The mission of the Morgan Horse Ranch (MHR) is to support park operations, provide community outreach and education, and preserve the site’s rich history.
The Morgan horses—Honcho, Mira, Knight Hawk, and Gentry—support critical restoration, ecosystem monitoring, and trail maintenance initiatives at the park, providing access to Wilderness areas where vehicles and mechanized equipment are prohibited to preserve delicate ecosystems. They support biologists with vegetation projects, carry heavy tools and equipment, perform beach clean-ups with a viable way to carry out trash, and more.
The horses also support visitor safety and engagement through mounted patrols, search and rescue operations, and community events and education programs, particularly with youth. Through community outreach, the Ranch helps preserve the history of the Morgan horse breed and honors the legacy of the U.S. Army Cavalry—the first National Park Rangers—who served in the late 1800s.
Age: 31 years
Likes: Belly scratches
Age: 23 years
Likes: To go fast
Age: 12 years
Likes: Baths
Age: 12 years
Likes: Taking his time
The Morgan Horse Ranch opened on June 27, 1970, with support from the Northern California Morgan Horse Association. The National Park Service envisioned the Ranch as both an interpretive site for visitors and a working breeding and training facility for park horses throughout the West. At its height, the Ranch cared for 35–40 horses and bred more than 70 Morgan horses that served in parks across the country, supporting mounted patrols, wilderness work, and public engagement. Morgan horses are especially suited for work in national parks, due to their calm temperament, endurance, and strength.
In 1999, the last filly was born at the ranch and the need for additional horses at other National Parks dwindled, largely due to lack of funds. In 2016, with the program’s future uncertain, an all-women team led by former NPS Chief Law Enforcement Ranger Julie Byerly rallied volunteers and community supporters to keep the Morgan Horse Ranch alive. Today, the Point Reyes National Seashore Association fully funds the Ranch, ensuring that its legacy of service, stewardship, education, and community connection continues for future generations.
After over 55 years of service, the Morgan Horse Ranch remains an active and integral part of Point Reyes National Seashore, thanks in part to your participation and contributions! The Morgan Horse Ranch operates entirely on donated funds, which help sustain the ranch and care for the horses. Your support helps provide:
In just the first months of 2026, the Morgan Horse Ranch has logged over 85 miles of patrol, made nearly 430 visitor contacts, completed 10 pack trips, and packed out 200 pounds of trail trash. If you would like to help support the Morgans, a gift of any amount to the Morgan Horse Fund would be greatly appreciated. Every contribution keeps these horses in the field, in the park, and in the lives of the people who love this place.
The Morgan Horse Ranch is open to the public seven days a week with staff and volunteers usually present from 9 am to 4 pm. Interpretive exhibits in and around the ranch buildings highlight the history of the Morgan horse, the site, and how the horses were trained.
The Ranch is located on a small hill to the southwest of the Bear Valley Visitor Center. To visit, walk up the maintenance road located near the start of the Bear Valley Trailhead.
