Horseback Riding in Phoenix, AZ: What’s the Best Tour?
Who is ready to go HORSEBACK RIDING IN PHOENIX, AZ? Arizona is part of the American Desert Southwest, and here we have lots of old western cowboy history. Horseback riding is a favorite activity of Arizona locals and visitors to embrace the Desert Cowboy/ Desert Cowgirl life. When I plan excursions, I feel like I look through 20 websites and still end up confused. SO, my goal is to provide you with a simple guide of a few locations to go horseback riding in Phoenix, AZ.
Horseback Riding in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona (and the state in general), is full of Old West history. From the OK Corrall in Tombstone to the Gold Mining in Goldfield Ghost Town and the Superstition Mountains to the endless cowboy stories, Arizona’s got a lot of history. Choosing the best ride for you depends on where you are located or where you are staying, and what kind of views you want! What time of the year is best for horseback riding? WELLLL, Arizona has 360 days of sunshine, so all year! But middle of the day hours are limited in summer because it is HOT HOT HOT.
While this post is about horseback riding in Arizona, here are a few other of my favorite things to do in the Phoenix area.
other things to do in phoenix
1. Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables
I am biased to this area and this ranch because I only live 20 minutes away. Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables are located 40 miles East of Phoenix near The Salt River. Saguaro Lake feeds into the Salt River, and Saguaro Lake Ranch is right at that junction. It’s tucked beneath the dam with towering views of rugged mountains. The ranch was built in 1928.
My favorite thing about this trail ride are the views. Under the beautiful Bulldog Cliffs, you get to CROSS the Salt River on your horses. How cool is that?! It was such a unique experience and one of the best options for trail rides and Horseback Riding in Phoenix, AZ. The guides (and the ranch doggie RIVER) are so friendly. Highly recommend!
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ADDRESS: 13050 N Bush Highway Mesa, AZ 85215
HOURS: Nov 1- May 1: 9-5, closed Wednesdays. Summer 8-10am and 5-7pm.
PRICING: $75-105 for 1 or 1.5 hr rides
TICKETS: BOOK HERE.
other things to do near saguaro lake ranch
2. Superstitions OK Corral
Next up on the list of the best places to go horseback riding in Phoenix, AZ is the Superstitions OK Corral. This ranch is located at Goldfield Ghost Town (see my link below). I am OBSESSED with the Superstition Mountains and the desert in general. This corral is also about 40 miles East of Phoenix- a little more east than the Salt River. It is ALLLL old west vibes out there! Below is a photo of the front range of the Superstition Mountains- this would be your view when riding- absolutely stunning! It doesn’t matter your riding experience, the team will help you out!
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ADDRESS: 5470 E. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
HOURS: October-April 8-5, Summer 8-10 and 5-7.
PRICING: $50-130 based on time (1/2 hr to 3 hrs)
TICKETS: BOOK HERE.
other things to do near the superstition mountains
3. Ponderosa Stables
One of the most popular horseback rides in Phoenix is through South Mountain with Ponderosa Stables. South Mountain Preserve is located centrally, which makes the location convienent.
What makes this stable unique is not only do they do trail rides, but they do trail rides WITH FOOD. They’ve got breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides where you come back to an amazing meal! How dreamy does that sound?
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ADDRESS:10215 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
HOURS: 7-6 daily
PRICING: $60-$150+ based on food/no food
TICKETS: BOOK HERE.
other things to do near ponderosa stables
what to wear on your excursion
Below is my “locker” of the exact gear I wore on my horseback riding adventure in Arizona. Of course, you have to look the part with the button up and the jeans and the boots. Can’t forget the cowboy hat either. Lastly, 100% recommend a bandana. One, because you’ll look like a beautiful bada$$, and two because it’s dusty and it really does help!!
What makes this stable unique is not only do they do trail rides, but they do horseback rides WITH FOOD. They’ve got breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides where you come back to an amazing meal! How dreamy does that sound?
4. Cave Creek Trail Adventures
You know what I love about Instagram?! It gives you such a good idea of what to expect at excursions, like horseback riding in Phoenix, AZ. This video above gives you a great depiction of horseback riding in Cave Creek (the north part of the Phoenix valley). “Since 1999, Cave Creek Trail Rides has offered guided trail rides, perfect for beginners and experienced riders. Surrounded by mountain scenery and sunset hues, their horses will lead you on a historic journey as your guide shares tales of the old west and Cave Creek Mining town. You can even pick out your very own pair of cowboy boots, hat and chaps to wear on your ride or just for great picture opps! “
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ADDRESS:Cave Creek Trail Rides East Cave Creek Pkwy. Cave Creek, AZ 85331
HOURS: 8-7 daily
PRICING: $69-189+ based on time and sunset or not (1-3 hrs)
TICKETS: BOOK HERE.
5. Macdonald’s Ranch
Macdonald’s Ranch is one of the best places to go horseback riding in Phoenix, AZ. It is known as the premire place to ride a horse in Scottsdale. The ranch has been around since 1956, and operating since 1970. One of the coolest things about Macdonald’s Ranch is they do Moonlight Rides- how epic would that be?
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ADDRESS: 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
HOURS: 9-5+
PRICING: $75-130+, 1-2 hr rides
TICKETS: BOOK HERE.
6. The Stables at Fort McDowell
Fort McDowell Stables is located near Scottsdale and Fountain Fills, near the WeKoPa casino. If you’re staying there, this is a great option, otherwise I don’t like that they don’t have a lot of information published online about their horseback tours!
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SUMMARY of HORSEBACK RIDES IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
All of these are great options if you want a fun horseback ride. I’m partial to Saguaro Lake Ranch and the river crossing. I’ve also heard amazing things about Cave Creek Ranch and Macdonald Ranch. Whatever you choose, I hope you have a blast!
