Gabaldon Horse Camp

Open — Open when accessible with no drinking water available. Typically closes during winter when snow makes the area inaccessible.

About

Gabaldon Horse Camp is a specialized equestrian campground located at 9,400 feet elevation amid spruce trees at the edge of Mount Baldy Wilderness in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The campground honors Juan Gabaldon, a retired Forest Service employee who dedicated his career to developing and maintaining trails throughout the area. This primitive campground is exclusively for campers with horses or stock animals, offering approximately 5 campsites that provide direct access to the Mount Baldy Wilderness trail system. The setting provides a peaceful base camp for multi-day horseback riding adventures into the wilderness. Campers must bring their own water for both themselves and their animals, as no water is available on-site. Water can be hauled from the Big Lake area. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Equestrians should bring weed-free feed for their animals, avoid tying stock to trees, and remove and scatter horse waste. The facility includes vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. Located just east of Phelps Trailhead off State Road 273 near Colter Creek, the campground remains open when accessible but may close during winter months due to snow.

Directions

Off State Road 273, just east of Phelps Trailhead and near Colter Creek, on the edge of Mount Baldy Wilderness.

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