To say that I am blessed when it comes to living in a beautiful area that is just perfect for trail riding would be, in my opinion, an understatement. I’ve seen so many stunning sights while packing through backcountry roads, valleys, and trails, all through the lens of a horse’s ears and I can’t think of any better view or way to experience all the beauty that Langley has to offer.
So I’d recommend saddling up and escaping the arena or back pastures for some recreational riding along these six trail rides only a short distance from Langley proper. Please note that all of the listed trails below are viewed as fairly ‘easy’ so even newcomers will be able to enjoy the rides while more experienced riders can take their time and enjoy a less challenging hack. Some are located within parks while others are outside trails, so just know you’ll probably see other people, including riders, hikers and bikers, and prepare yourself (and your mount) for such.
Derby Reach Regional Park
Located on the banks of the Fraser River this Park offers stunningly beautiful sights to walkers and riders alike as they wander past river and mountain views and through the deeply shaded forest. Offering both a more scenic trail along the Edgewater Bar section and a forest loop along the Houston Trail in the historic area, there’s no wrong choice in picking which path you want to ride along. There’s even a parking lot at the head of the trail large enough to park even larger horse transport trailers. While the area is well-occupied year-round, I’ve seen that even on days with many visitors it is still pretty easy to keep to yourself on these spacious trails.
Campbell Valley Regional Park
Only forty-five minutes from downtown Vancouver, the sunlit forests and grassland vistas of the Campbell Valley Regional Park provides a sprawling network of trails, almost eighteen miles in total, for horseback riding and exploring. Because it is within a park it is a little more maintained than some of the trails that are located outside of one, however you will see it a little bit more populated with those coming to the park itself for just an enjoyable hike or bike. The park is also home to the Campbell Valley Downs Equestrian Centre and the historic Langley Speedway, both popular places to visit for those coming to the park.
Pepin and McBurnie Trail Loop
A nearly two and a half mile trail complete with several slight elevation changes and access to a small, man-made lake, this trail is mostly located next to a residential area but still offers some beautiful views and is an easy ride for even beginners. Only fifteen minutes outside of Langley proper, it’s only a short ride away and so perfect for a short day trip. Do note that due to its location it will have less natural wildlife in the area compared to some other areas on this list, so if you have a bit of a spooky mount this might be a better option than others located in more populated parks.
Irene Pearce Trail
More of an out and back trail rather than a loop as most of the others on this list are, this is still a nice little hack that winds out through the meadow and into the forest before heading back to the trailhead. There is a great abundance of life around this trail, and you’ll be sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of birds all along the way. You will need to keep more of an eye out for those biking or dog-walking, but this is still a highly enjoyable trail and one I’d recommend for any rider or group.
Fernridge Trail
The last of our featured trails, this is perhaps the simplest one but it still has its own unique beauty and perks. Fernridge is a popular bird watching spot and is dotted with an amazing amount of natural wildflowers, so it is best to visit when those are in bloom if you want a prime view. A moderately traveled out and back trail, the ride itself is surprisingly quiet and simple so best if you want just an easy hack without much fuss aside from the simple beauty of your surroundings. Please keep in mind there’s little parking in the area, so you may have to park nearby or even park practically on the street before the trail itself.
I hope that you, as I did myself, found a new trail to love on this list! Please make sure to always check the weather before and on the day you choose to ride as well as, if applicable, the park’s website for alerts and closure information that might affect equestrian use, and scout out the trail before you visit with your horse. As equestrians it is our duty to ourselves and others to make sure we, our horses, and those around us are as safe as possible which means doing your due diligence beforehand.
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