Horseback Riding in Catalina State Park: Walk-Only for Beginners

Ride through mountain views on a horse chosen for your skill level

A one-hour guided horseback ride in Catalina State Park within Coronado National Forest, designed for beginners and all experience levels. The ride is walk-only, and staff match each rider to a horse trained for their ability. Live guide in English. Children from age 6 welcome. Weight limit is 230 lbs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided horseback ride in Catalina Park

• Arrive at Rancho De Los Cerros
• Get matched with a suitable horse
• Receive safety assistance mounting horse
• Enjoy one-hour guided walk-only ride
• View Santa Catalina Mountains scenery

The experience

The ride leaves from Rancho De Los Cerros and stays at a walk through Catalina State Park, with views of the Santa Catalina Mountains throughout. Staff take time to help you mount and choose your horse based on your size, experience and riding style. This matching process is central to how they run the ride, not an afterthought. The horses are trained specifically for beginner riders and riders of all types, so you're not on an animal that needs an experienced hand.

Two hours is the total time, which includes the ride itself plus the setup and mounting. Because this is a walk-only ride with no trotting or cantering, the pace stays steady and manageable. The views of the Santa Catalina Mountains are the backdrop for the whole ride, and the operator notes the pictures are worth taking.

What’s included

• Horse and tack.
• live guide in English.
• staff assistance with mounting and horse selection.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 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 problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rancho de Los Cerros

Is this one for you?The walk-only pace and staff-matched horse mean this works for first-time riders and anyone returning to the saddle after time away: no experience needed, and the operator's focus on pairing you with the right animal is what makes the difference.

Traveler reviews

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes, the ride is designed for beginners and all experience levels. Staff are used to working with first-time riders and will match you to a horse trained for your skill level, then personally assist you in mounting to make sure you're safe.

What are the Santa Catalina Mountains like from the ride?

The Santa Catalina Mountains are visible throughout the ride in Coronado National Forest. The operator describes the views as amazing and notes that the scenery makes for good photographs.

What happens if I'm close to the weight limit?

The weight limit is strictly enforced at 230 lbs maximum. Staff will match you to the right horse during the selection process, and this is part of how they keep the ride safe for both rider and animal.

Is this ride only walking, or will we trot or canter?

This is a walk-only ride. The pace stays at a walk throughout, with no trotting or cantering.