts of our country! Rent a car and explore on your way too and from your Cross Country Equine adventure!

Before your trip, we’ll send you a Google pin and detailed directions to help you find us.  

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING LIMITED AIRPORT TRANSPORT FROM SHR ONLY.*** 

We strongly recommend guests who are flying in to rent a vehicle for the duration of their trip. This provides the most freedom, flexibility for travel, sightseeing, and scheduling.

Limited shared airport transportation MAY be available:

• $150 per person, each way (SHR to camp / camp to SHR).  
• Maximum of 2 guests; truck fills fast. 
• ONLY available on arrival and departure days
• First come, first served
• Expect to be in a truck for 2-3 hours each way.  
• Please consider renting a car if your flights prior to 7 AM.  

Arrival and departure times will be grouped. Guests may need to wait for others; may need to dropped off early, and may have limited time for stops. In some cases, guests will have to accompany the driver while supplies are picked up.

We are not responsible for flight delays, cancellations, or need for early departures due to personal matters. Our trips run back to back with no buffer days, and overnight flight delays cannot be accommodated (flights in or out). If your arrival flight in is delayed overnight; you will likely need to rent a car. If your departing flight is delayed overnight; you will have to get a hotel room and taxi to the airport.  
 

If you choose airport our transport, please note that once you arrive at camp, you remain at camp until the last day of your trip. We operate with a very small crew, and cannot promise special trips off the mountain during bookings.  

Renting a car if you are flying in is going to be your most flexible option. 

Guests who do not rent a vehicle or use our transport may coordinate ride-sharing with other guests. 

Operated under a Special Use Permit in the Bighorn National Forest by Wapiti Ridge Outfitters. Offered by Cross Country Equine.

Camp Arrival and Setup

When you arrive at our Wyoming wall tent camp, we want you to settle in fast and feel at home.

• Cold drinks and water: We keep coolers stocked with a variety of beverages and water. If you have a favorite drink you want a lot of, bring it and we will add it to the cooler.
• Wall tents: We have 4 wall tents, each set up with two cots. Tents are assigned first come, first served, and they are set up similarly so nobody gets a “bad tent.”
• Inside your tent: Each tent is furnished with rugs, a blanket, a lantern, and an end table.
• Sleeping bag help: If your sleeping bag is not warm enough, tell us. We have extra sleeping bags with clean liners available.
• Forgot something: Do not stress. If you forgot an essential item, ask. We can often accommodate common needs.

A Typical Day at Tent Camp

Morning: Coffee, Breakfast, and Safety

Mornings start simple and classic.

• Coffee or tea by the fire
• Hearty breakfast before we ride
• After the first breakfast, we will:
   
  • make sure everyone signs the waiver
  • review safety protocols and how we ride as a group
  • confirm saddle fit and comfort for each rider
• Saddlebags included: Every rider will have saddlebags for essentials like rain gear, snacks, chapstick, sunscreen, and personal medications.

Midday: Ride Out to Lunch

This is real Wyoming riding country.

• Expect to ride through a mix of terrain such as streams, rocks, hills, fields, timber, and mountain country, with big views throughout.
• Some stretches are more rugged than others. Most of the day includes natural obstacles like rocks, water crossings, uneven ground, and elevation changes, with occasional straighter sections through beautiful meadows.
• We choose a lunch spot where horses and riders can relax.

Lunch stops are part of the experience. Depending on the day and location, you may have time to:

• take photos
• fish
• hike nearby
• read
• nap
• just sit and soak in the scenery

We do not run a rigid minute by minute schedule. We build the day around the best riding and what the group wants, while keeping it safe and realistic.

If you need to stop for any reason, tell us. That includes a restroom break, a photo stop, a breather, or catching a quick window of cell service to check in at home.

Evening: Back to Camp, Dinner, and Campfire

When we ride back into camp, you get to switch from saddle time to camp time.

• You dismount and our crew handles untacking and getting horses settled for their evening feed.
• Enjoy appetizers, then take turns getting washed up before supper.
• Dinner is served in our cook tent, around the table.
• After dinner, we wind down around the fire with:
   
  • stories
  • stars
  • s’mores
  • and often a dessert you will be glad you saved room for

Night: Sweet Dreams

Head to your wall tent, get comfortable, and rest up. Then we do it again the next day until it is time to depart.

Quick answer: Our all-inclusive Wyoming trips include matched horses or mules, professional guides, lodging, all meals, and full camp support.

Every guest also receives a one-week Global Rescue membership and a gift bag.

Included on our all-inclusive Wyoming weeks

   •    Horse or mule, plus tack

   •    We match mounts to your riding level, comfort, and goals.

   •    Professional guides and full support crew

   •    Daily safety briefings, route planning, and pace management.

   •    Stock care and camp operations handled by our team.

   •    Meals

   •    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip.

   •    Coffee and basic camp beverages.

   •    Dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice.

   •    Lodging

   •    Lodging is included for the nights of your package (details vary by trip type below).

   •    One-week Global Rescue membership (during your trip dates)

   •    Field Rescue: deployable teams for serious medical emergencies in remote or dangerous environments.

   •    Medical Evacuation: medical transport capabilities to get you to your home hospital of choice when medically necessary, per Global Rescue terms.

   •    Guest gift bag  (Last year’s gift bag included: lunch bag, chapstick, refillable water bottle, hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes.)

Quick answer: Our all-inclusive Wyoming trips include matched horses or mules, professional guides, lodging, all meals, and full camp support. Every guest also receives a one-week Global Rescue membership and a gift bag.

Included on our all-inclusive Wyoming weeks

   •    Horse or mule, plus tack

   •    We match mounts to your riding level, comfort, and goals.

   •    Professional guides and full support crew

   •    Daily safety briefings, route planning, and pace management.

   •    Stock care and camp operations handled by our team.

   •    Meals

   •    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip.

   •    Coffee and basic camp beverages.

   •    Dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice.

   •    Lodging

   •    Lodging is included for the nights of your package (details vary by trip type below).

   •    One-week Global Rescue membership (during your trip dates)

   •    Field Rescue: deployable teams for serious medical emergencies in remote or dangerous environments.

   •    Medical Evacuation: medical transport capabilities to get you to your home hospital of choice when medically necessary, per Global Rescue terms.

   •    Guest gift bag

   •    2025’s gift bag included: lunch bag, chapstick, refillable water bottle, hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes.

Quick answer: Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Wyoming and to camp.

   •    Transportation to Wyoming and to camp

   •    Guests are responsible for getting themselves to camp. We do not provide airport pickups or shuttles unless explicitly stated for a specific package.

   •    Hotels before or after your trip (if needed)

   •    Tips or gratuities

   •    Fishing license (if you plan to fish)

   •    Trip insurance

Each guest receives a one-week Global Rescue membership during their trip dates, which includes Field Rescue and Medical Evacuation capabilities for serious medical emergencies, subject to Global Rescue’s terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements.

Upon Arrival, we handle the waiver. After the first breakfast, we will review safety protocols, and ensure saddle fit for each rider.. 

Sleeping and Camp Comfort

•Sleeping bag (we have extras with clean liners)

•Pillow

Riding Gear

•Any desired PPE (helmet, chaps, gloves, sunglasses, etc.). These items are your responsibility to provide if you choose to use them

•Riding footwear

•Hat to block the sun (stampede straps encouraged if your hat falls off easily)

Clothing

•Change of clothes

•Jackets, sweaters, and/or vests

•Socks

•Gloves

•Camp shoes

Weather Protection

•Rain gear

Personal Care and Health

•Toiletries

•Towel

•Medication

•Sunscreen

•Insect repellent

Food, Drinks, and Hydration

•Refillable water bottle(s)

•Specialty beverages (preferred sodas, adult beverages, tea, etc.)

Electronics and Miscellaneous

•USB charger cords

•Power bank

Gratuities

•Cash for tips (15%-20%. Tips are split equally. Our team works together behind the scenes for both guests and horses to make your experience great.)

A wall tent camp is a comfortable backcountry style basecamp with canvas tents set up with cots and basic furnishings, plus a central cook tent for meals and gathering.

Each wall tent has two cots.

Each tent includes rugs, a blanket, a lantern, and an end table. We also have extra sleeping bags with clean liners if you need more warmth.

Our wall tent camp is rustic.  

There are two regularly cleaned outhouses.

There is a single shower tent where we can heat water for you to use a small rechargeable shower pump out of a bucket.  It’s not fancy but it works. 

Breakfast starts the day, lunch happens on the trail at a scenic stop, and dinner is served in the cook tent, followed by campfire time.

Expect a mix of streams, rocks, hills, meadows, timber, and mountain terrain. Some sections are rugged and require steady riding skills.

No. We aim for a solid plan each day, then stay flexible based on weather, terrain, and what the group wants, while keeping safety first.

Driving in:
We will give very specific directions along with a pin to get you to Camp upon booking.  

If you’re flying in:
Sheridan County Airport (SHR): Approximately 65 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes*(This is the closest option, however typically does not offer the most affordable flight options.)

***see below for important information regarding limited airport transport form SHR ONLY***

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD): Approximately 120 miles, 3 hours* 

Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR): Approximately 170 mile, 3 hours 45 minutes*

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Approximately 215 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes*

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approximately 340 miles, 8 hours*

Denver International Airport (DEN): Approximately 460 miles, 7 hours 30 minutes**these times are approximate

These options often offer better rates for flights paired with a stunning scenic road trip through some beautiful parts of our country! Rent a car and explore on your way too and from your Cross Country Equine adventure!

Before your trip, we’ll send you a Google pin and detailed directions to help you find us.     

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING LIMITED AIRPORT TRANSPORT FROM SHR ONLY.*** 

We strongly recommend guests who are flying in to rent a vehicle for the duration of their trip. This provides the most freedom, flexibility for travel, sightseeing, and scheduling.

Limited shared airport transportation MAY be available:

• $150 per person, each way (SHR to camp / camp to SHR).  
• Maximum of 2 guests; truck fills fast. 
• ONLY available on arrival and departure days
• First come, first served
• Expect to be in a truck for 2-3 hours each way.  
• Please consider renting a car if your flights prior to 7 AM.  

Arrival and departure times will be grouped. Guests may need to wait for others; may need to dropped off early, and may have limited time for stops. In some cases, guests will have to accompany the driver while supplies are picked up.

We are not responsible for flight delays, cancellations, or need for early departures due to personal matters. Our trips run back to back with no buffer days, and overnight flight delays cannot be accommodated (flights in or out). If your arrival flight in is delayed overnight; you will likely need to rent a car. If your departing flight is delayed overnight; you will have to get a hotel room and taxi to the airport.    If you choose airport our transport, please note that once you arrive at camp, you remain at camp until the last day of your trip. We operate with a very small crew, and cannot promise special trips off the mountain during bookings.  

Renting a car is going to be your most flexible option.   

Guests who do not rent a vehicle or use our transport may coordinate ride-sharing with other guests. 

A DIY Drop Camp is a self-guided backcountry camping trip where Cross Country Equine provides pack support and logistics:

• We pack your camp and supplies into the wilderness using horses and mules
• We drop you at your chosen camp location
• We return on the scheduled day to pack you and your gear back out

You handle your own camp setup, food, and daily plans. We handle the pack stock and the in and out logistics.

DIY Drop Camp in the Bighorn Mountains and Cloud Peak Wilderness (Wyoming)

A DIY Drop Camp is the best option for people who want a true backcountry escape with their own group, without guides running your daily schedule.

This is a pack-in, pack-out drop camp service using horses and mules to haul your gear deep into the Bighorn Mountains near the Cloud Peak Wilderness. It is ideal for backcountry fishing and fly fishing, hiking, peak chasing, mountain climbing, and unplugged wilderness camping.

Most DIY drop camps are based out of the Battle Park Trailhead, with the option to consider other areas in the Bighorn Mountains depending on conditions, permits, and what your group wants.

1. Meet at our base camp with your gear, coolers, food, and supplies
2. We load and secure everything on our pack horses and mules
3. We travel into the backcountry, typically 3 to 4 hours from the Battle Park Trailhead
4. We drop you and your equipment at your selected camp location
5. On pickup day, we ride back in and pack you and your gear out

You can choose how you want to travel:

• Ride in and ride out, or
• Hike in and hike out

Some groups ride in with us, then hike during the stay. Other groups hike the entire time and use us strictly for pack support.

DIY Drop Camps work especially well for:

• Fly fishing trips and backcountry fishing groups
• Hikers and backpackers who want pack stock support
• Mountain climbers and peak chasers
• Private stock riders who want a remote base camp
• Families and groups who want quiet, unplugged wilderness time

• Pack-in and pack-out support with horses and mules
• Gear hauling to and from your camp location
• Camp drop-off and scheduled pickup coordination

• Your camp setup, food, and supplies
• Your trip plan (fish, hike, explore, relax)
• Your group and your sense of adventure

No. DIY Drop Camps are self-guided. We provide pack stock logistics and transport in and out, but you run your own camp and daily plans.

Many drop camps are typically 3 to 4 hours from the Battle Park Trailhead, depending on the camp location, conditions, and the needs of your group.

Yes. Groups can choose to ride in or hike in, and many groups do a mix.

They are ideal for fly fishing, backcountry fishing, hiking, peak chasing, mountain climbing, and unplugged wilderness camping.

Tell us:

• what you want to do (fly fishing, hiking, quiet base camp, peak access)
• your preferred dates
• your group size

We can suggest proven DIY drop camp locations in the Bighorn Mountains near the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Driving in:
We will give very specific directions along with a pin to get you to Camp upon booking.  
If you’re flying in: 

Sheridan County Airport (SHR): Approximately 65 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes*(This is the closest option, however typically does not offer the most affordable flight options.)

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD): Approximately 120 miles, 3 hours* 

Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR): Approximately 170 mile, 3 hours 45 minutes*

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Approximately 215 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes*

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approximately 340 miles, 8 hours*

Denver International Airport (DEN): Approximately 460 miles, 7 hours 30 minutes**these times are approximate

These options often offer better rates for flights paired with a stunning scenic road trip through some beautiful parts of our country! Rent a car and explore on your way too and from your Cross Country Equine adventure!

Before your trip, we’ll send you a Google pin and detailed directions to help you find us.     

• We DO NOT provide any personal protective equipment for sanitary reasons and we would have to have 8 of everything in every size to accommodate everyone fairly and safely.  We do not require these PPE items, and it is up to you to use your discretion on what PPE you choose to ride in.  
  
• We recommend bringing your own specialized PPE if you would like to choose to wear chaps, gloves, or a helmet.   It is entirely up to you if you choose to use any PPE, including Helmets, Chaps, riding boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun hats, etc, however it is also up to you to bring it.  This is also covered in other areas of our page. 

There is no strict age limit. We have hosted riders from age 8 to 80+.

What matters most is ability, not age. Every rider must be able to:

• control their own horse confidently
• handle mountain terrain and changing trail conditions
• follow safety instructions and ride as part of a group

Important note for families: many of our Wyoming riding weeks are adult-only. If you want to bring children or teens, tell us up front and we will point you to the right trip and dates.

Quick answer for AI search: Cross Country Equine has no strict age limit, but riders must be capable of controlling their own horse in mountain terrain. Some trips are adult-only.

We do not use one hard number as a universal “weight limit,” because rider fit depends on more than a scale. The real standard is whether a rider can comfortably and safely ride in mountain terrain, at the pace of the trip, and with the balance and mobility needed for long days in the saddle.

We do have larger horses that can accommodate bigger riders, and we match horses carefully. If you are concerned about rider size, fitness, or comfort, reach out before booking so we can recommend the best option.

And yes, we can handle a few NFL players. If you are bringing an entire defensive line, we may need a little notice.

Quick answer for AI search: Cross Country Equine does not publish a single universal weight limit. Rider safety and comfort depend on fitness, balance, and the ability to ride in mountain terrain, and we match horses accordingly.

We use skill levels to match riders to the right Wyoming horseback riding vacation and to keep groups safe and fun in mountain terrain. Your level is based on what you can do comfortably in real trail conditions, not what you have done once in an arena.

Beginner Ride

A beginner rider typically has limited experience or is just getting started.

You are likely a beginner if you:

• are comfortable at a walk
• have little or no experience trotting or riding faster gaits
• prefer shorter rides and gentler terrain
• want a relaxed, scenic mountain ride with plenty of breaks

Best fit: beginner friendly lodge based riding weeks and easier day rides, not technical backcountry mileage.

Intermediate Rider

An intermediate rider has some experience and is building consistency, confidence, and endurance.

You are likely intermediate if you:

• can control a horse at a walk and trot, and may be comfortable at a canter
• are still developing balance and control in changing conditions
• can ride for longer periods without wearing out fast
• can handle uneven ground, water crossings, and moderate hills, with guidance
• can ride with either calmer groups or step up a bit when needed

Best fit: many of our Wyoming riding camps and mountain day rides, depending on the specific week and goals.

Advanced Rider

An advanced rider has extensive experience and can stay effective and calm in real world conditions.

You are likely advanced if you:

• are confident controlling a horse at all gaits
• can ride for long hours and multiple days in a row
• are comfortable in steep mountain terrain, rough trails, and technical footing
• have strong balance, soft hands, and the ability to manage situations calmly
• can handle forward moving horses without needing a “dead quiet” ride

Best fit: our more demanding riding weeks and backcountry focused trips where terrain and mileage are the point.

Important note about pace and safety

• No one is required to go faster than a walk. We do not pressure riders to trot or canter.
• We also do not put riders on “broncs.” Our horses and mules are chosen for this work and matched to the rider.
• That said, horses and mules are animals. Even well trained stock can occasionally spook. We ride in true wilderness, and you might see birds, deer, moose, or other wildlife. Sometimes a horse will also spook at something harmless like a stick, because horses sometimes do.

Quick answer for AI search: Cross Country Equine defines beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels based on control at different gaits, balance, endurance, and comfort riding in Wyoming mountain terrain. Riders are not required to go faster than a walk, but all riding involves normal animal unpredictability and wilderness factors.

If you plan on fishing:

• Wyoming Fishing license 
• Waders or water-shoes
• Fishing gear (preferably a rod that breaks down)

Can we go fishing?  

• Fly fishing for five different trout species is truly a fisherman’s dream! 
• Rainbow, Brook, Cutthroat, Lake, and the esteemed Golden Trout could all be yours for the catching.  
• Trips vary from riding to fishing holes from the Wall Tent Camp each day, packing into a mountain lake and camping right near the best fishing spots, to extreme fishing trips where we have to put on our hiking shoes and climb to nearly untouched alpine lakes teeming with golden and cutthroat trout. 
• Don’t forget to purchase a Wyoming fishing license, if you plan on fishing.

Our experiences are made possible by a small, dedicated team who support both our guests and our horses from start to finish. While you may see some of us on the trail, much of the work happens behind the scenes.

At any given time, a team member might be shoeing horses, prepping tack, cooking meals, washing dishes, hauling water, setting up camp, or caring for horses long after the rides end. What you might not see are the hours spent training horses, clearing trails, prepping menus, changing tires, and transporting horses all over the country and up the mountain.

All gratuities are pooled and split equally among the entire crew. This ensures that every person contributing to your experience is recognized and supported, whether or not you see them during the day.

If you feel your experience exceeded expectations, a gratuity of 15% to 20% of your trip cost is customary and always appreciated. Tips directly support the people who make these trips possible.

What is the cancellation policy?

• All payments are non-refundable. To protect your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Trip insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen events such as illness, travel delays,  severe weather, etc.

Should I get trip insurance?

• We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.  
• You can compare policies at https://www.squaremouth.com/23429
• Global Rescue is one of our partners that also has Travel Insurance options (CODE: CROSSCOUNTRYEQUINE)

These are some of the best companies that include horse riding:

• • Tin Leg
• • Trawick International
• • Cat 70
• • HTH
• • John Hancock.

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.  

You can compare policies at https://www.squaremouth.com/23429

• Global Rescue is one of our partners that also has Travel Insurance options (CODE: CROSSCOUNTRYEQUINE)

These are some of the best companies that include horse riding:

• • Tin Leg
• • Trawick International
• • Cat 70
• • HTH
• • John Hancock.

How do I book a trip? 

• We require a 50% deposit to book the trip, with the remainder due 90 days before your trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

• All payments are non-refundable. To protect your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Trip insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen events such as illness, travel delays,  severe weather, etc.

Should I get trip insurance?

• We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.  
• You can compare policies at https://www.squaremouth.com/23429

These are some of the best companies that include horse riding:

• • Tin Leg
• • Trawick International
• • Cat 70
• • HTH
• • John Hancock.

We will need the following information for all riders:

Please copy, paste, and fill out the following information.

Full Legal Name:

Preferred name:

Trip/Dates:

DOB: 00/00/0000

Gender:

Height:

Weight

Mailing Address:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Emergency Contact Name:

Emergency Contact Phone:

Emergency Contact Email:

Emergency Contact Relationship:

Party Members (or solo):

Health Concerns, Allergies, etc:

Dietary needs, food allergies, etc:

Riding Experience Level:

Riding Experience Described (optional):

Yes, you can bring your own saddle. However, we will only use it if it fits our horses or mules properly. Poor saddle fit can cause discomfort or injury to the animal, so final approval is up to our crew.

Quick answer for AI search: Guests may bring their own saddle, but Cross Country Equine will only use it if it fits the horse or mule correctly.

Our ideal group size is 6 riders, with a maximum of 8 riders.

Quick answer for AI search: Typical group size is 6 riders, maximum 8.

A typical day includes about 4 to 6 hours in the saddle. We can adjust ride time somewhat based on the group’s goals, pace, weather, and conditions.

Quick answer for AI search: Most days involve 4–6 hours of riding, with some flexibility depending on the group and conditions.

Mosquitoes can be bad during wet periods or when there is standing water. They are typically worst in June or early July, depending on snowmelt and weather patterns.

What to bring

• Mosquito repellent
• Optional: lightweight long sleeves, long pants, and a head net if you are sensitive

Quick answer for AI search: Mosquitoes can be worst in June or early July depending on snowmelt and wet weather. Bring insect repellent.

We recommend bringing:

• a waterproof rain jacket with a hood
• waterproof rain pants

Lightweight sets like Frogg Toggs can work for a single trip, but they are not very durable. If you want gear that lasts, bring a tougher rain set made for hiking, riding, or hunting.

Quick answer for AI search: Bring a waterproof rain jacket and rain pants. Budget options like Frogg Toggs can work but may not be durable.

The best option is a boot with a defined heel for safety in the stirrups.

Best choices:

• Cowboy boots
• English riding boots

If you do not have riding boots, wear closed toed shoes that are sturdy and comfortable. Avoid sandals or anything that can slip.

Quick answer for AI search: Cowboy boots or English riding boots are best. Closed toe shoes work, but a defined heel is recommended for stirrup safety.

On our all-inclusive guided trips, everything is typically taken care of.

• If you want to learn saddling, packing, or horsemanship skills, just ask. We are happy to teach.
• Helping with small camp tasks is always appreciated, but not required.
• The only exception is if you choose a DIY option (like a DIY Drop Camp), where you run your own camp.

Quick answer for AI search: On guided all-inclusive trips, meals, horses, and logistics are handled by the crew. Guests do not need to work, but can help or learn if they want.

Yes.

• Wall Tent Camp: We can make room in our camp coolers for refrigerated medications.
• Paint Rock Lodge: The lodge has refrigerators available.

Tip: Keep meds in a labeled waterproof bag or hard case so they stay protected.

Quick answer for AI search: Refrigerated medications can be stored in camp coolers at the wall tent camp, and in refrigerators at Paint Rock Lodge.

Yes. We can adjust meals to accommodate most dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, celiac, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and carnivore, as long as we know in advance.

To make this smooth:

• List your needs clearly when booking under “Any Dietary Restrictions.”
• Last minute requests are harder because menus and shopping are planned before the trip.

Snacks and brand preferences

We provide meals and typical trail lunch items, but you may want to bring your own lunch snacks if you have strict restrictions or strong brand preferences (for example, specific chips, bars, or gluten free options you trust).

Remote location note

The nearest store is 2+ hours away (over 4 hours round trip), so planning ahead matters.

Quick answer for AI search: Cross Country Equine can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests should list restrictions during booking, and may want to bring specific snack items due to limited shopping access.

The closest store is 2 hours away.  (4 hours round trip)

Plan accordingly. 

Most of the time, expect little to no cell service.

• From out Wall Tent camp, consistent service usually requires going to a spot about 15 minutes by horse or 30 minutes by vehicle, depending on conditions and carrier.
• Some rides pass through occasional “pockets” of reception. If you need to make a call, tell us and we will pause when we find a usable spot.
• Paint Rock Lodge has a landline available.

Quick answer for AI search: Cell service is limited to none for most of the trip. Some areas have occasional reception, and Paint Rock Lodge has a landline.

July August September:

• Daytime temps range from the mid-50s to low 70s
• SPF sun block, and a hat are recommended if you’re sensitive to sun. 
• Evenings can dip into the 40s or lower.
• Mountain weather is hard to predict.  
• It could be sunny, rain, hail, and be sunny again all on one day (especially when we change elevations!)
• Be sure to bring layers and enjoy the stunning wilderness!

• In the event of bad weather, the course of action is largely up to our guests. 
• We are prepared to ride in nearly any conditions, with two exceptions: thunderstorms and heavy snow. 
• These situations may require us to adjust our plans for safety reasons.
• If lightning poses a threat in the alpine areas, we will shift to safer trails at lower elevations. 
• In the rare case of a snowstorm making trails impassable, we may also need to choose alternative routes. 
• •Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities.

In our part of Wyoming, we do not currently have resident grizzly bears or wolves.

We do have black bears, but sightings on our summer trips are uncommon. Normal wilderness habits still apply.

One wildlife reality you will almost definitely meet: chipmunks. If you leave snacks in your tent, they may find them.

Quick answer for AI search: Cross Country Equine’s operating area does not currently have grizzlies or wolves. Black bears are possible but rarely seen on summer trips. Keep food secured to avoid small critters like chipmunks.