Question 1

Are there any trails accessible directly from the Iron Horse property?

Accepted Answer

Leaving Iron Horse, riders must cross a two-lane paved county road to access a single-track trail located along a power easement. This trail parallels Interstate 5 and, in approximately 15 minutes, leads to the end of Big Canyon Drive. From there, a short ride on a jeep road provides access to several loop trails.
These loop trails vary in length, with ride times ranging from a minimum of about one hour up to three hours, or longer if you venture beyond the mapped and flagged routes. Riders can also access trails and roads north of Highway 89, including the Gateway Trail System:
https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/mt-shasta/gateway/
To reach old roads and trails north of Iron Horse and Highway 89, riders must be prepared to cross Highway 89. This can be a busy highway, and extreme caution is required. We recommend waiting until there is no oncoming traffic before crossing. Crossing on horseback at the Iron Horse entrance is not recommended. Areas east of Iron Horse offer better visibility, and the recommended crossing locations are indicated on the provided maps.
It is also possible to access the Pacific Crest Trail from Iron Horse; however, this is approximately a 36-mile ride that travels through both public land and timber company property.
Iron Horse is not responsible for outings on or off the property and advises riders to use caution when crossing roads and highways. When riding with dogs, it is recommended that they be leashed when crossing roadways to ensure safety. Additionally, there are many quality trail opportunities available within a short trailer ride from Iron Horse.

Question 2

What are the trails like?

Accepted Answer

Most of the trails accessible from Iron Horse follow old Forest Service roads that were once used for logging operations and fuel breaks. These trails are primarily dirt with very little rock, though there are a few rocky sections. The majority of the riding is fairly level to gently sloping.
Trails located on the south side of Highway 89 offer mostly flat, gentle terrain with a gradual gain in elevation. Crossing Highway 89 provides the opportunity to gain elevation more steadily. Since you are riding on Mount Shasta, the riding possibilities and mileage are extensive.

From the north side of Highway 89, riders can also access the Gateway Trail System. 
https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/mt-shasta/gateway/
Hand-drawn maps are available at our Welcome Board, and there are currently three different areas that are mapped and flagged.

Question 3

Are their water crossings?

Accepted Answer

Generally, there are no water crossings when riding off the property; however, there may occasionally be water running through the Big Canyon drainage. Riders seeking trails with water access will find additional opportunities in nearby areas that are accessible by trailer.

Question 4

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are not restricted from the trails; however, county leash laws may apply in certain areas. Leaving Iron Horse requires crossing paved roads and/or highways, depending on whether you ride on the north or south side of Highway 89, so extra caution is advised when riding with dogs.

Dogs are welcome at Iron Horse provided they remain within campsites, do not become a nuisance to other guests, and are properly supervised. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Question 5

Does Iron Horse have shower facilities?

Accepted Answer

Iron Horse provides separate men’s and women’s restrooms, each equipped with a shower. Guests should plan to bring their own toiletries, towels and washcloths, as well as appropriate footwear for shower use.

Question 6

Are their maps of trails?

Accepted Answer

Simple hand-drawn maps of roads and trails on both the north and south sides of Highway 89 are provided at Iron Horse. A notebook is also available with directions to many destination rides in the area. Mapping and trail flagging are ongoing, so information is updated regularly. Please check in at the Welcome Board located inside the Iron Horse property for the most current maps and details.
Some loop rides are mapped with approximate ride times, and in certain areas you will find trail flagging to help guide your way. Not all trails are mapped and/or flagged. For this reason, we highly recommend using a navigation tool, such as a free app on your phone (for example: AllTrails, Map My Tracks, Garmin, or similar). Other navigation programs are also available, some of which require a fee. A Shasta–Trinity Forest Recreation Map can be purchased at the local Ranger District office in downtown Mount Shasta; however, be advised that not all old roads and trails appear on these maps.
Siskiyou County, in general, has an extensive network of old Forest Service logging roads and public access roads. With a Forest Service map, you may discover many additional routes and create your own adventurous outings. The use of a GPS or navigation aid is strongly advised, as it can be easy to become disoriented when following older system roads.
Please also note that much of the land in Siskiyou County is “checkerboard” land, meaning public and private properties are intermingled.

For additional trail information, current conditions, photos, and maps, we encourage you to join our local Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931306952555852
You may also check out links to trails under Additional Information on our FAQ page

Question 7

What type of bathroom facilities are there?

Accepted Answer

We have clean portable bathroom units with wash stations as well as restrooms with flushing toilets, running water and showers.

Question 8

Are camp sites pull through or back-in?

Accepted Answer

All campsites are designed as back-in sites, with horse pens located at the rear of each site. While you may pull forward into your site, you will need to back out when departing.

Question 9

Do we need to bring a water bucket for your horse?

Accepted Answer

Guests must provide a water bucket and hose for their horses. You may also wish to bring a feed bin, as hay feeders are not provided. A 50-foot hose is typically sufficient to reach both your RV and horse area. All water at Iron Horse is potable.

Question 10

Do we need a wheel barrow and can we put bedding in our pens?

Accepted Answer

IIron Horse provides two wheelbarrows on site for manure removal, located near the horse arena. It is mandatory that pens be cleaned daily and left in the same condition as found upon checkout.
Manure forks are not provided, so please bring your own. If your horse creates holes in the pen, we ask that you fill and level them so the pen is returned to its original condition; bringing a rake or shovel may be helpful.
Bedding materials are allowed in pens; however, all soiled bedding and manure must be removed prior to departure. Clean shavings do not need to be removed. Please return wheelbarrows to their original location near the arena when finished.

Question 11

Is there shade?

Accepted Answer

Iron Horse has trees scattered throughout the camp-sites, however, some sites have more shade than others, and of course the shade moves throughout the day.

Question 12

Are their fire pits or picnic tables?

Accepted Answer

Iron horse does not allow campfires, except in the large fire pit located in the main event area. Our camping guests are welcome to use this pit; however, you must bring your own firewood. Gathering firewood on site is not allowed. We do not currently have picnic tables in individual camp sites, so if a table is needed, we recommend that you bring your own.

Question 13

Is there garbage service at Iron Horse?

Accepted Answer

We do have trash dumpsters on site.  We do recommend that you leave your garbage locked up in your horse trailer and then at the time you are ready to depart you can place in the dumpster.  This will eliminate animals getting into the dumpster and tearing into the garbage, once you check out the dumpster can then be emptied.  We do occasionally have bears and other wildlife, so food should not be left out at night, or brought into a tent with you.  Generally speaking, we have had no issue with wildlife getting into closed trailers or vehicles with food in them.

Question 14

How long are the campsites and can you park more than one trailer in a site?

Accepted Answer

Most campsites are approximately 90 feet in length; however, Sites 2 and 9 are shorter. Multiple vehicles may be parked within a single site at no additional charge, provided they fit single-file, do not block roadways, and do not disturb vegetation or landscaping.

Question 15

Is tent camping allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes tent camping is allowed

Question 16

Can we bring portable corrals, high lines, or tie horses to the trailer?

Accepted Answer

Portable corrals, high-lining of horses, and tying horses to trailers overnight are not permitted. Additionally, only one horse is allowed per pen at the campsites.

Question 17

Do you have a septic dump station at Iron Horse?

Accepted Answer

Iron Horse does not have a septic dump station. If you need to dump your tanks, a nearby KOA offers dump station services for a fee.

Question 18

What is check-in and check-out time?

Accepted Answer

Check in is at 2 PM and check out time is at 11 AM, unless other arrangements are made with management.

Question 19

Additional Information

Accepted Answer

Additional Information about Siskiyou County that may be helpful: Spring and Fall can have warm days but cool nights, and mountain weather can be unstable. Rain storms should be planned for during any month. Additionally, snow can fall in the mountains when least expected. During the months of July, August and even into September temps can be in the 90's, and although somewhat rare can be into the low 100’s. During these months, because of the ashen type soil on Mt. Shasta, one can expect trails to be dusty. Planning for this could include bringing bandanas, which can be wet and worn over your face when dusty. Also, can be used around your neck to cool you down. In addition, if there are wild fires nearby, it is possible to have a smoky haze that covers the sky in the area.​
For more information, please visit the Mt Shasta Chamber of Commerce website:
https://mtshastachamber.com/

Other Trails of interest within a short trailer ride off property:  (Just to name a few...)

McCloud River Trail - https://hikemtshasta.com/mccloud-river-trails/
Faery falls Trail - https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/faery-falls-ney-springs/
Lake Siskiyou Trail - https://hikemtshasta.com/mount-shasta-city-area-trails/lake-siskiyou-trail/​
Pacific Crest Trail  - https://hikemtshasta.com/category/pacific-crest-trail/
Gateway Trail - ​https://mountshastatrailassociation.org/trails/mt-shasta/gateway/

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