THE TRAIL TO THE TRAIL

To qualify to enter the Western States Trail Ride, Riders (not the equine) must, at the time of application, meet one of the two qualifications below. The equine must be a minimum of 72 months (6 years) old at the time of the ride. Mares in foal and/or lactating are not allowed to enter the Ride.

1. I have previously completed the Western States Trail Ride, or
2. I have completed a total of 300 miles of rides sanctioned by WSTF, AERC, NATRC, and/or a national/international equivalent. All rides were 35 miles/day or more in length. The 300 miles are cumulative lifetime.

Rules governing the WSTF differ in some respects from those of other AERC sanctioned rides. The WSTF Rules will be applied and adhered to before, during and after the Ride.

Receipt of a completed entry by the WSTF does not guarantee acceptance to the ride.

When the limit of 210 participants has been reached, further entries will be placed on a waiting list. Ten additional entries in the Ride List are discretionary and are generally accorded to foreign riders.

Applications by junior riders who are over 12 and under 18 on ride day will only be considered if accompanied by the entry of an adult rider (21 years or older) as sponsor.

Stall Reservations

The number of stalls is limited. Reserved stalls are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. This is based 1) on the order of receipt, 2) by stall preference. Requests to be near another rider/horse(s) will be based on the LATEST receipt date. Stall availability is designed to provide a service to the active participant and his/her mount. Hint – if you would like to be near a fellow rider/horse, submit your Ride Applications around the same time and as early as possible. If no preference is checked, ride management will make your stall assignment. All Stallions will be assigned a box stall in a horse barn. Payment for stall reservation is required at time of ride application.

Map showing barn locations, North Lot, RV parking, and horse camping at the Fairgrounds.

North Lot

Please note that the fees for the North Lot have changed for 2026. You are now required to pay a fee for rig parking ($65 per night, with a four-night minimum), as well as a separate fee for a maximum of two horses at your rig ($65 per night, with a four-night minimum. This fee covers both horses). If you plan to bring an additional horse to the North Lot, please contact the Ride Director. The additional horse will require a fee ($50 per night, with a four-night minimum).

Equine Camping

Equine Camping is available at the south end of McCann Stadium at no charge. Portable pens may be set up. Space in these areas is limited and is first come, first served.

Please note that tent camping is not allowed anywhere on Gold Country Fairgrounds property.

Crewing

A well prepared, calm, and positive crew can be of tremendous benefit to riders of the Western States Trail. Please see our Crew Information for more on this important topic.

Volunteering

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Tevis Cup Ride. About 800 people participate each year on Ride Day – more than four per rider! If you’d like to help out, find out more on our Volunteering Page.