Where to go horseback riding in Phoenix, Arizona, is a question that needs to be answered. It’s every nature lover’s dream with its never-ending sunshine and year-round good weather.
There’s something for everyone, from the extensive mountain trails littered with cacti to the iconic camelback mountain.
Despite the hot temperatures in Phoenix during the summer months, it’s still possible to enjoy yourself. So grab your sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and this list of sites that you will call home every single chance you get.
Here are four horseback riding sites that are sure to leave you wanting more.
Koli Equestarian Centre
Located in Chandler and seated on 2400 acres of land, Koli is the place to be. Koli is home to gentle horses with friendly and wranglers with experience and caters to both experienced and novice riders.
Its located in the center of the Gila River Indian Reservation and is a few minutes from Central Phoenix. I already imagine this to be your new home away from home.
The mountains form a backdrop as you take a ride through the Gila Indian Reservation. In addition, you get to know about the incredible culture of the people who call this land home. The Arizona landscape is the most beautiful.
Koli understands interacting with other riders, and the wranglers give the ultimate experience for riders who might not be fans of riding in a single line. As such, you are spread out for better engagement with other riders.
From the coyotes to the wild horses running around, a visit to Koli will remain a favorite for both you and your loved ones.
Their Ride Packages
- Early bird 60 minutes ride – $55 per person (Early morning ride)
- Margarita sunset ride 60 minutes – $65 per person (Ages 21+)
- Birthday party deposit $ 250
- Hay wagon ride 25 $per person 45 minutes (Ages 6+)
- Saturday date night $110 for two riders (1 hour). Ages 21+
- Kids club pass $50 per child per group session (1.5 hr). Ages 6 – 17 ground arena time with a short trail ride
- Horsemanship 101 – $85 per person private session and 1.5 hr for ages 6+.
- Group 90 minutes ride $65 per person and 1.5 hr for ages 6+ at the end of September to May
- Private 90 minutes ride $85 per person and 1.5 hr ages 6+
- Private 60-minute ride $65 per person and 1 hr for ages 6+
- 2-hour ride $130per person |extended ride for experienced riders
- Trail ride and cowboy sunset dinner $125 (1 hr ride) and meal at sunset
- Cattle drive $125per person and 1.5 hr ride (minimum ten people)
- Group 60 min ride $ 50per person and 1 hr summertime ride in June -September
- Mothers day ride $100 for tow riders and $65 for each additional rider
- Fathers day ride $100for two riders and $50 for each additional rider
Their weight limit depends on the weight-to-height ratio, 250 lbs for riders under 6 feet and 275 kg for folks over 6ft.
All riders must be aged six and above, and minors (18 and below) must provide a signed liability waiver form for all riders before riding.
A reservation 24 hours before is required. You have the option of either booking online or calling ahead.
Riders under 17 years are required to wear the helmets provided by the facility.
Phone: 602 796 3495
Email: info@KoliEquestrian.com
Address: 6940 w Broken Ear Rd Chandler, Arizona
Cave Creek Trail Rides
A ride through the Sonoran desert on horseback as you cross desert critters on the way sounds too good to be accurate; however, Cave Creek offers that and more.
Located inside the cave creek regional park in Scottsdale, you are sure to have fun. Cave Creek Trail Rides is sure to be the highlight of your trip, from the warm, hospitable wranglers to the friendly well cared for horses.
Cave Creek caters to riders of all levels with views of the Go John Mountains and the Phoenix Valley below, which are the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos.
If you’re looking for the actual cowboy/girl experience, then how about a ride in authentic cowgirl boots and hats that they provide.
They offer different rides at these rates.
1-Hour Loop Ride
This loop ride is the most accessible and suitable ride for kids and some beginners with no horse experience.
This ride goes around the hill with not much elevation gain, views of the desert and the saguaros and cholla.
Cost is $59 per person + tax (6-12 years old are $54 + tax per child).
The ride leaves daily at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
1-Hour Sunset Ride
This one-hour ride is a splendid ride that puts you on the trail with the sun setting. Although a shorter ride, you get to enjoy and connect with nature.
It costs $ 74 per person + tax (6-12 years old $69 + tax per child).
1.5 Hour Ride
With several trail options dependant on your groups’ size and experience level, this ride makes it perfect for those who want to be one with nature.
The ride leaves at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. It costs $74 per person + tax (6-12 years $69 plus tax).
1.5 Hour Sunset Ride
Is there anymore to be said, you on horseback as the sunsets. There’s nothing quite as glorious.
The ride costs $89 per person + tax (6-12 years $84 plus tax).
2 Hour Ride
With a minimum of 4 people during peak season, this ride is suitable for more experienced riders as the elevation gains to 500ft.
The cost is $89 +tax (6-12 years $84 +tax per child).
2.5 Hour Ride
It’s a favorite amongst returning customers, thanks to the gentle slopes and the sizeable Sonoran desert, making it feel like you find a new adventure every time you’re there. This ride is perfect for riders looking for a unique experience.
The ride goes for $104 per person + tax and $99 + tax per child.
Rides are by reservation at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm.
3 Hour Ride
The ride trails through the backcountry passes and the ever-changing flora and fauna.
It’s not appropriate for beginners. Rides are by reservation at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm.
$119 per person + tax (6-12 $114 + tax per child).
Historic Clay Mine Rides
They mesh together a love for horses, history, and geology.
A brief history lesson on the cave creek regional park’s historic clay mine paired with their gentle horses sounds like every history buff’s dream come true.
What to know before
- 1.5 hour ride for $74 per person,
- They have a weight restriction of 230lbs
- There is a $7 per vehicle fee charged at the entrance to the park.
- If you need to cancel or reserve a ride, you need to do so before evening, a day before the ride.
Phone: 1- 623- 742 -6700
Website: http://www.cavecreektrailrides.com/contact/
Address: 37019 N 32nd St, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables
This stable holds so much history on Stewart. At one point, it housed workers operating on the mountain dam. The attractions are unique, with cliffs, rivers, and pleasant, adorable horses. As such, Saguaro is a place you can’t afford to miss. All the fun is here!
Located 40 minutes from Phoenix, there’s no reason for you not to enjoy all that the West has to offer. From the saguaro cactus that litter the trailheads to the creosote-covered hills, everyone is sure to leave feeling more rejuvenated and happy.
Led by a team of experienced humorous wranglers with a keen knowledge of the lands to the cute ponies suited for 2-6 years olds your family’s next adventure awaits you.
Their weight limit is 220 lbs, and the minimum riding age is seven years.
Their rides charges are:
- 1-hour group horseback at $ 65
- 1.5 hour group horseback at $95
Phone: 480-984-0335
Website: https://www.saguarolakeranchstable.com/
Address: 1350 N Bush Highway Mesa, AZ 85215
Wild West Horse Adventures
A place where the love of horses and a deep appreciation for the beautiful country are at their core, wild west adventures are more than that.
Owned and operated by Shelby, who understands that each rider has their own custom needs, and at the forefront of it all are the horses, it doesn’t get better than this.
Curating each ride from the moment you walk into the moment you get saddled up with one of their well-cared-for horses every time feels like the first time.
The experienced local wranglers will take you on a ride of your choice spanning from these:
1 Hour Buckaroo Ride
Perfect and well suited for younger kids and beginners. While on this ride, you are sure to see Toms’s thumb, four peaks, and weavers needle in the superstitious mountains, and the charges are $80 per person.
2 Hour Cowpoke Ride
On this scenic ride, you get to explore the cowpoke trail while gaining some elevation. On your ride back, the trail leads you to the base of granite mountains through a forest of saguaros, and it’s charged at $120 per person.
3 Hour Wild West Ride
If you’re a more experienced rider, this is the one for you. This ride takes you through the Sonoran preserve, where you can take in the beauty of the desert and become one with nature.
Sunset Rides
There is no doubt that taking in the wild West on horseback is undefeated; however, add in the golden hues of a sunset, and you might find yourself popping the question to one of the guides.
The sunset ride is available at $125 per person.
3 Hour Granite Mountain Ride
There is a 6-mile ride through the granite mountain in the Sonoran preserve. Here you get to test your agility thanks to the terrain. Yes, thank you. This trail ride offers you two deserts, a hot, dry one and a semi-arid one full of vegetation.
The rate is $150 per person. In addition, riders who have their horses get a special rate.
What to know before
- They have a weight limit of 290lbs.
- All riders must be seven years and above.
- Their cancellation policy is 72 hours for a full refund, and if within 48 hours, a refund will not be allowed, but a reschedule is.
Phone: +1 (623) 824 1947
Email: WildWestHorseAdventures@gmail.com
Conclusion
Despite the double-digit temperatures that hit Phoenix in the summer, with your trusted sunscreen in hand and our list, nothing is stopping you from making the most of your time, be it in summer or winter.
