Arizona is known for its beautiful scenery and its infamous desert flora and fauna but where can you go horseback riding in Tucson to explore its many opportunities of the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert, there’s no better way than on horseback!
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, Tucson is the perfect place to start or revive your love for horseback riding.
Thanks to its popularity in the state, you can be sure that there’s a perfect place waiting for you to go horseback riding in Tucson. So saddle up and enjoy all that this fantastic city has to offer!
Some of the most popular spots for horseback riding in Tucson are:
Saguaro Stables
Saguaro Stables offer horseback rides through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape of Saguaro National Park. The stables are located just outside Tucson, about a 30 minutes drive from Downtown, offering some of the best views of Saguaro National Park.
From the well-behaved, gentle horses to the wranglers full of information about the area, Saguaro Stables is the perfect place for a fun and informative horseback riding experience.
They have different rides for all skill levels. Thus, both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy themselves. In addition, they offer horse boarding, both self-care and full care options. Overnight horse boarding charges $35, excluding feeding and cleaning. You pay $32 when you include feeding.
Trail Rides Pricing
- 25 Minute pony rides: $28 from ages 2-6years
- One and a half hour National Park Ride: $80 per person
- 2 hours National Park ride: $100 per person
- 3 hours National Park ride: $150 per person
- 4 hours National Park ride: $200 per person
- 2 hours sunset ride: $100/person
- Wagon rides cost $48 per person with a 6-person minimum and a 50% downpayment and credit card to reserve.
Address: 7151 S Camino Loma Alta Tucson, AZ 85749
Website: https://allaroundtrailhorses.com/locations/saguaro-stables/
Phone: (520) 298-8980
Houstons Horseback Riding
Houstons has offered horseback riding experiences in Tucson for over 30 years. It’s family-owned and operated stably! They provide different trail rides and horses depending on the ability and level of the rider.
They have miles of trails in Saguaro National Park and Tanque Verde Wash which ensures you will always be on a new adventure.
The Offers
They also offer private riding lessons, which take one and a half hours and cost $115 per person. In addition, there is a one-hour set lesson charged at $85 per person, where students will learn different disciplines in horsemanship and riding.
They also offer private one-and-a-half hours and 2-hour trail rides charged at $170 per person.
This ride gives you a great way to see the desert if you are an experienced rider. You will be paired with one of their gentle and reliable horses and go on a one-and-a-half-hour private trail ride which is a great way to explore the desert at your own pace and take in the scenery.
You might also walk, trot and lope depending on the abilities of those in your posey. The minimum two riders, but single rider rates are also available.
In addition to the above, they also offer group rides which is an excellent option if you want to explore the desert with friends or family. You will be paired with one of their gentle and reliable horses and go on a 2-hour group trail ride.
The rides are a great way to explore the desert and take in the scenery with a group of people. However, this is a walk-only ride, and the ride costs $95 per person.
Note Before You Go
- Riding is by reservation only. They require a credit card to be on file.
- They have a flexible age and weight limit, but you should inquire about all needs during booking.
- Cancellation policy: you may cancel for upto three days and seven days (holiday week). Cancellations done within the 3 to the 7-day window will be charged in full.
Website: https://www.tucsonhorsebackriding.com/trail-rides
Address: 12801 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: (520) 298-7450
Email: bobbi@tucsonhorsebackriding.com, lessons@tucsonhorsebackriding.com
The Rocking Star Ranch
The Rocking Star Ranch is located just outside of Tucson, in the town of Corona de Tucson. The ranch offers a variety of activities, from holiday horse camp to private riding lessons for both kids and adults and driving lessons ($40 each). There’s nothing better than learning to ride a horse in the desert.
They are open year-round, making them perfect for beginners or advanced riders looking to jump back in the saddle and experience all that the Tanque Verde Wash offers. The Rocking star ranch is open year-round, and they offer a variety of packages to suit your needs.
The ranch is also available for pony rides, petting zoos, horse and pony leasing, and miniature horse camp.
They offer different packages catered to other riders.
- $35 trail rides lasting approx 45 min are perfect for city slickers looking to get back on the horse, but dont have the time
- $55 trail ride, which lasts approx 65 min
- $70 trail ride approx 90 min
- $110 trail rides just over 2 hr, perfect for those who want to explore the desert at a leisurely pace.
Note Before Heading Out
- They dont meet at the stables. All riders should convene at the trailhead.
- You should make all reservations online or through the phone.
- All rides are private.
Website: http://www.therockinstarranch.com/page_25.html
Phone: 520-409-6700
Email: office@therockinstarranch.com
Address: 13401 E Old Spanish Trail;
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Stepping into Colossal Cave is like stepping back into time, and the wild wild west, where bandits ran rampant and being a cowboy or cowgirl was the only way of life. With 2400 Acres of pristine desert land and three different trailheads cutting through to the Sonoran desert, there’s a lot to see and do in this park.
For any first riders or those just getting back in the saddle that might feel uneasy, the surefooted horses and the knowledgeable wranglers who arent afraid of a pun or two will have you fitted and galloping in no time.
One of the best things about this place is that they offer sunset rides. There’s nothing like a Tucson sunset, and seeing it from atop a horse is an experience you will never forget.
The Rides
The guided trail ride takes you through the La Posta Quemada Ranch, through the old National Mail Stagecoach Route. The guides will guide you through the sprawling geological formations and unique mortar bedrock formations used by the Hohokam culture. In addition, there are sights of the unique flora and fauna native to the Sonoran Desert.
The stables also offer different cave tours for different level adventurers. There are 40 minutes for families looking for a fun-filled way to keep the kids occupied while still learning. In addition, there is a 1.5-hour for $50 tour for kids aged 12 and older looking to learn about the mysterious cave systems and history.
In addition, the 3.5 at $100 per hour wild cave tour is better suited for “trained” adventure seekers.
Their pricing for guided trail rides is as follows
- 30 minutes for $40
- 1 hour for $50
- 1.5 hours for $70
- Sunset rides for $65
- Wagon rides for $7.50 per person with a $75.00 minimum
Website: https://colossalcave.com/stables-and-petting-zoo/
Address: 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail Vail, AZ 85641
Phone: (520) 647-7275- Park (520) 647-3619
Heart Of The Horse
With a name like this, it’s hard to know what to expect. Heart Of The Horse provides a unique experience perfect for those who want to learn about horses and the sport. One thing that sets this place apart is that they offer equine-assisted therapy for those with special needs, veterans, and first responders.
The staff here is fantastic, and they genuinely have a passion for teaching people of all ages about horses and how to ride them.
Suppose you’ve never ridden a horse before or are looking to get back on the saddle? In that case, the stable offers private riding lessons in Western and English disciplines, emphasizing connecting with the horses before riding, as this helps both rider and the horse feel more at ease.
Its charged at $65 per hour, discounted to $60 if you purchase five lessons.
Another great thing about Heart Of The Horse is that they offer Hybrid rides. These rides are for riders who want to ride on the trail but need guidance and instruction.
They will use the first 8-10 minutes to teach grooming, horse behavior, saddling, body positioning, pressure, and release points for the horse while riding. Afterward, they will take you to the round pen, arena, or trail, where you will put your knowledge to the test with a senior wrangler beside you.
It is charged at $85 per trot, walk or lope for 1 hour.
Note: they require a 50% deposit for all first-time riders.
Website: http://heartofthehorseaz.com/contact/
Phone: (520)-230-1075
Email: heartofthehorseaz@gmail.com
Address: 10519 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
Conclusion
There are many great places to go horseback riding in Tucson, Arizona. If you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the desert, an opportunity to learn more about horses and riding, this is your place. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to suit your needs. So saddle up and enjoy the ride!
