Horseback Riding: Coronado Forest & Catalina State Park

You pick the departure time and the guide picks the horse that fits you

A 90-minute guided horseback ride through Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park near Rancho de Los Cerros, the oldest dude ranch in Arizona. The guide personally estimates your riding ability and matches you to a horse for your height and weight to ensure safety and comfort. All riding tack and equipment are included. Choose from morning, late morning, or afternoon departures.

The experience

The ride starts with individual instruction and horse matching. The operator takes time to assess your abilities and pair you with a horse suited to your size and experience. This process is deliberate because it's their primary safety concern, so plan for a patient loading period before you're in the saddle. Once everyone is mounted, you follow trails through Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park, passing saguaro cactus and views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The guide stops to let you take scenic family pictures and absorb the vista.

The trails change with each ride, so the scenery stays interesting even if you return. You're riding through the grounds of Rancho de Los Cerros, which recently opened to the public after decades as a private dude ranch: the architecture and setting reflect that history. The 90-minute duration gives you time to settle into the pace without a rushed feeling.

What’s included

• All riding tack and equipment.
• a live guide in English.
• scenic stops for photos and rest along the trail through Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park.

Options for this experience

3 options

9:00am Morning RideGuide in English · 09:00

Late morning ride at 11:00amGuide in English · 11:00

1:30pm Afternoon RideGuide in English · 13:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rancho de Los Cerros

Is this one for you?Book the morning or late morning ride if you want to spend the cooler part of the day in the saddle. The afternoon departure suits travelers who prefer a later start or want to explore the ranch's historic grounds before riding.

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Top questions

What time options are available for the horseback ride?

You can choose the 9:00am morning ride, the 11:00am late morning ride, or the 1:30pm afternoon ride. Each departure follows the same route and duration through Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park.

What happens during the horse-matching process at the start?

The guide personally estimates your riding ability and height and weight, then assigns you a horse that fits your size and experience level. This individual instruction takes time but ensures you're matched safely and comfortably for the trail ahead.

What trails will I ride on?

You'll follow scenic trails through Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park with views of saguaro cactus and the Santa Catalina Mountains. The operator rotates different trails, so the ride varies depending on conditions and group experience.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, the maximum weight limit is 230 pounds for the safety and health of the horses.

What's included in the ride?

All riding tack and equipment are included. You don't need to bring or rent anything separately. A live guide in English leads the group and handles the trail.

What's the minimum age to ride?

The minimum age is 8 years old. The guide will assess younger riders during the matching process to confirm they're ready for the trail and horse assigned to them.