Horseback riding near Phoenix: Gentle trail rides with guide

Ride mountain and canyon trails with a guide who knows every plant and bird

A guided horseback trail ride near Phoenix through desert mountains and canyons on gentle horses, with a pre-ride lesson and wrangler instruction on Arizona plants and wildlife. The guide stops for photographs at scenic overlooks and works with riders from age 8 to groups of any size, taking one person or a full party.

The experience

You get a riding lesson before mounting, so no prior experience is needed. The horses are gentle and accustomed to trails. The wrangler pairs each rider with a horse suited to them and leads you through mountain and canyon terrain where the scenery changes as you climb. The guide stops whenever you want to photograph the landscape or ask about what you're seeing.

The wrangler educates riders on the desert as you go: barrel cactus, saguaro, yucca, creosote bush and prickly pear. Roadrunners, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, turkey vultures, woodpeckers, cactus wrens, elf owls and a dozen other birds that live in the region. You'll learn which animals and plants thrive in the heat and how they survive the aridity. Bring a camera. The scenery is built for it, and the guide will point out the best angles.

Transportation to the trailhead is available for an extra charge if you need it. You'll sign a release when you arrive, then mount up. The ride itself runs about 75 minutes. The guide works for tips and knows the area thoroughly, comfortable with both horses and riders of all skill levels.

What’s included

• Horseback riding lesson before you mount.
• guide and all horse tack for the ride.
• wrangler instruction on desert plants, cacti and wildlife.
• stops for photographs at scenic overlooks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (30 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (10 to 12 years) · Child (8 to 9 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wild West Trail Rides

Is this one for you?The 75-minute ride leaves room for other activities in your day, so it works well paired with time in Phoenix or nearby towns. Call ahead to book your time. The operation has no internet access in the mountains.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 12 years); Child (8 to 9 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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

Yes. Everyone gets a riding lesson before mounting, and the horses are gentle and used to beginners. The wrangler pairs you with a horse suited to your size and comfort level.

What will the guide teach me about the desert?

The wrangler educates riders on desert plants like barrel cactus, saguaro, yucca, creosote bush and prickly pear, and on the birds and wildlife living there: roadrunners, bald eagles, turkey vultures, woodpeckers, cactus wrens, elf owls and many others. You learn how these species survive in the Arizona heat.

Can I stop to take photographs during the ride?

Yes. The guide stops whenever you want to photograph the landscape. There are many scenic places along the trail, and the wrangler will point out the best spots.

What's the minimum age to ride?

Children must be at least 8 years old to ride. Infants and small children can come along in a stroller or pram if you're not riding yourself.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the trailhead?

Transportation to the trailhead is available for an extra charge if you need it. Call ahead to book your time and arrange pickup if required. The operation has no internet in the mountains, so a phone call is necessary.