Whittier Narrows Dam
8 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
Outdoors
Horseback riding near Downey
Trails and recreation areas near Downey open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
14places to ride horses
8 mito the closest
7within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
Closest picks
Brea Dam
13 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
Map of all 14 places
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Within 30 miles (7)
Whittier Narrows Dam
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Brea Dam
The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Angeles National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
- Picnicking
Hansen Dam
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Prado Dam
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Bandido Group Campground
Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
Lightning Point Group Campground
Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.
- Birding
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
30 to 75 miles (4)
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
San Bernardino National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
Juniper Flats
Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
- Photography
75 miles and farther (3)
San Gorgonio Wilderness
This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wilderness
- Wildlife viewing
Sand to Snow National Monument
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
- Accessible Swimming
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Johnson Valley OHV Area
Click here for the latest information concerning upcoming military training and closures of the Shared Use Area. Overview Johnson Valley is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver.
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Recreational Vehicles
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Downey. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Downey
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Wilderness Park Downey California hidden gem!
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
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An activity Short shared by LA Food and Fun.
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More outdoors near Downey
Questions
Where is the closest place for horseback riding near Downey?
Whittier Narrows Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 8 miles northeast of Downey as the crow flies. Next are Brea Dam (13 mi) and Angeles National Forest (15 mi).
When is the best time for horseback riding near Downey?
Based on Downey’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.